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Johnnie To
2004

I've yet to really understand what all the fuss is about Johnnie To. "Fulltime Killer" (2001) certainly had it's merits, but neither that film nor this one seems to achieve quite the same level of bravado that John Woo brought to the genre with his greatest efforts. This one pits cops against robbers in a media saturated battle, in which PR and up-to-the-minute sensationalist reporting are as important as clever getaway strategies and tactical procedures. This being Hong-Kong action there's some reliably cheesy conceits - in this case a pseudo romance brewing between the charismatic crook and the icy cop hell-bent on capturing him. With the criminals sequestered in a large apartment complex, the film's siege oriented plot provides plenty of opportunities for cool setpieces: security camera tricks, booby traps, and SWAT teams. The idea that media and public opinion can interfere with the process of carrying out justice is interesting, but unfortunatley To doesn't really do much with it once the action gets cooking. There's an undeniable amount of charm and refreshing quality to To's somewhat modestly budgeted films. I couldn't imagine a comparable picture being made in the states without millions more dollars pumped into over-the-top CGI infused sequences and pricey Hollywood stars.