Bullet in the Head

Rating:
Summary: John Woo's finest to date?
Review: Produced in the wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, John Woo's BULLET IN THE HEAD is both a response to the appalling violence that was taking place in mainland China at the time, and a pointed examination of the director's traditional themes of loyalty and brotherhood and the consequences of betrayal. For all its explosions and gunplay, the film is actually a very human drama, played out against the vast backdrop of the Vietnam conflict, and invested with such a palpable sense of love and compassion for its leading characters and their circumstances that it defies all attempts at categorisation. The cast is pure gold: Tony Leung (superb as the film's tragic 'hero'), Jacky Cheung (giving a revelatory, career-making performance) and Waise Lee play lifelong friends who flee from a murder rap during the civil unrest of 1960s Hong Kong, only to have their loyalties tested to breaking point by their experiences in wartime Saigon. Overall, the film is less an action-thriller than an operatic valentine to Woo's teenage years in HK and to the personal values which have shaped and defined all his films since A BETTER TOMORROW. Only HARD-BOILED comes close to it in terms of greatness, though many people - myself included - would argue that BULLET is not only Woo's finest achievement to date, but also one of the best films ever made, anywhere. In terms of content, the widescreen HK DVD version is virtually identical to Made in Hong Kong's uncut UK video release, though the familiar Golden Princess logo at the beginning of the film has been replaced by Media Asia's insignia. As expected, the increased resolution of the DVD format has yielded a visibly superior image, but the disc's muted color scheme is a disappointment, and the optional English subtitles - though reasonably coherent - are no match for MIHK'S definitive translation. BULLET's effectiveness depends on your complete comprehension of the dialogue, and Media Asia's clumsy subtitles often stumble over the dramatic highlights, thereby diluting their quite considerable impact. Sadly, Media Asia has also remixed BULLET's original mono soundtrack in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround, apparently for no other reason than the fact that DVD technology allows it. Aside from the newly-directional gunshot effects and the magnificent music score (which, amongst other things, transforms Jacky Cheung's poignant farewell sequence into an occasion of shattering heartbreak), the remix adds nothing that wasn't already conveyed in the original version. Bottom line: A fine film, and the DVD is certainly worth a look, but first-time viewers are advised to check out MIHK's UK video version before taking the plunge. Believe me, you WON'T be disappointed...

Rating:
Summary: Quite simply, this is the greatest film I have ever seen.
Review: John Woo is one of modern cinemas greatest visionaries. In this intense and harrowing eastern Deer Hunter he weds his trademark themes of brotherhood, honour and loyalty betrayed with his own childhood memories of 1960's Hong Kong and wartorn Vietnam. Ben, Frank and Paul are three idealistic youths living in Hong Kong circa 1967. When Ben and Frank accidently kill a gang leader (on Ben's wedding night, no less) the three flee to Saigon, having organised to smuggle contraband for a Hong Kong crime boss. They are at once caught up in local riots and lose their goods in the chaos. Their friendship is ultimately doomed when, with the aid of suave ex-CIA agent (Simon Yam), they come to possess a case of gold bullion. The bonds of brotherhood are tested in a climate of war, betrayal and greed as the film races to it's incediary conclusion. The performances of all the cast are exceptional, particularly Jacky Cheung's bold, brave performance as the "title character", and Tony Leung turns in the performance of his career. As with Woo's The Killer, images of soporific calm are at once juxtaposed with images of strife and chaos, to incredible effect. This is a superbly ambivalent film; at once condemning man for his inhumanity yet simultaneously redeeming him for his decency. Bullet in the Head is a supremely intense film; each scene drains the viewer as the innocence, ideals and the friendships of these three young men are shattered by war. In the end, this film may be too bleak and violent for mainstream audiences and it is definitely not for sensitive viewers (the scenes inside a Viet Cong containment camp are especially harrowing). Bullet in the Head is John Woo's masterpiece; a frenzied kaleidoscope of war, friendship, greed and violence.

Rating:
Summary: It's Intense and excessive, but its John Woos best!
Review: This rivals the killer as the best John Woo film. People say this one isn't his best but I disagree.
It's also one of the most violent Hk films I've ever seen, the shootouts are intense and well done, like the nightclub scene, it was very well done with the best part is when Paul guns down about 20 guys with a machine gun in a stairwell.
The acting is pretty good, the best performance goes to Tony Leung of course but Paul (Waise Lee) and Luke (Simon Yam) have some strong stellar scenes, and the so-so award goes to Jacky Chueng who in the POW camp scene makes you want to almost laugh at his suffering. However this version is cut about 18 minutes from what I've heard, and most of the subtitles are wrong and the audio is choppy. The extra 18 mins would probably explain some of the confusing scenes and scenarios (where did they learn how to shoot machine guns and shotguns with one hand?). Too bad this isn't A better tomorrow 3 because Chow Yun Fat would have been EXCELLANT in Luke's Character.
The story goes like this Three lifelong friends find themselves in trouble in 1967 British ruled Hong Kong when. On his wedding night Ben (Tony Leung) and Frank (Jacky Cheung) kill a gang leader in a fight. So they (Including Paul for some reason) get the idea to go to war torn Vietnam to sell illegal goods, but their luck turns sour when there stuff is blown up in a bombing. After that they meet Luke (Simon Yam) who puts their friendship in a downward spiral from there on in. Paul gets greedy when he takes a casket of gold leaves and turns him into a cynical, "stay-away-from-my-gold or Ill kill you" person while the friendships fall to pieces.
The action scenes while heartfelt (In a disturbing way) and gut wrenching are pretty senseless and over-the-top. The POW camp scene is absolutely disturbing almost to the point where I turned it off. To tell you the truth I'd rather see what's in this POW scene then what's in the uncut full POW scene (Yes its THAT disturbing). This film is NOT a heroic bloodshed film there is no heroes in this only people whose lives we must watch fall to pieces. You'll have to be pretty used to disturbing violence to see this so be very prepared. Very very well done and One of my Highest Recommendations ever!
P.S DO NOT let anyone under 12 see this

Rating:
Summary: Best Film ive ever seen. MUST SEE. Trust Me
Review: IF YOU LIKE GOODFELLAS, CON AIR, SCARFACE, FACE OFF, GODFATHER, DESPERADO, KILL BILL etc. You have to see this, im telling you.
I thought the best film ive seen were one of the above. But no. its defenitly Bullet in the Head.
IT HAS A BRILLIANT STORYLINE. The ACTING WAS MAGNIFICENT. Tony Leung (Hard Boiled/Prison on Fire)is Excelent alongside (Waise Lee (A better tomorrow) and Simon Yam (Full Contact) But The Outstanding Serious Performance which will get to you is Jackie Cheung (as tears go by/Jet Lis Meltdown). Its John Woos personal Favourite. Everybody i Lent it to absoulutely LOVE it. its a Hong Kong Classic which doesnt come on TV. If its available to in your local shops or ebay.co.uk I advice you to Buy It. you wont be dissapointed. If you are then You have BAD TASTE in Movies. No offence.PEACE

Rating:
Summary: Exhausted
Review: In "The Killer", perhaps the best pulp/asian thriller of all time, the violence felt full, voluptuous; its excess created a kind of operatic grandeur. In "Bullet in the Head" the violence is so over -the-top, so gratuitous, you want to run for cover (I might have blown up my tv if I had to watch another gangster do a cartwheel as a big explosion lifted him of his feet). This movie proves to me how repetitive a director Woo is, and I got a similar feeling from Face/Off - its like watching a figure skater do figure 8's all night - you want to shout "ok, I get it!"

Loud, irritating and chaotic. Jacky Cheung's shameless overacting and bulgy, beady eyes were as irksome as the excessive violence - give this one a miss - its a wet blanket of sentimentality and schlock.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: This is not only one of the best HK action films ever but quite possibly one of the best films ever. Period.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and disturbing.
Review: A title like 'Bullet in the Head' sound odd until you see the film, remember Face/Off, which is also directed by John Woo.
Once you ignore the low budget filmming methods employed in Hong Kong movies, this film can be box office hit.
But it contains some disturbing themes that is mixed in the violence which may put off some viewers.
However, this particular disturbing POW killing scene is captured and edited with quality skill.
This may embark John Woo to make a realistic-warfare film, a product simalar to 'Saving Private Ryan'.
I have heard that 'Windtalkers' starring Nicholas Cage, is one such film.

Rating:
Summary: The Epic Story Of Three Best Friends...
Review: Ben, Paul, and Frank have been best friends since they were teens. On Ben's wedding day Frank gets into some trouble with some gangs, who beat Frank up. Hoping for revenge, Ben and Frank look to teach Ringo the gangster a lessen, but in the process accidentally kill him. So all three friends flee to Saigon during the Vietnam war hoping to become "Big time smugglers." This is where their tragic adventure begins...

That is the basic premise for this 1990 John Woo movie set in The Vietnam War. It is a combination of action, drama, loyalty, honor, and so much more. I strongly recommend it, however, be aware that this movie is not for the weak at heart. There are many disturbing scenes, including the infamous POW camp scene. In my opinion, the best scene is when a guy gets shot in the head in a church yard, and you can see Mary holding Jesus in the backround. So do yourslef a favor and watch Bullet In The Head.

Rating:
Summary: Bullet in the Head (Streets of Bloodshed)
Review: This movie will change your life forever! It has me disturbed, in tears, in shock, and it made me think about things very closely (friendship)! This movie is not for everyone, but it has a very important message that everyone should know! John Woo's best!

Rating:
Summary: John Woo's masterpiece
Review: With greater stakes and greater action, this violent but emotional film puts all his other movies into context. Unlike the other best of his Hong Kong years (The Killer and Hard-Boiled), this one aspires more to (and resembles) classics like The Wild Bunch, Raging Bull or The Deer Hunter than any actioner like Die Hard. It's near-operatic themes will resonate in your psyche for years after.

The basic story: Three friends, one of whom accidently kills someone in a fight, flee from Hong Kong to 1960s war-torn Vietnam with a truckload of blackmarket merchandise to sell and make a fortune. The first day there, however, the merchandise is destroyed in a firefight, and the three friends must fend for themselves. Later captured and held in a Vietnamese prison camp, their friendship is tested by horrific circumstances and painful choices.