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Starring
:
Ti
Lung
Tony
Leung Chiu Wai
Tony
Leung Kar Fei
Elaine
Kam
Paul
Chun Pui
Director
:
Derek
Yee
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PEOPLE'S
HERO (1987)
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
After
resurrecting his career with 'A
Better Tomorrow', Ti Lung starred in a steady flow of
films, often of good quality. 'People's Hero' is certainly
near the apex and ranks as one of the most impressive action
thrillers to come out of Hong Kong in the 80's.
Two
youths concoct a disorganised plan to rob a thriving
inner-city bank. This plan is poorly executed though, and a
security guard is wounded in an ensuing shoot-out. Little do
these youngsters know that among the clients is an experienced
robber who had planned on making this particular outlet his
own last bank job. Having clearly stamped his authority on the
proceedings, the veteran (Ti Lung) takes control of the
robbery and uses the clients around him as hostages. It soon
becomes apparent that his only wish is the release of his
imprisoned wife and a safe exit from the situation. The
negotiators try to intimidate their foe, but he repeats his
threats of killing a hostage if they delay meeting his
demands. His dilemma though is which hostage to kill; what
follows is a tension-filled scene where the captives are
forced to play schoolyard games to decide who should be the
victim. However, throughout this, the robber reveals that he
is far more than a heartless villain and his character even
impresses his rival, a hostage negotiator (Tony Leung Kar Fei).
Ti
Lung gives the best performance of his post-Shaw Brothers days
in this underrated masterpiece. He injects his role with the
perfect balance of menace and humanity, really breathing life
into the role. The support, especially from Tony Leung Kar Fei,
is excellent and perfectly compliments Lung's towering
presence in the film. Without a skilled director, 'People's
Hero' wouldn't have stood out as much as it does. In Derek Yee
though, the film has an impressive craftsmen who layers the
tension until the film's ultimately downbeat conclusion.
'People's Hero' deserves to be seen by all Hong Kong film
enthusiasts.
Rating:
 
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