As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the action-packed world of John Woo, I can wholeheartedly say that his films have left an indelible mark on my cinematic journey. From the iconic mansion shootout to the heart-wrenching tales of friendship and greed, each of these masterpieces has a unique place in my film library.
John Woo’s “The Killer,” frequently hailed as one of the greatest action movies ever made, not only established the director but also catapulted Chow Yun-fat to stardom in the Hong Kong crime genre. With the remake now streaming on Peacock, it sparked thoughts about which other timeless Woo films I’d be eager to witness being reimagined.
Excluding his numerous American action movies such as “Face/Off”, “Mission: Impossible 2”, and more recently, “Silent Night”, Woo has been instrumental in creating some of the most impactful films over the last 40 years. It would be delightful to witness this renowned action director re-explore some of his initial works, either by producing exact remakes or significant reinventions similar to the updated version of “The Killer”.
Hard Boiled (1992)
John Woo’s farewell masterpiece from Hong Kong, titled “Hard Boiled“, stands tall among the top ’90s action films due to its endless sequence of memorable scenes and thrilling action setups. Like his other acclaimed works, Woo enlists Chow Yun-fat for this production, who portrays Inspector “Tequila” Yuen Ho-yan – a complex character marked by alcoholism, rule-breaking tendencies, yet unwavering commitment – as he tirelessly pursues the culprits behind his partner’s demise.
Indeed, it’s challenging to surpass the brilliance of “Hard Boiled” from 1992, but a reimagining of this classic action film could prove to be an exciting spectacle. I would gladly welcome not just one traditional remake, but also a version where the main character’s gender is reversed, similar to the 2024 adaptation of “The Killer.”
A Better Tomorrow (1986)
Following the release of “The Killer”, John Woo penned and directed “A Better Tomorrow”, a gritty gangster film set in Hong Kong. This film centered around two siblings, Sung Tse Ho (Ti Lung) and Sung Tse Kit (Leslie Cheung), who found themselves on opposing sides of the law. The narrative delved into the world of counterfeiters, exploring the steep cost of criminal activities and the strained family ties that ensued. Packed with elements characteristic of Hong Kong cinema, this movie would ultimately shape the action genre for decades to come.
Over the course of time, multiple adaptations of “A Better Tomorrow” have surfaced, yet John Woo hasn’t participated in any of them. Frankly speaking, I’d be thrilled if Woo remade one of his iconic films. However, it’s equally intriguing to imagine him guiding filmmakers like Gareth Evans, renowned for the “Raid” series, or Timo Tjahjanto, known for “The Night Comes For Us“, as they carry on the legacy.
A Better Tomorrow II (1987)
A year following its forerunner, “A Better Tomorrow II” surpasses expectations in numerous aspects. It’s extended, intricate, violent, and boasts arguably the most spectacular shootout ever recorded on celluloid. Set some years after the incidents of “A Better Tomorrow“, the narrative resumes with Sung Tse Ho (Ti Lung) leaving prison and teaming up with Sung Tse Kit (Leslie Cheung) to infiltrate and dismantle his old gang from within.
In the sequel, Chow Yun-fat reappears, portraying a twin brother who was previously unknown, and throughout the film, he demonstrates exceptional fighting skills.
Although I’m unsure if any future action sequence can surpass the thrilling shootout in Paris from John Wick 4, I eagerly anticipate director Woo or someone chosen by the filmmaker to provide a fresh perspective on the iconic mansion scene. Frankly, if you have nine minutes to spare, I strongly recommend taking a break and experiencing the epic scene unfold.
Bullet In The Head (1990)
Undeniably, Bullet in the Head, directed by John Woo, is one of his lengthier and more somber Hong Kong action films. This intense Vietnam War movie revolves around three friends, portrayed by Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, and Waise Lee, who aim to capitalize on the conflict by trafficking supplies into the war-ravaged area. However, as we are all too aware, there’s no such thing as a simple profit, and this group discovers that truth painfully. The narrative unfolds into an action-packed yet poignant tale, exploring themes of friendship, greed, and the consequences when one prioritizes self-interest over camaraderie.
Among the films on this list, I believe that “Bullet in the Head” has strong potential to be transformed into an engaging limited series. If Peacock were to take it on following their work on the remake of Woo’s “The Killer,” it could easily become one of their standout shows.
Once A Thief (1991)
After creating a movie with a serious mood, John Woo shifted gears towards comedy with the 1991 crime film “Once a Thief”. In this film, Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung, and Cherie Chung portray three lifelong thieves who excel in executing extraordinary art heists due to their childhood training. However, when their latest job goes awry and they’re betrayed by their mentor, they devise a strategy for revenge.
It makes perfect sense that we’d hope for a reboot of “Once a Thief” following Woo’s rendition of “The Killer“, given they both center around Paris. I’m confident the esteemed director would be open to returning to the “City of Lights” and providing a fresh take on this exciting crime tale.
Last Hurrah For Chivalry (1979)
The movie titled “Last Hurrah for Chivalry” isn’t one of John Woo’s famous Hong Kong action flicks, but rather a historical martial arts film set in ancient China, produced in 1979. In this film, two assassins, portrayed by Damian Lau and Wai Pak, join forces to confront a formidable kung fu master. However, things aren’t as straightforward as they seem, and the duo finds themselves caught up in a complex and escalating game of life and death.
I’m really eager to witness a TV adaptation of another John Woo film I admire. There’s so much depth and potential for expansion in the story, not to mention the numerous aspects that could be amplified for an even more enjoyable experience. Granted, it may not have the same level of spectacle as “The Killer” or “Hard Boiled”, but the potential for entertainment is definitely there.
While it’s uncertain if John Woo will remake any of the mentioned films in the future, there’s always the possibility that something exciting might happen tomorrow, isn’t there? For the time being, I can still eagerly anticipate a variety of upcoming movies scheduled for 2024.
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2024-08-27 15:37