The plot of "The True Color of Heroes" is not complicated. It revolves around the relationship between three men: Song Zihao (played by Di Lung) and Song Zijie (played by Leslie Cheung) are brothers.
Song Zihao is the eldest brother of the underworld. He and his subordinates "Brother Xiaoma" (played by Chow Yun-fat) and others are in the counterfeit money business in Hong Kong.
His younger brother Song Zijie was admitted to the police academy and dreamed of becoming a police officer. He never knew or did not accept his brother Song Zihao's identity.
Zihao went to Taiwan to do business, was plotted against him, was seriously injured, and was imprisoned. In order to avenge Big Brother Zihao, Brother Xiao Ma shot the enemy but his leg was broken, and his status plummeted.
After Zihao was released from prison, Brother Xiao Ma wanted to regain his former glory with Zihao, but Zihao wanted to abandon the dark for his brother Zijie's sake, but he couldn't get his brother Zijie's forgiveness. Looking for Song Zihao to cooperate again, but after being rejected, he said that he would harm Song Zijie, and was forced into a corner. Song Zihao decided to join forces with Xiao Ma to fight against the powerful enemy.
If choosing a suitable film can represent the level of Hong Kong gangster films, the film "The True Color of Heroes" directed by John Woo may be the best choice.
In Hong Kong movies, the underworld is no longer the opposite of justice, but a mirror image of society. Different from our understanding of traditional underworld movies.
There are not too many descriptions about the underworld intrigue, impunity, filthy, moody descriptions in the film. This film is more about the good side of human nature, sincerity, friendship...
The friendship between Song Zihao and Xiao Ma and the brotherhood between Zihao and Zijie shine brightly in the underworld. In the face of right and wrong, the truth seems so precious.
We can't help but admire Chow Yun-fat's acting skills. He created the immortal movie character "Little Pony". He is dressed in leather clothes and roams the streets unrestrainedly, hugs the dancers with a smirk, but hides murderous intentions, lit cigarettes with fake banknotes and put them on prosthetic legs. The arrogance of pouring wine and the unkempt face on the streets are sighing...every frown and smile are all classics.
"That was the first time I shed tears, and I swear I'll never have a gun pointed at my head again!"
"I must take back what I lost!"
These two words have aroused pride in the hearts of many young people.
In the film, Brother Ma has no family ties, his background is unknown, he has no relatives and no reason, so he yearns for "relationship", which is completely different from Zijie.
Brother Pony is a pure manifestation of brotherhood, more like a knight who lives at will.
Although he came from humble beginnings, he tried his best to control his own destiny and didn't want to be looked down upon. There were no rules and regulations in his world, and the only thing he valued was his brotherhood with Song Zihao.
At the end of the film, Brother Ma is also given an predictable ending. The great revenge has been avenged, and we die together. When the bullet passed through Brother Ma's body, I couldn't help but sigh. But think about it, such an ending is also a good destination, like a knight who died in battle, exchanging his life for dignity.
The term "hero's true character" refers to the hero's downfall and frustration, and to find his dignity.
That year, John Woo was 40 years old. He had been frustrated for a long time. He had nowhere to show his talents. He could only make some ridiculous comedy films.
That year, Chow Yun-fat was 31 years old and was at the lowest point in his life and career. All the movies he made lost money, and he was called "box office poison". People said that he was standing at thirty, but he could not see the direction.
That year, at the age of 40, Dillon was fired by Shaw Brothers. He was once known as "Hong Kong's most beautiful man" and faced an unprecedented crisis.
Heroes cherish heroes, heroes cherish heroes.
Just like that, a group of frustrated heroes got together
In 1986, a cavity of blood and resentment finally burst out on the screen.
"The True Color of Heroes" is an important turning point for them. It is John Woo's famous work and a work that established his personal style of "violence aesthetics", and its influence even spread to the other side of the ocean.
The true nature of a hero is nothing more than this.
Years later, John Woo said: "When I was the most frustrated and lost, I was once thought to be outdated; also when I was most sure of myself and most in need of friends, Tsui Hark strongly supported me in the remake of director Long Gang's masterpiece in the 1960s. "The True Color of Heroes". During the filming, I was able to see myself from Chow Yun-Fat, Dillon, Leslie Cheung and Tsui Hark, and at the same time, I got to know others better. Finally, I was able to find my identity in the film. Dignity. Even so, I don't see myself as a hero, I just value friendship and know how to be grateful for everything."
In the heroic utopia constructed by John Woo, "feeling" is a value that transcends everything. In this film, the word "love" is expressed in the purest form. Brotherly love, father-son love, man-woman love, injustice and grievance, revenge and hatred... chivalry, iron-blooded pride, bullet ballet, and violent aesthetics are also fully featured in the film. reflect.
Song Zihao, played by Dillon, is a sacrificial character. He just wants to be a good older brother. For his younger brother, he can go to prison or even give his life, but he has been infamous for the ages.
On the one hand, the enemy is threatening him with his family; on the other hand, Zijie can't accept the fact that he is a gangster.
When I was forced to have no choice but to retreat, under the guidance of Xiao Ma, "I am not proving that I am more powerful than anyone else, I must take back what I lost!" In the last shootout, there was a lot of helplessness and sadness. At this moment, he wanted to protect his younger brother. However, the paths they took were different, and they couldn't have both.
Heroes cry short, brotherhood is long. It is precisely because of the existence of "love" that Song Zijie also made the most difficult struggle. During the melee at the end of the film, he chose to run towards his brother, and the two officially reconciled.
These people unanimously chose "feelings" over the so-called "absolute justice".
No one can escape fate, because this is not an idealistic world. Handcuffs were placed on the wrists of the two, and the two brothers walked towards the mess in front of them...
View more about A Better Tomorrow reviews
