what a genre movie should be like

"Slaying the Wolf" 10 years ago gave us a living example of a modern Chinese genre film. Whether the film is the focus of the creator's conception, what it is good at, or the expectations of the audience, the source of the film's value is the kung fu action scenes, so it is natural that everything serves this purpose. Looking at it today, 10 years later, Wu Jing's stadium brutality, Donnie Yen vs Wu Jing, Donnie Yen vs Sammo Hung, a precise cruel performance, the daggers are intertwined with cold light; a short stick vs. dagger master street fighting, flying knives changing hands like a dream; A clubhouse boss showdown with two fists and four hands is full of fun. But it's all real kung fu, without any special effects, and it's still interesting to watch.

Action scenes come first, which does not mean that other elements are perfunctory garbage, their mission is to serve the core of action. The plot, although the film is set against the background of police and gangsters, the plot has got rid of the stereotypes of the three views of reality, and it is neat and tidy. In terms of the degree of black hands and blood, the police are not inferior to the gangsters, in order to have the most hearty showdown. Character modeling, Wu Jing, Sammo Hung, and Donnie Yen are not the shapes that gangster characters and police officers have in reality, but this outfit strengthens the aura of the characters and makes the fights more fantasy-like like video games. However, although the realistic background of the police and bandits has been greatly diluted, the most prominent brotherhood in the police and bandit themes has been maximized and even strengthened. Even for this reason, the gangsters can be incredibly arrogant in the police station, and the police can unprincipledly seek personal revenge. Why? Because brotherhood can make the core of kung fu fighting even more bloody. This brotherhood is direct and strong, but it is rendered without any fuss. A set of beach shots that contrast sharply with most of the dark night scenes in the film makes it clear. The same is true for character creation. Each supporting role has its own tragic story. Although they are all clichés, they are not offensive to the point. The purpose is to make the tragedies of the characters better serve the cruel confrontation.

The title of "Slaying the Wolf" comes from the philosophy of the three stars. Such far-fetched philosophical themes have been tried and tested since "Infernal Affairs". Actually its more important purpose is an impressive title. After the decisive battle is over, there is a good ending. I can't say how profound it is, but it left a little more aftertaste for the audience.

Highlighting the core of the genre, with all the surrounding elements serving it without overwhelming it, is what a genre film should be like.

http://www.saoyuying.com/2015/08/spl/

WeChat public account: feidududu watching movies (feidudumovie)

View more about Kill Zone reviews