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All Flixster 3.5 Stars (532) Want To See 417 Not Interested 2611
Female 3.0 Stars (70) Want To See 104 Not Interested 1319
Male 3.5 Stars (450) Want To See 305 Not Interested 1229

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Preview Plot: Although many Hong Kong action fans have criticized Quentin Tarantino for stealing the premise of Reservoir Dogs from Ringo Lam's 1987 hit City on Fire, those accusations do a disservice...( read more read more... )

Chow plays the undercover cop, still agonizing over his betrayal of a criminal friend during a previous case; when he's asked to infiltrate a gang of violent thieves, his rapport with one of the gangsters threatens the integrity of his assignment. While his superiors battle among themselves (one protects Chow, the other pursues him), director Lam keeps it all ticking along with surefire pacing and an amusing subplot involving Chow's dissatisfied fiancée. The film is fascinating to watch for its obvious precedents to Reservoir Dogs (including a climactic "Mexican standoff" between the untrusting criminals), but it's best appreciated as a showcase for Chow, who's instantly captivating from the moment he appears onscreen. (Note: Disney's DVD release of City on Fire greatly improves upon the poorly translated subtitles of all previous DVD releases.) --Jeff Shannon

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Recent Reviews

  • Want To See
    MCT:
    May 6, 2008
    From what I've read about this film, and the clips that I have seen Ye can easily spot QT's inspiration for his blistering début. This remains one of a number of HK Chinese movies that is on my wish list.
    Redux review and more in due course
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    March 11, 2008
    In the action department there are few movies I've seen that are more gripping and well directed. Ringo Lam uses Hong Kong New Wave aesthetics for great effect but doesn't over use them making the film too experimental. The style isn't as unique as someone like John Woo, but doesn't stand out above what's happening on screen. The only thing really to complain about is some of the more romantic/relationship scenes, it's not that romantic scenes were out of place, they just weren't played so well, and at times brought the pace to a grinding halt, yet they do factor huge in the end so they are nessesary and, really, a little flaw.
    And of course, in alot of cases a movie is only as good as it's climax, and this film has an incredible final 30 minutes, borrowed heavily, of course, by Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs (as I guess is old news), yet still appears amazing, and to be corny: Edge-of-your-seat.
    Needless to say, I want to see more Ringo Lam, if this is the kind of thing he puts out.
  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    February 9, 2008
    Jesus fucking christ, Tarantino didn't improve shit. This movie is great for it's own merits, and sadly has just ended up being refered as the "movie that inspired Tarantino". Which just adds further injury to the irony.

    More than a mere action filler, this is a film about the characters. Back in the days when both Ringo Lam and Chow Yun Fat were the top dogs in the genre. recommended view for any serious HK movie aficionado.
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    December 18, 2007
    freaking amazing! reservoir dogs was pretty much the last half hour or so of this film, expanded. this film is reservoir dogs on crack, and 100x more intense!
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    November 2, 2007
    I havent seen Resevoir Dogs yet, but this is a personal favorite of mine. Excellent acting accompanied with great music make this one of the better films ive seen in a while.

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Details

  • Rated: (R)
  • Directed by: Ringo Lam
  • Genres: Action & Adventure, Art House & International
  • Released: January 1, 1987
  • DVD Released: October 26, 1999

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