Hard boiled

Post by **Gamerforlife** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:12 pm

Been a while since I've seen a non-video game related topic on here. However, since I decided to see this movie after playing Stranglehold it is sort of game related. I know I'm really late in seeing Hardboiled, but what can I say? Despite seeing his influences everywhere from The Matrix, Rodgriguez's El Mariachi trilogy and the Max Payne games, I had never actually seen a John Woo movie before. Boy was I missing out!!!

Hardboiled is just one bad ass movie. It's almost twenty years old and I think it's better than most action movies I see today. The characters are great, the action sequences are huge, violent, explosive and strangely beautiful.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

The whole hospital sequence is simply incredible! What a fantastic final act! What I really liked was that there was so much going on, it wasn't just focusing on Tequila and Alan the whole time but this big battle involving the other cops as well, and Alan's story arc throughout the movie is great and actually makes him more interesting than Tequila

So yeah, I love this movie. I was fortunate to see Hardboiled in its proper language with subtitles which is how I like to watch Hong Kong movies. Seems more authentic. Now, I'm going to check out some of Woo's other stuff. Any recommendations? Should The Killer be the next one I check out? I hear it's quite good as well

Post by **General Chaos** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:55 pm

Yep--Hard Boiled is awesome. I still haven't seen an action movie I like more. I've seen some of his other stuff like The Killer but none stand out as much as Hard Boiled. Although not an import, I still think The Replacement Killers is a pretty decent movie, and I like Mira Sorvino a lot so that helps.

Post by **pocket** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:47 pm

Best action movie ever.

Post by **Funk, E** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:15 pm

I'm of the mind that The Killer is better than Hard Boiled. But they're both pretty fantastic.

Post by **BigTinz** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:02 am

That's funny that you watched the movie because of the game. I remember watching the movie in the 90s and thinking, they've GOT to make a game about this.

John Woo + Chow Yun Fat = WINNER

Post by **brokenpavement** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:25 am

Funk, E wrote:I'm of the mind that The Killer is better than Hard Boiled. But they're both pretty fantastic.

I'm with Funk, E on this one. I think the Killer is a better overall film, but the action sequences in Hard Boiled are incredible. I for one love the opening scene in the tea house; when Tequila starts shooting up the place with the signature duel pistols it's tough to beat.

Post by **Gamerforlife** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:44 am

BigTinz wrote:That's funny that you watched the movie because of the game. I remember watching the movie in the 90s and thinking, they've GOT to make a game about this.

John Woo + Chow Yun Fat = WINNER

Yeah, it seemed so wrong to be playing Stranglehold having not seen Hardboiled. It just reminded me that this guy has made classic action movies and I'm one of the few people who haven't seen them. I said well enough of that, time to watch Hard Boiled. I really wish Stranglehold had some of that co-op action like we see in Hard Boiled with Tequila and Alan fighting together. Max Payne 2 sort of did this with Mona helping you out in some levels and I would have liked to see something like that in Stranglehold. There was something so badass about getting to an area and seeing(or hearing Mona)causing havoc and realizing that she's on your side.

I really liked the sequence where Tequila and Alan are moving through the halls taking guys out. They are so completely in sync and I loved the slow mow as they switch places. Very stylish. The part where Alan takes on Mad Dog and they are running down the hall shooting at each other through the windows is awesome too, and of course the warehouse shoot out is fantastic. Flaming bikes=cool

Despite all the great action though, I think the movie has a good story and some very strong characters and themes. I like Alan's lack of identity as he has switched sides and loyalties and doesn't seem to know who he really is. I also like the theme of cops killing cops. It's a real danger that the movie addresses and the way the chief leads to this happening by not telling anyone about his undercover cops is an interesting story point. I just felt like Hard Boiled delivers more than any action movie needs to, and that's why it's so damn awesome

So I guess I'll be checking out The Killer next so I can compare

Post by **Ack** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:47 am

It's not a John Woo film...in fact, it's not even Chinese, it's Korean, but I was having a similar discussion on a different message board, and a buddy recommended City of Violence. I saw the trailer and it looked pretty interesting.