Watch A Better Tomorrow

A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo and starring Lung Ti, Leslie Cheung, and Chow Yun-Fat in pivotal roles. The movie is a milestone in the Hong Kong cinema industry and has influenced numerous filmmakers worldwide. The plot of the movie revolves around two brothers, Sung Tse-Ho (Ti Lung) and Mark Lee (Chow Yun-Fat), who belong to a family of Triad gangsters. While Tse-Ho is a respected member of the underworld and is loved by his peers, Mark is a reckless and impulsive hothead who often gets into trouble. Tse-Ho tries to discourage his younger brother from a life of crime, but Mark idolizes him and is determined to follow in his footsteps. Their lives take a turn when Tse-Ho is betrayed by a fellow gang member and lands in prison. Upon his release, he discovers that the Triad has changed, and his old friends are now his enemies. Now, Tse-Ho must team up with his brother Mark and an old colleague, Shing (Leslie Cheung), to outwit their adversaries and reclaim their lost honor.

The movie is known for its dynamic action sequences, which are a combination of martial arts and gunfire. The movie's standout scene is a slow-motion gunfight set to the iconic song "Yi ji ren sheng" (One Person's Life) by Leslie Cheung. The fight choreography is excellent and shows John Woo's signature style of violent, visceral action. The movie also deals with themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption. The bond between the two brothers is the heart of the movie, and their complicated relationship is explored in depth.

The performances of Lung Ti and Chow Yun-Fat are excellent and have been praised for their portrayal of the two brothers. While Ti Lung plays the older brother with restraint and subtlety, Chow Yun-Fat steals the show with his charismatic and explosive performance. His portrayal of Mark Lee is one of the most memorable characters in Hong Kong cinema. Leslie Cheung, who plays the role of Shing, adds depth to the movie with his restrained and nuanced performance. His scenes with Ti Lung are especially poignant and heartfelt.

The movie's production values are impressive, with John Woo's innovative use of camera angles and editing creating an immersive experience for the audience. The film's iconic score by composer Joseph Koo complements the action scenes and elevates the emotional moments. A Better Tomorrow was an immense success upon its release and kickstarted the trend of Hong Kong action movies in the late 80s and early 90s. Its influence can be seen in Hollywood movies like The Matrix and Quentin Tarantino's films.

In conclusion, A Better Tomorrow is a must-watch for any fan of action movies. It is a timeless classic that showcases the best of Hong Kong cinema. With its stellar performances, dynamic action sequences, and emotional storytelling, it is no wonder that the movie is still considered one of John Woo's best works.

A Better Tomorrow is a 2010 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 78.