Bangkok Dangerous (2000)

I thought this film was actually pretty nicely made. The title may seem a little corny but if you like action films this film would suit you well. The film was very sad although, and the horrors of violence play a big role in the film. Even though it doesn't have as much action as say, a John Woo flick, it is quite powerful indeed.When I rented the film from my local Blockbuster, I expected an all out action film with plenty of violence to go around. I'm a huge fan of John Woo flicks like Hard Boiled and The Killer. After finishing off this film, I felt it was more of a violent drama than a pure action film.This film incorporatated many of John Woo's filming styles. Slow motion is used generously, but very well (especially at the end). The director emphasized darker colors to give this film a bleaker look, after all, it is the Bangkok underground were talking about.

I thought it was actually a pretty superior 'hitman' film.If you want full-on action in a style of early John Woo, then no, it is probably not perfect for you, but the directing is excellent, the character development is good, and the idea as original as any other.I liked it, and liked the style particularly. It does borrow a lot from early Woo i guess, but it is borrowing and not stealing. There is enough originality of idea and of direction. The acting is pretty uniformly good as well. The critics in Toronto liked it too. (see awards and nominations)

Bangkok Dangerous is the story of a lonely mute who becomes a hit-man, partly to avenge himself upon the world that has alienated him. Only when he finds happiness does he realize the full horror of his life.The film boasts some great performances, particularly by Pawalit Mongkolpisit as Kong, the main protagonist. His face is beautiful yet impassive, and his large eyes convey all the strangled emotions of a person unable to communicate with those around him.There are many excellent moments to savour in this film, but the contrived way in which Kong's partner is forced out of retirement is ridiculous. However, despite the generic plot - which at times has a square-peg-round-hole forced feel to it - and the thoroughly predictable narrative progression, the film is actually pretty rewarding. It has a tender humanism at the centre, which gives the film real depth, and there are many moments worth savouring.Score 7/10 (6 is too low, but 7's maybe a little too high)

Loved the opening titles, thought this was going to be a block buster action movie, turned out it was more boring and uninvolving than I thought was possible. It's a rare occasion that I fastforward any movie for whichever reason, but let me put it this way, the last half hour was over in about 8 minutes or so. What a shame, what a waste. 4/10