A Killer's Blues
A Killer's Blues

Movie spotlight

A Killer's Blues

1989
Movie
92 min
Cantonese

Fourteen years ago, Wai Yat Ming (Ti Lung) went to the US to settle affairs for triad boss Sun (Bao Fang), but ended up in prison. Finally free again, Wai wants to start over with his girlfriend (Olivia Cheng) and adopted daughter (Fennie Yuen), but he finds it hard with Sun's feuding son and nephew, Kit (Mark Cheng) and Chong (Roy Cheung), constantly raising trouble in the gang. Seeing his own misguided past in them, Wai fruitlessly tries to guide them in the right direction. He eventually decides to make a clean break and leave Hong Kong, but Sun's sudden death pulls him back into the violence of the underworld.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Satoru IidaGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young, disillusioned detective is drawn into the dark underbelly of Tokyo's criminal underworld as he investigates a series of brutal murders. The lines between right and wrong blur as he becomes entangled with a mysterious woman connected to the killings and faces escalating violence. He must confront his own demons while navigating a treacherous path towards uncovering the truth.

Critical Reception

A Killer's Blues garnered mixed reviews, with critics often praising its gritty atmosphere and stylistic direction, but some finding the plot convoluted and the violence excessive. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its dark themes and intense action, while others were put off by its bleakness.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish neo-noir aesthetic and suspenseful pacing.

  • Criticized by some for its gratuitous violence and underdeveloped characters.

  • The film's exploration of morality and corruption was noted as a strong element.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but available commentary highlights its intense atmosphere and gripping crime narrative, though some found the plot hard to follow.

Fun Fact

Riki Takeuchi, who plays the lead detective, would go on to become a prominent figure in Japanese action cinema, often starring in roles that explored similar themes of morality and violence.

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