Movie spotlight
Written In Blood
Detective John Traveller (Peter Coyote) is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover. His partner and friend, Detective Matthew Ransom, becomes very upset, affecting his marriage that was not working well. The lover of John's wife was the son of Luke Williams, a detective of the same department, and he does not accept the death of his son. After the trial and conviction of John, Matthew separates from his wife Mary Ramson, being sexually arrested by John's daughter Jude. Meanwhile, a serial killer kills the enemies of John, leaving clues in the crime scenes relatives to Sherlock Holmes tales and Matthew suspects of Jude.
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Plot Summary
A struggling writer finds himself embroiled in the dangerous underworld of Hong Kong's Triads after he is commissioned to write a biography of a notorious crime boss. As he delves deeper into the ruthless world of organized crime, he uncovers secrets that put his own life at risk. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he becomes a pawn in the violent power struggles of the Triad factions.
Critical Reception
Written in Blood, also known as 'The Boss of Him', received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its stylish direction, intense action sequences, and strong performances, particularly from Anthony Wong. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat convoluted, but the film was generally appreciated for its gritty portrayal of Triad life and its contribution to the Hong Kong crime genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its slick direction and violent, stylish action.
Anthony Wong's performance as the conflicted writer is a standout.
The narrative can be complex and occasionally hard to follow.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews, but the film is generally regarded within fan communities for its authentic depiction of Hong Kong crime elements.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be part of a larger anthology, but eventually became a standalone project, showcasing Johnnie To's signature blend of stylish crime and character-driven drama.
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