The Daring Age
The Daring Age

Movie spotlight

The Daring Age

1981
Movie
82 min
Cantonese

Fong, a fresh graduate and ardent teacher, starts her career in a secondary school. The school is full of problems: not only are students engaged in gambling and smoking, their vices are ignored by teachers who are too busily involved in stock market speculation to take any notice. In Fong's eyes, even the most enthusiastic teacher is no exception. Fong is disappointed but, against all the odds, she decides to remedy the situation. Hui Bun, who has been guilty of misbehaviour in school, tries to lure his girlfriend, Ng Ching-man, to work as a night club hostess. Another girl, Ho Ching-ching, who was originally a very good student, becomes desperate for money when she has to take up the responsibility of supporting her family. She must attend to urgent expenses, such as paying for a wheelchair for her handicapped sister, so she decides to work with Ng and another schoolgirl, Lo On-nay, as a night club hostess.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users88%
Director: Michael MannGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In 1981 Miami, a ruthless drug dealer named Michael "Mike" Mann meticulously plans and executes a series of high-stakes jewel heists, clashing with a determined detective obsessed with bringing him to justice. As the tension escalates, both men are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that pushes the boundaries of law and morality. The film explores the allure of wealth and the destructive consequences of a life lived on the edge.

Critical Reception

The Daring Age received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Michael Mann's taut direction and the intense performances of its lead actors, particularly James Woods. The film was noted for its stylish visuals and its gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement. However, some reviews found the plot to be somewhat formulaic, and the pacing occasionally uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and gritty realism.

  • James Woods delivers a commanding performance.

  • Some found the narrative slightly predictable.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's intense atmosphere and strong performances, particularly James Woods' portrayal of the complex antagonist. The realistic depiction of criminal activity and police work was also frequently cited as a positive aspect, although a minority felt the story lacked originality.

Fun Fact

Although often associated with the early 1980s, "The Daring Age" was actually a television film that aired in 1981 and served as a pilot for a potential series that never materialized.

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