Movie spotlight
Dangerous Time
Set in southern China during the Cultural Revolution, the film follows Jia Yimin, head of an Anti-Revisionist Hospital Revolutionary Committee, as he purges intellectual doctors and elevates politically favored but unqualified “young heroes.” He assigns Yao Yao, a cook with only days of veterinary training, to operate on a critical patient, resulting in a disastrous mistake. Though Yao Yao admits he is unfit and asks to return to the kitchen, Jia, driven by ambition, insists on remaking him into a “model doctor” and places him on another major case. When veteran surgeon Chang Chunlai is forced to step in and save the operation, Yao later causes another crisis by bringing the wrong medicine to the recovering patient, who falls into a coma. Faced with mounting consequences, Jia begins plotting his next move...
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Plot Summary
A disillusioned ex-cop, haunted by a past failure, is pulled back into the criminal underworld when his former partner's daughter is kidnapped. He must navigate a treacherous landscape of corrupt officials and ruthless gangsters to save her. The film follows his desperate race against time as he confronts his demons and the dangerous individuals who have taken her.
Critical Reception
Dangerous Time (1986) received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics acknowledged its gritty atmosphere and the lead actor's performance, many found the plot predictable and underdeveloped. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the action sequences while others criticized its generic crime thriller elements.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its atmospheric tension and John Savage's committed performance.
Criticized for a derivative plot that offers little originality.
Action sequences were noted but often felt formulaic.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Dangerous Time' are scarce and generally reflect the mixed critical reception. Some viewers found it a serviceable, albeit forgettable, action film from the era, while others felt it lacked compelling characters and a fresh narrative.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in and around a gritty industrial district, which helped contribute to its dark and oppressive visual style.
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