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My Thoughts on “Chasing the Dragon”
I recently watched the movie “Chasing the Dragon,” and I have to say that it left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, I was blown away by the incredible acting performances and stunning cinematography, but on the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down by some of the plot points and pacing of the film.
The Storyline
For those who haven’t seen “Chasing the Dragon,” it tells the story of an illegal immigrant from Mainland China named Lee Rock (played by Andy Lau) who rises to power in Hong Kong’s notorious drug trade in the 1960s. Alongside corrupt police officer Lui Lok (played by Donnie Yen), Lee Rock navigates a dangerous web of rival gangs, government officials, and international drug traffickers.
While I found this premise intriguing from the outset, I couldn’t help but feel like there were certain aspects of the storyline that were underdeveloped or rushed. For example, there was little explanation given as to how Lee Rock was able to climb the ranks so quickly, or why he chose to align himself with Lui Lok in particular.
The Cast
That being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the incredible performances given by both Andy Lau and Donnie Yen in this film. Lau in particular was a standout, portraying Lee Rock with a complex mix of charm, ruthlessness, and vulnerability that made him an incredibly compelling character to watch.
Yen, meanwhile, was equally impressive as Lui Lok – a character who is morally ambiguous at best and downright corrupt at worst. Despite his unsavory behavior, Yen manages to inject a layer of humanity into the role that makes it difficult not to sympathize with him on some level.
The Pacing
If there’s one major criticism I have of “Chasing the Dragon,” it’s that the pacing felt a bit uneven at times. While there were certainly moments of intense action and intrigue throughout the film, there were also stretches where I found myself losing interest and checking my phone.
I think part of this has to do with the fact that “Chasing the Dragon” clocks in at nearly two hours long – a runtime that may be difficult for some audiences to stay engaged with throughout.
The Soundtrack
One aspect of “Chasing the Dragon” that really impressed me was the film’s score. Composed by Wong Kin Wai, the music perfectly captured the mood and atmosphere of each scene – whether it was a tense standoff between rival gangs or a quiet moment of reflection between Lee Rock and Lui Lok.
The Verdict
So, all things considered, what did I think of “Chasing the Dragon?” While I certainly had my issues with certain aspects of the film, I ultimately found it to be an engaging and thought-provoking piece of cinema that is well worth checking out if you’re a fan of crime dramas or Asian cinema in general.
Despite its flaws, “Chasing the Dragon” manages to tell a compelling story with some truly standout performances from its cast. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly worth your time.