Trailers for his films, especially "The Mission", "Exiled", and "PTU", will give you the impression that these films are action bonanzas. They are not. In "The Mission", there are three major actions sequences. But, ironically enough, despite being shootouts, most of the people in these scenes don't really move very much. No spinning, flying through the air, 2-gun, hailstorm of lead types of scenes (which I LOVE, by the way, but these aren't that). These action scenes are meant to create tension and develop character. If you watch closely, the way that the characters react to these scenes will give you deep insight into their character. Most people who feel that these characters are shallow were probably looking for them to "dialogue" about themselves more. In fact, there's very little dialogue in this film.

What makes this film great is the way that the characters interact with one another, the way we learn about them through their mannerisms, style of dress, fighting style, etc. Even though the characters didn't say much, I felt like I knew more about them than most other action/thriller characters.

Also, the story is fantastic. It seems straightforward, but with Johnnie, it rarely is. He puts little things here and there than that keep a story from ever being a point a-to-b type of film. It all builds to a payoff that I felt was very much worth it. This film should be viewed more as something like "The Departed" or "The Usual Suspects". Sure, those movies had lots of guns and gangsters, but they didn't have much action. Character and story drove those movies forward. I think people let the 'Hong Kong' moniker taint their expectations.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for a solid crime drama, with storytelling that's more visual and artistic and creative than the standard fare, with interesting characters, great style, and a very solid story, this is a fantastic pick, as well as To's "Exiled" (my personal favorite of his), "Election" 1 and 2, and "PTU".

Nai-Hoi Yau, who wrote the screenplay, is very talented. He has written the electrying traid film "Election" for Mr. To. And with this film he makes a simple story, refreshing for the audience. The story is great, about five men hired to protect a traid boss in trouble.

The ensemble cast bounces off the screen, with each character presenting their own litte traits. It was a joy to see a cast so lively, and it shows on screen how each character responds to one another working as a team.

The action was pulse-pounding, with bullets flying everywhere. This being a Johnnie To actioner, he always has this magic of making his cast in a furious action battle so cool. "The Mission" is one of my favorite Johnnie To films. It is stylish but simple and with some twist and turns. It still stands out, looking amazing every time I watch it.

"The Mission" is a 5 star film, and with a Hollywood remake on its way, I hope it also has the vibrant feeling of this one. Because without a great cast working together off- and on-screen, this film would have never worked with its intriguing story and direction.

With a cast like this, and a director like Johnnie To, it should be great, and it is great. Better than great. Each actor plays his role perfectly, from Anthony Wong's CYF-esque "supercool," to Francis Ng's "wrapped too tight", to Lam Suet's "neverending buffet." Each role works perfectly to form a whole. And the moviemaking is also top-notch, with cinematography and set design worthy of several Academy Awards. The gritty yet glamorous life of the bodyguard is portrayed tenaciously. Almost to the point where I was on the edge of my seat wondering where the next bullet would come from.

What makes it compelling is not only the acting and filming technique, but also the great ability of the director (and an Asian film trademark) to drop you into a story that hasn't been fully outlined. Not only does this force you to keep up, but often makes you feel and think as the character on screen would feel and think. Like when the troupe passes the janitor, they first look upon him with suspicion, then Mr. Lung orders him paid, but with the help of a staggering man claiming to be an old friend of Curtis', the situation blows up, and the janitor gets lit up. It's that sort of bang-bang-bang you-know-it-when-we-do intimacy that really draws you in.

As far as the music goes, anyone that watches will indeed be humming the repeating theme that is used many times in many situations. The first couple of times, it seems cheesy, but when it marks itself as a theme certainty, it seems entirely appropriate. Just like the ever-famous theme from The Godfather.

Looking at HK cinema in 2002, it seems as if the filmmaking community has (temporarily?) abandoned the gun flick in favor of the romantic comedy. And to be sure, the gun flick has seen its share of screen portrayals, so maybe filmmakers need some time away from it to rethink the genre. I'm just utterly pleased that we have The Mission as the "Bon voyage, until we meet again."