But on to the movie, City War sits perfectly right on that 2nd tier of CYF "bullet ballet" films, not perfect like ABT, The Killer, and Hard Boiled, but right on the shelf next to City On Fire and Full Contact. The film does fit the genre perfectly, with its theme of revenge by a criminal upon those cops that put him there, and the ever-important brotherly love between the "good guys" who stick up for each other no matter what. Throw in the romantic interest that just happens to form the love triangle between good guy and bad guy, and the loving family that you know is gonna get it in the end, and you have the perfect, if somewhat formulaic, film.

I have heard many people note the overtly 80's appearance of this film (the words "Miami Vice" were thrown around liberally) and though it does come through (but hey, CYF can make that white suit work) that particular style does not overwhelm the film.

The performances are all top-notch, especially the afore-mentioned CYF & Ti Lung bond, which really should be required viewing for any fan of the genre. Overall, no complaints. It might not be bloody enough, or fast-paced enough for some, but most will know exactly what they're getting into when they pop the case open, and will most likely love every minute of it.