| Overly long but passable bio-pic about Lee Rock (Andy Lau), one of the most famous corrupted cops in Hong Kong. This first installment out of two follows him beginning in the 1940s up till the 60s in a system where honesty is not the way to progress. With the help of his elder superior and mentor Chan (Kwan Hoi-San), Lee rises swiftly through the ranks, much to the dismay of sergeant Ngan Tung (Paul Chun)
In the wake of the success story that was To Be Number One, the trend became the true life bio-pic and while Lee Rock ranks way above the lackluster trendsetter, interest is merely sporadic. Judging by the box-office, it was either an effort that will connected to Hong Kong or in fact Andy Lau's name drew people in despite this Lawrence Lau helmed effort feeling overall empty to the Hong Kong people even? It helps that Andy Lau puts in a commanding performance and the veteran cast in mostly sync sound dialogue brings colour to the piece. The ending does spark interest for the sequel that was unleashed the same year but Lee Rock 2 is not available on dvd with English subtitles. Chingmy Yau, Cheung Man, Ng Man-Tat, Lung Fong and James Tien co-stars.
A multiple nominee at the Hong Kong Film Awards including Best Picture but it was Kwan Hoi-San that bagged the only award as Best Supporting Actor that year. |
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