Usually when I watch films like this it often says boring. Not this film. Although not a lot of action happens through out there is a more human aspect to their system. Hardened criminals who stay in a particular prison become unwitting participants as tier bosses rank number one. Chow Yun Fat plays a magnificent inmate who's life is turned upside down after killing his wife in a fit of jealous rage. His bunk mate 51910 (Lo Ka Yiu) is a man who is put inside because of a manslaughter charge.
Now as they try to do their time the bosses always has a way to make their lives even more disparaged by using them as scape goats for their own crimes inside the prison with the help of a superintendent who is as bad as the bosses. For the most part seeing the prisoners try to cope with sanity is at best the most difficult. I enjoyed how each and every one of the characters lose control in one way or another as they try to clear their names. Despair sets in, loneliness, rigour in the minds, and self pity.
Even though the criminal system in china is probably the most strict, it does show that not all guards or higher ups are that uptight. But in this film seeing those men lose their sanity is the worst nightmare they have to face. Trying to keep above water, keep themselves occupied with work or play, or even with family visits. Much like the prison systems across the globe.
Except as I watched the film you could feel chow's anger as he rips off the ear of the guard nearly going insane like the last time when he killed his wife. Excellent performances through out. Lots of passion, and very gritty. I recommend this to anyone who watches the prison genre.
Now as they try to do their time the bosses always has a way to make their lives even more disparaged by using them as scape goats for their own crimes inside the prison with the help of a superintendent who is as bad as the bosses. For the most part seeing the prisoners try to cope with sanity is at best the most difficult. I enjoyed how each and every one of the characters lose control in one way or another as they try to clear their names. Despair sets in, loneliness, rigour in the minds, and self pity.
Even though the criminal system in china is probably the most strict, it does show that not all guards or higher ups are that uptight. But in this film seeing those men lose their sanity is the worst nightmare they have to face. Trying to keep above water, keep themselves occupied with work or play, or even with family visits. Much like the prison systems across the globe.
Except as I watched the film you could feel chow's anger as he rips off the ear of the guard nearly going insane like the last time when he killed his wife. Excellent performances through out. Lots of passion, and very gritty. I recommend this to anyone who watches the prison genre.