Old School HK gangster action - The Exiled

Johnny To continues to deliver, on a high level. The Exiled takes place in Macau, in 1998 before the handover to China (a topic similarly used as a backdrop in Isabella) where a triad leader, Boss Fay (Simon Yam), wants a hit on a hitman Wo (Nick Cheung). To his house comes two paris of hitmen -- one, led by Blaze (Anthony Wong), and the other led by Tai (Francis Ng). Observing this is a policeman who is hours away from retirement, and Wo's wife, Jin (Josie Ho). Tai wants to let Wo live, as he did him a favor some time ago, and there is a job that Wo has to finish. Blaze though has his orders, and there is a terrific gunfight in the apartment, though amazingly, no one is hurt. Even more amazingly, all of them proceed to clean up the place, repair the damaged doors and furniture, cook a meal and sit down together! As hitmen they all have a common background, and we see a sense of comraderie that separate themselves from the triad. They head on over to a contact man, in a hotel/brothel where he gives them possible work for assassinating various figures. But they want something local, quick and big. He has a job for them: stealing a gold shipment from the government. Meanwhile, Boss Fay is angry that Blaze has not yet killed Wo, and goes to confront them. A shootout ensues, and both Fay and Wo are injured. The others manage to escape and take Wo to a private doctor, who attends to his wound. But Boss Fay and his men come, seeking the same medical treatment! The others hide while the gang is in the same room, although it is not long before Wo is discovered. Another shootout ensues, and Wo is killed. They escape and tell Jin, who is distraught. As they leave she takes one of the guns and straps her child to her back, seeking vengeance. The others go out into the countryside to do the ambush on the armored truck; however, their car beaks down. They fall upon a bit of luck when after a long hike they come across a main road where the truck is driving down. They ambush the truck, and not wanting to hurt any one, split the money among everyone present. Returning back to the hotel, they produce the money. Boss Fay is there with his men, as is Jin. Realizing that they are trapped, they engage in one final shootout in which all are killed, except Jin and her child.

Exiled is another standout film by Johnny To. It recalls the glory years of the late 80's and early 90's gangster films, but with a much more mature and highly skilled sensibility, that all those years of directing have provided. The fight scenes recall John Woo with the slow motion balladry. The acting is cool and reserved, except for the Jin character. For those seeking HK action, this is a well worth pick up.