Plot: What’s it about?
This film continues the storyline from the film Rich and Famous, so while you can watch this one by itself, I recommend you go back and watch the previous film first. This is a very personal film and as such, you’ll want to allow the characters to develop over the course of both films. After the events in Rich and Famous, Yung (Alex Man) is now a rival to triad leader Lee Ah Chai (Chow Yun Fat) and believe me, this rivalry isn’t going to be a pretty one. At one point, Yung worked for Chai and was given assistance, but all that resides in the past now and Yung seeks to take Chai out of the picture. This would allow him greater power and to him, that is all he needs to attain in order to be in total control. But then Chai pulls a surprise move and Yung is left without a clue, as his plans no longer have substance. You see, Chai has retired from the triad and now works as a businessman, which enrages Yung and pushes him into a bloodbath of violence. In an effort to end the death count and bloodshed, Chai returns once more to his old ways, but this time is the last time.
As I mentioned above, this film is the final piece in a two part series and the other films is Rich and Famous. The two were made at the same time and the elements seem to have good continuity, as the casts & crews are pretty much the same the second time around. The actors are able to retain the tone & temperament of their characters and in a movie such as this, that is a vital element. I also like how fluid the storyline is between the films, as there is no real loss of continued story and I think that is also a factor in how powerful these films are. You can watch them on their own, but the real way to view these are together and I think back to back is the best chance. But if you can’t do that, then watch them after another in as quick a time as you can. You’ll want to have the storyline & characters fresh in your brain, as there is a lot to keep in mind as you watch both films. Like Rich and Famous, this film has a few fantastic action sequences, but again I wish these more frequent. Still, this movie is a good choice for anyone looking for a good action movie, especially if you’re a fan of Chow Yun Fat.
I think the reason a lot of people will check these out is because of Chow Yun Fat, who has established himself as a superstar in the realm of action flicks. I wouldn’t say he is the featured performer in these films, but his name is billed first and he does steal these films from under the other cast members. I think he is one of the best in terms of humanistic killers and here he proves this again, bringing his character into a state of realism that makes us believe he is Chai. I don’t think this is his best performance, but then again when you think about Hard Boiled or The Killer, how can he top those roles? Chow Yun Fat is in fine form in these movies and he turns in some of his finest work here, which is a real testament to his skills. You can also see him in such films as Hard Boiled, The Killer, God of Gamblers, The Replacement Killers, Anna and the King, A Better Tomorrow, and Prison On Fire. The rest of the cast is also superb and includes Andy Lau (The Conman, Running Out Of Time), Alex Man (Yellow Rain), Pauline Wong (Mr. Vampire), Danny Lee (The Killer), and Carina Lau (Flowers of Shanghai, Project A II).
Video: How does it look?
Tragic Hero is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. I was pleased with the results here, as this image is superior to previous editions of the film, but the source print is in need of some kind of restoration work. You can see frequent marks, debris, and other flaws and this film deserves a nice, clean print. I wasn’t too distracted by print issues though and I think unless you focus on them, they won’t be too bad for you either. The transfer is on the soft side, but detail is still high throughout and colors look bright, free from bleeds and such also. I can’t find any serious problems here aside from the source print, so I am giving this one a passing grade and I think fans of the film will be pleased.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc offers three language choices, but for this review I decided to focus on the Cantonese Dolby Digital 5.1 option. I think this track sounds terrific, but I am aware that it doesn’t use the surrounds much in the least. I would have liked a much more active mix, but the overall dynamic range is still pretty good, which is surprising. This mix might not blow you over in your chair, but you’ll hear all the elements in good form. The dialogue seems crisp and well balanced, while the sound effects & music compliment each other, always in a nice balance. This disc also contains audio tracks in Mandarin & Spanish, as well as English subtitles. I used the same description here as I did in the review for Rich and Famous because the two have the same audio breakdown, so why waste ink?
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some talent files and the film’s theatrical trailer.
