Reviewed By Paul Cooke
Director : Jamie Luk
Producer : Kar Yan Leung
Starring : Peter Ho , Pinky Cheung & Yasuaki Kurata
What , ‘ Dark War ’, delivers in the opening five minutes or so , of this neatly lensed tight budgeted Philippines Actioner , is an encapsulation of well delivered moody atmosphere and delineation of street hood oppression that introduces a new kind of hero to root for. Excitingly ignited with a cracking flash of spectacular ballistic retaliation in the incarnation of main character Ken Tsui , as played by Peter Ho. A down to Earth , clean living young man who just happens to also be a hit man. A hit man with a unique code of conduct , who’s services may be purchased for the merest sum of just ten dollars.
When Ken is expected to kill a young , woman who works the streets as a prostitute to make ends meet , his code of decency overrides that of brutal conduct. He knows the girl from his daily routine and soon discovers her life of degradation is one of desperation in order to help he sick and frail mother who is dying. Faced with such a moral dilemma and the pitiful pleas of both mother , a response tweaks within him as they throw all the money they have at him. From the small amount of money splayed before him , representing the toils from a life of street survival , he austerely picks up a solitary ten dollar bill and leaves the two women to continue their dependant fight unhindered. He returns to his contractor and hands him back the ten dollar payment and then strikes out with lethal response at his henchman who was sent to make payment to him. Ken’s humanity is retained , contract fulfilled and in so doing , message delivered to the stunned boss to leave the girl and her mother alone.
The abilities of Ken do not go unnoticed and his reputation brings a remorseless killer into his world. Seeking to take revenge for Ken’s past actions of altruism this unflinching representation of callous intent viciously sets out to draw Ken out for a challenge to his life. This cold hearted dispatcher of life savagely kills Ken’s master who cared for him as a father. He himself was once a respected hit man but is shown no respect in death. Ken’s best friend , interestingly played by Sammo Hung’s real life son Timmy , is also the mortal target for the killer along with tragically his friends sister , who just so happens to be the love interest for Ken.
With such a gloom ridden scenario playing out it is no surprise that Ken seeks out his arch nemesis , but he does not do so alone as his equally adept at fighting , yet estranged brother turns up to try and make amends for past misdeeds that help make further sense of why Ken does what he does.
The brutality of the fight sequences are both bloody and realistic as bodies are relentlessly pounded in a well delivered movie that frankly defies the monetary restraints afforded such a production. Amongst the fist fights and crunching bones and snapping sinews are some very nicely set up and showcased screen moments that grab the attention right up to the all out face off finale.
Seek this one out if only for a nights rental entertainment as the conclusive ending has Ken and his bodacious bro kicking higher than a Moulin Rouge showgirl , and letting fists fly with such regularity that the air miles could be cashed in and used for a retirement fund. Throw in an assortment of fire power that includes a bazooka and you are guaranteed to be blown away , just as the closing credits give you your first opportunity to blink in over five minutes of glued to the screen climatic chaos.
Bitch Slap Ratings:
Film: 2.5
Picture: 3.0
Sound: 2.5
Extras: 0.5
Overall: 2.5
Production : 2001
Format : DVD
Release : Winson Entertainment Distribution Ltd
Coding : All Region NTSC
Sound : Dolby Digital 5.1
Extras : English Subtitles / Trailers For Other Films