Protégé (2007) User Reviews

It's All About Drugs

[samuelding85 · 7/10 · 19 February 2007]

Brian De Palma talks about cocaine in Scarface, the 1983 drug epic that makes Al Pacino well known for his role of Tony Montana, a ruthless drug lord that trades cocaine in the early 80's.

Now meet HongKong director Derek Yee, who creates a friendlier Montana of HongKong, Quin aka the Banker. Andy Lau took the role of Asia's friendly Montana, who trades heroin instead of cocaine. He decided to hand his heroin business to Nick (Daniel Wu), his driver who has followed him for 8 years. Nick is just like Manny Ribera, the best friend of Montana. However, Nick is actually a police undercover who has been gathering evidence to nab Quin and his organization.

Protégé is an adaptation from one of the case handled by the HongKong police. Audience who has watched Yee's previous production such as One Night in Mongkok, The Truth About Jane and Sam and C'est La Vie, Mon Cherie knows that he would not overuse use any car-chasing or gun-firing to achieve the effect of telling the story of the battle between the police and the underworld. Instead, he uses down to earth dialogues to tell the story. Having a plot that discuss drugs, the film goes deep into the world of drugs, from money to damage, from love to extreme hatred from drug abusing.

Certain scenes featured explores the damages done to the people for abusing drugs. In the film, damages were featured in the character Jane (Zhang Jing Chu) and her husband (Louis Koo), where both were drug abusers. The husband forces the wife to prostitution so as to feed his craving for drugs. Jane, on the other hand, starves herself and did not give proper education to her daughter, for she was too poor and tired to take care of her daughter. Eventually, her cravings for drugs leads to her self-destruction.

Audience are treated to a exploration of the Golden Triangle located in the South East Asia, which was well-known in the world for poppy plantation. The film also features steps in producing heroin, such as growing, extraction, processing and the various names used to differentiate types of drugs. Compared to other films that discusses drugs, Protégé has featured something that others have never tried before.

Apart from the above named cast, Protégé also features Yee himself as Nick's superior, the banker's wife (Anita Yuen's comeback appearance after ceasing herself from the big screen for a long period) and Qi Yu Wu (an Singapore actor from Mediacorp). While it is a surprise to see Yee and Yuen taking supporting role in the film, Qi's role as a Singapore Police Officer seems pretty redundant, for that few second's appearance doesn't make much difference. It is not surprising to see Qi given such a small role, since Protégé is a production of Singapore Mediacorp's Raintree Pictures and they are well known for using throwing in their own actors playing redundant roles. Think Tay Ping Hui in Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's Infernal Affairs 2 and Hossan Leong in Max Makowski's One Last Dance, where Raintree has a part in it.

Overall, Protégé might seems to be another films about drugs, but once you go deeper into the film, you will find the ugliness of drugs baring naked in front of you.

English title: Protégé

[johno-21 · 8/10 · 4 February 2008]

I saw this last month at the 2008 Palm Springs International Film Festival. The title of this film I believe is Munto not Moon To as listed here on IMDb and this Munto film is not to be confused with the Japanese animee movies of the same name. This is a gangster thriller set in Hong Kong. Nick (Daniel Wu) has spent his entire police career infiltrating a major drug organization led by Kwan (Andy Lau). Nick went straight from the police academy to undercover work and has never worn a uniform or even been inside a police station. For the past seven years he has worked his way up drug lord Kwan's organization that he is in a position to be Kwan's heir to his drug empire. Kwan, in fact, has selected Nick as his heir apparent because he is dying from the long-term results of diabetes. In the meantime Nick has been living in an inner city apartment where his next door neighbor Fan (Zhang Jingchu) is a pretty single mother whose low level drug dealing, heroin addicted husband (Louis Koo) drifts in and out of her and her daughter's life when he isn't in jail to pimp her out. Fan has also become a heroin addict. Nick develops a relationship with Fan and acts as a surrogate father to her little daughter. Nick has also become very close to Kwan. Thius is a good story from writer/director Derek Yee. Within the story line, it takes us to Burma and Thailand and complete with charts and graphs, almost becomes an educational anti-drug documentary on the workings of the Asian heroin trade within the Golden Triangle. Excellent cinematography by Keung Kwok-man and editing by Kwong Chi-Leung. Good production design by Yee Chung-man with Academy Award nominated costume designer/art director Chung Man Yee on board as a consultant. Fast-paced original music score by Peter Kam. This is a good movie and I would give it a 8.0 out of 10 and recommend it.

Big story, big names, but can be bigger on characterisation

[themovieclub · 7/10 · 11 February 2007]

Boosting some of Hong Kong's film industry biggest with producer Peter Chan (Perhaps Love) and director Derek Yee (C'est La Vie and One Night in Mongkok), "Protégé" looks set to become this Hong Kong biggest film this Chinese New Year.

The Protégé here is Nick (Daniel Wu), trained to take over Jong's (Andy Lau) heroin trafficking business, but is in fact a police officer. His inner conflict is between the loyalty towards his 'teacher', and duty towards his job and justice. Things get more complicated when he falls in love with a heroin-addict (Zhang Jingchu), forced to detriment by her husband (Louis Koo).

The story of an undercover police would remind many of "Infernal Affairs", especially when both stars Andy Lau. The difference lies in its subtlety. While there are still police chase scenes and fights, the focus of the film is on the character development more than its actions.

Daniel has proved his acting abilities in One Night In Mongkok. Though he is playing the lead role in "Protégé", his character lacks of a very distinct quality to showcase his acting skills. This is so for Andy Lau's 'baddie' role as well, and you can't put across strongly how you should feel for him. Anita Yuen has very little screen time, perhaps due to the fact she was six months pregnant, and there could be more chemistry between her and Andy Lau.

The scene stealer is the refreshing China actress Zhang Jingchu who breathes an air of vulnerability and frenzy as a woman forced by circumstances. We should expect more from her as she moves on to a Hollywood in Rush Hour 3. Louis Kook, in stained teeth and tattered clothes, changes his image successfully playing her abusive husband.

Starting off slowly, the movie picks up after moving to the Golden Triangle, where audience are treated to the eye-opening sight of heroin plantations and produce.

"Protégé" may not be adrenalin pumping or mass audience entertainment, as director Derek Yee probably wanted to weave in a social message in a subtle and restrained manner. The last scene was enough for me to understand the story, though you wished he had pushed the movie forward a little more.

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harrowing, complex and surreal

[marta2046 · 10/10 · 12 May 2007]

One of the best films I've seen in years. (The director, Derek Yee, wrote and directed the excellent ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK)

Watching it was like going into a surreal alternate universe--part horror, part human drama, part cop story.

The plot description does not do it justice, as it sounds like a typical HK action drama, or at best a copycat of INFERNAL AFFAIRS, or TRAFFIC.

This harrowing film is complex and has its own vision. Addiction, despair and betrayal are at its core.

The cop-mole plot is only part of the story. The world of heroin is explored on several levels: poppy growers, "cookers", suppliers, an amazing sequence in Thailand in the heart of the "Golden Triangle", and --best of all-- a look inside the world of a young mother and heroin addict-- which is shot with such a dreamlike but gritty reality you are horrified yet entranced.

The cinematographer and production designer should be commended for creating such a fascinating universe for the actors to inhabit.

The actors all give strong performances, but it's Zhang Jing Chu who is mesmerizing and heartbreaking as Jane, who plays the heroin addict as if she were a "living ghost."

Another HK police/gangster drama testing loyalty and morality

[joebloggscity · 7/10 · 11 January 2011]

This film is little to surprise. Story revolves around a young undercover cop, trailing a heroin addict who wishes to pass on his line to his trusted understudy (the aforementioned undercover cop!). Parallel to this is the tempestuous relationship the cop begins with a heroin addicted young mother who lives across from his flat.

The themes the film presents have been covered well in other films, and so there is little new here but nor does it try to make out that they are. Violent at times and thoughtful at others, it's another HK film about loyalty and it's limits.

The actor portraying the young copy is excellent (he was great in "One Night in Mongkok" also) as you follow him through the HK underworld learning the trade whilst trying to cope with a heroin addicted lady he sympathises for. Seems to be clichéd at times but never too much. Most of the cast fit in well into this film but it's' a hard act to try to match or follow some of the classics in the field. This doesn't make it sit with the best, but is a good attempt.

As long as you give this film a chance, you may enjoy it. Nothing testing but an enjoyable addition to the HK gangster genre.

A deep and complex film

[kamwingp · 10/10 · 12 January 2008]

An excellent portrayal of an undercover cop working to bring an end to a huge drug network in Hong Kong.

The film gives three sides of the story and shows the viewer a glimpse into the world of the drug-lord, the undercover cop and the addict.

All three main characters (Andy Lau, David Wu and Zhang Jingchu) gives an excellent and flawless performance. Where does one draw the line between business and drug smuggling, crime prevention and aiding crime, addiction and family? Is David Wu's character the protégé or are the addicts the protégé? At the end of the day, drugs destroys everything. One could turn a blind eye, but everything comes round in a circle.

this one's hit and miss

[wandering-star · 6/10 · 8 April 2007]

After being impressed with Andy Lau and Daniel Wu in other great films (Wu: Banquet, Lau: House of Flying Daggers, Infernal Affairs), I was excited to see them in this one. Daniel Wu plays "Nick", a cop who has spent the last 7 years undercover, gaining the trust of drug boss Lau ("Kwan") in order to bring down his heroin operations.

Kwan prepares to hand off leadership of his heroin business to Nick, and their discussions of the market, economics and an trip to Thai poppyfields reminded me of the films Scarface and Blow.

The "love interest" comes in the form of Jingchu Zhang (heron addict "Jane") who has a cute little daughter. "Jane" adds an interesting and sexual element to the story but her situation with her addiction, and how it is affecting her little daughter, feels like we are being hit over the head with an anti-drug message. There is no subtlety in the message nor is it presented in an original way. Ditto a conversation Nick has with Kwan when he asks "don't you feel bad about all the people you're hurting?"

Actually many times the plot seems a little contrived. Jane's husband was really an unbelievable character for me, almost a ridiculous caricature of a drug addict/abusive husband.

On the plus side, it's shot quite stylishly, and Andu Lau and Daniel Wu give great performances.

A Nutshell Review: Protégé

[DICK STEEL · 10/10 · 10 February 2007]

The Hong Kong crime movie genre has another worthy addition to its collection, hot off the heels of the Infernal Affairs creative team's Confession of Pain. While movies of the genre of late are almost always gearing toward sophistication, Protégé plays out its story in surprisingly straight forward fashion, although the characters are draped in shades of grey. What makes the movie compelling, are the relationships formed between the principle characters.

If any synopsis suggests anything complex in the cops-and-robbers treatment of its key characters, it sure didn't play out that way. Daniel Wu is Nick, an undercover cop spending the last 7 years working for Andy Lau's "Banker", one of the top drug lords in HK. Ill health has forced Banker to look for a successor, and as all crime lords without natural heirs go, it sure is difficult to trust an outsider to takeover the business without stabbing you in the back. In fact, instead of Asian superstar Andy Lau, Protégé as the name implies, is actually a Daniel Wu vehicle, as we see events unfold through his eyes, and in two concurrent threads. The first being his contacts with the suppliers, and the second, his personal relations from someone who is part of the demand pool. If you were to add an additional dimension, his allegiance with the law enforcers serves as a minor subplot. No wonder Nick is one confused chap!

In contrast to the slick production look of its peers, Protégé turned out rather grimy, in deliberate fashion, as much of the time we're stuck in the doldrums of society, the ready market of those willing to abuse drugs for that quick fix in escaping their woes. And it is in this part of society that we spend much of our time in. Nick befriends a single mom played by Chinese actress Zhang Jingchu, who is a drug junkie, unable to break out of her habit, try as she might. They form a reluctant friendship, more because of the fact that Nick takes pity on Jing-jing the little girl, the innocent sufferer of her mom's ineptness to break out of addiction.

Written and directed by Derek Yee, Protégé covers the whole spectrum of the heroin supply chain, from the farmers right down to the individual junkie, and examines the concerns of each layer. It's basically a roadmap 101 to drug production, with loads of cash to be made, especially for those willing to take big risks in dealing, trafficking and producing. It's a showcase on the drug operations, with its low tech, high manpower operations in the extensive network of runners, and its compartmentalization of roles and responsibilities. You can't but be impressed by how things are run, akin to any large organization, only clandestine, led by businessmen in it for the money, with warped morals and a sense of being the bridge for sellers to satisfy demand.

Despite top billing for Anita Yuen and Louis Koo, they actually have only bit parts in the movie, the former as the pregnant wife of Banker, and the latter as yet another junkie, husband to Zhang Jingchu's Jane. Somehow, with the audience I'm with, Louis Koo seems to be the one drawing in the laughter, perhaps for his general wardrobe and make up in the movie. Zhang Jinchu's performance managed to highlight the plight that junkies go through, in either trying to resist their urges, or succumbing to temptation, and the natural willingness to lie their way, even sell their souls, just for that quick fix. It's one thing to show compassion and trying to help, but totally a different ball game altogether as professional and sustained rehabilitation seems the only way to go. Hers and Louis' roles are probably to send out strong anti-drug messages.

On the other hand, Andy Lau's role, although muted in some ways, seem to want to endear him to audiences, with his character's penchant for candy, and all round nice family man. Never one who spends extravagantly on home turf, you'll probably not even suspect he's the head honcho of a multi-million dollar syndicate. And it is this harmless facade, that complicates Nick's relationship with his mentor, should he embark on following through with his mission. The mentor unreservedly showing you the ropes, making you a rich man in the process, and that his family takes a liking for you as well, but as the undercover, how could you draw the line, especially when its dealing with human emotions, of deep friendship, trust, and betrayal?

Daniel Wu played his role really well, and I'm surprised that he's super charismatic here, holding his own against Lau by playing the many facades of Nick excellently. His role too offers a comparison between members from both sides of the law, of trust and loyalties amongst in the force, albeit from another division, who spare no hesitation in using him for personal glory, and contrasted against the unwritten law of brotherhood, anonymity and trust of those in the illicit business.

One of the biggest movies hitting screens in Asia during this Chinese New Year period, it won't be difficult for Protégé to make a killing at the box office, given its powerful, engaging storyline which doesn't complicate, and the star-studded cast. As Raintree Pictures had a hand in co-producing the movie, expect to see one scene shot here, which reiterates our long no-nonsense approach to drug traffickers.

P.S. While I'm quite surprised at the many cinematically detailed instruction of drug production and drug use that remained intact in the version shown here, what was snipped instead was a sexy scene (damn!). What gives? Yes, so besides having to watch this movie dubbed in Mandarin, it's an edited version to boot.

Catch 22

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 24 February 2008]

On the internet you always learn new things ... even about the English language. Drugs in general or the use of them can be a catch 22 situation. It can, but it doesn't have to be. It all depends on oneself and how you strong you are and how much fight you have in you to get out of that problem.

What that has to do with this movie? Well since it's a movie about drugs (as the summary line suggests) it has to do everything with the movie. Andy Lau starring here plays exceptional. But he's also supported by a great cast. And while you watch this (slow evolving) drama, you feel the pain of the characters. Maybe you even think about "What would I have done in that situation?". If you will like the end or not, will probably either give this movie your thumbs up or down voting ... Still watch it, it's worth it!

The Class of 2007

[sidyaqub · 8/10 · 7 August 2007]

One of the highly anticipated films of the year, Derek Yee's 'Protege' brings together Andy Lau and Daniel Wu in a tale centred around the world of drug trafficking in Asia.

Nick (Daniel Wu) is a young and ambitious cop who has been working undercover in a drug ring headed by diabetic crime-lord Lai (Andy Lau). During a long course of being undercover, Nick has been able to gain the trust and support of Lai by doing may things against his duty as a policeman - and he is chosen to be his 'protege'. During this he meets Jane (Zhang Jingchu), a young mother who has become an addict due to her husbands' (Louis Koo) actions. While expressing sympathy for Jane's daughter, Jane ends up falling for Nick - but he cannot see past the point that his actions are responsible for people like her becoming addicts. Thus Nick feels the need to reform and do his bit for society.

The film itself resembles Steven Soderbergh's award-winning 'Traffic', the world of drug trafficking is shown in different perspectives. Derek Yee uses detailed character work, exploratory cinematography and visually impeccable locations. Like his previous film 'One Nite In Mongkok' Yee uses the camera and characters to bring the locations to life - highlight being scenes shot at the Golden Triangle - an area of Hong Kong where a lot of the drug-trafficking and production takes place.

Daniel Wu seems to improve with every film he does, this time he plays a rather mixed up man that is guilt ridden by his actions.. where as Andy Lau plays a negative character with ease, looking at the drug trade as pure business: supply and demand. Zhang Jingshu steals the show from everyone as a junkie mother living in a run-down apartment. For instance, the opening shots where she's shown shooting up - no dialogue yet physically expressing her character with such brilliance (her daughter coming into-the shot just touches so deep, hard to not be compelled). Louis Koo proves to be above average as a very unlikeable addict and manages not to overact at times. Support cast such as Anita Yuen and Mei Tan-Hei are underused and represented as one-dimensional characters.

The script is rather tightly wove, that is until the end where it just follows a conventional ending and stating that 'Drugs are bad', which does make the effort seem rushed. But amazing direction, notable performances and a rather interesting point makes 'Protege' a one-of-a-kind Hong Kong movie. There are some action sequences which carry tension,and the chemistry between the main cast carries off as really convincing. This is the kind of movie that a lot of film buffs would love to see: its smart, gritty, intense and shocking. One of the best Hong Kong movies of the year, if not one of the best movies of the year.

Highly recommended.

half great half bad

[nomoretitanic · 5/10 · 14 May 2007]

I like Derek Lee and I really wanna like this movie. it starts out weird enough, with almost a high school propaganda portrayal of drug abuse, and then a hackneyed summary of drug abuse (you know, the one that goes "people abuse drugs to fill their voids"). Then the movie was followed by almost half an hour of great drama, detailing the main character Nick (played by Daniel Wu) and his interactions with the police, the drug network, and a single junkie mama (who looks more like a heroin model than a junkie mama). It introduces the great Andy Lau as a charismatic and very human drug lord. Then it suddenly switches back to the one-dimensional, almost laughable portrayal of junkies (followed by the worst makeup for a junkie I have ever seen and the worst motivation I've heard in a modern film for dope addiction), followed by a beautiful monologue by Andy Lau, explaining the modern Hong Kong drug chain...etc. This is when you realize that you're watching a schizophrenic movie. It is at heart some kinda simplistic anti-drug propaganda, determined to use any tool necessary to dissuade the innocent viewers of drug use, but at the same time, Derek Yee and the cast and crew seem to be far too intelligent and sophisticated to beat you over the head with the valuable life lesson. In the end we get a half-engaging, half laughably bad film. Derek Yee seems to have done his homework, and he seems to not only understand the world of drug both as a business and as a crime, but also to depict it beautifully and coherently for the average viewer. Unfortunately that understanding does not translate to the other half of the drug trade nor the movie, in which great actors do their best zombie/ drunk impressions in attempts to scare the viewers straight. It really is heartbreaking when something is only half good. It's a shame too, since real junkies live in much more pain and horror than the fake movie ones, and, for better or worse, anyone with any exposure to the streets (in any major city) these days can tell the difference between gritty realism and gritty caricature. Put it this way: if Zhang Jingchu's junkie reacts to withdraw the same way she reacts to a scary kungfu master in "Seven Swords", then it can't be that convincing. The good news is, you can always rent Half Nelson or The Wire, the latter pretty much is the movie The Protégé (and many many other movies and shows about drugs and crime) wants to me.

Protégé pulls NO PUNCHES.

[angelsfang · 25 February 2008]

Right hook! BAM! The HK audience is knocked out!

Protégé pulls no punches at all. It is by far one of the most disturbing mainstream films I've ever seen (from Hong Kong), with certain scenes resembling those of Nicolas Cage's 8mm. This makes Protégé quite unique, and delivers a powerful and thought provoking message to those curious about hard drugs. Very Hollywood feel here.

However, I have a mixed response to the movie itself. While it's certainly not bad, it never really "wow'd" me either. It's decent, which gets it a 7 rating, and if you have the stomach for some very sick and disturbing scenes (like I said, it pulls no punches, it pushes the rating to the limit), go ahead and rent it. I think perhaps that I'm not used to seeing Daniel Wu in this sort of role, I won't reveal too much but let's just say he's come a long way in his acting career, this particular role might've been suited to someone else, someone newer and more raw. Don't get me wrong he is good, but it's very different to his more recent projects.

Daniel Wu - Good ..... Andy Lau - Good/Great ..... Louis Koo - Great ..... Jingchu Zhang - Brilliant, memorable ..... Anita Yuen - Fat! ..... The little girl - Very cute!

Oh, last but not least, watch out for the raid scene. It's friggin awesome, it's evidence that Hong Kong cinema is finally moving forward again, and it's picking up speed!

You don't have to like Chinese films to appreciate this.

[misterhappy-1 · 10/10 · 31 March 2007]

I saw this movie in the Hong Kong IFC mall before I got the train to the airport. It is one of the best films I have ever seen. I am a huge Daniel Wu fan anyway, and I related to his relationship with his smack-head neighbour straight away, having lived with a smack-head with a little daughter. Some of the "it's not my fault" statements by the neighbour and her slimy husband seemed very familiar to me. Judging by the reaction of other (Chinese) people in the cinema, it was familiar to them as well. I expect this film to be available soon on DVD. When it does I will buy it instantly. I can recommend it totally to any HK film fan, and to anyone else who appreciates films that make you think.

surprised on left foot

[and_you_still_wonder · 10/10 · 24 February 2012]

When i first saw just a label on this DVD, my first thought was, another karate film with some gang stuff. But i must tell you that i am not often so pleasantly surprised about one movie, like with this one. It is not only dark world of heroin users,dealers, cops etc. this movie is much more. It is a very deep story which keeps you in it for a whole movie and makes you feel despair,wonder,ill and even sometimes makes you laugh. It is not possible that this movie will not touch you deep in your heart, the scenes with addict mother and her small daughter, are simply heartbreaking.Specially recommending for people who had some personal drug experience.

A first-rate drama about the terrors of heroin and undercover isolation. Great performances are the best aspect.

[tntokmenko · 8/10 · 7 February 2013]

The material isn't anything new, however the plot combines two age-old Hollywood stories to create a hybrid drama which gives it the fresh feel. On one end of the plot we have our central protagonist Daniel Wu dealing with the isolation of being an undercover cop and his past trauma with drug abuse. On the other end of the plot is his infiltration into Andy Lau's heroin ring, and his attempts to become the successor to the operation in order to solidify his case. Unfortunately the story on its own is fairly stale, although what polishes the movie greatly is the excellent cinematography and standout performances from Wu and Lau. There are some fantastic visuals which capture the mood of the characters and run down environments around them. In addition the audience can tell Wu and Lau are really passionate about their roles and they react to their dialogue and environments genuinely to where you understand what each is thinking without a word needing to be said. The execution of the crime-drama material here is superb and feels on par with that of Johnnie To. The various DVD covers of this movie are deceptive however, and in no way is this an action feature. This is a slowly paced drama about one cop's different confrontations with heroin and it's many users. In that sense the film is flawless, and does what a good drama should, but at the same time the conclusion doesn't offer any surprises. -8/10

It's just a matter of demand and supply.

[shu-fen · 17 September 2007]

Ordinary development, good research on today's drug-dealing, satisfactory (only) acting, a just so-so plot plus a perfunctorily didactic story, nevertheless, I still recommend this as a light Sunday afternoon amuse-bouche.

We are living in a world of mixed, confusing values. What is right? What is wrong? Lin Quin is an extremely careful businessman. He has a clean family and clean life (he doesn't even smoke, not to mention drug). He is very clear-minded to the point of having a frozen heart without much feeling for the others. He knows, very rationally, all the tricks and danger of drug and drug-dealing. He knows, super-sensibly, the wants and behaviour of the drug consumers. Trafficking drug to him is only a means of accumulating wealth regardless whether it is harmful or evil. He even makes an analogy between cigarette and drug. According to the world system and world values, he is correct: as there is a demand, I supply. As the buyers (drug users) get what they want and I get what (the money) I want, we are both happy. Isn't that the world we are living in? Nick's remark at the opening and closing of the film somehow is a futile didactic statement. "For long, I didn't understand why people take drug.... actually it's all because of emptiness (loneliness). And, which is more horrible? Loneliness or drug? I really can't tell." No philosophy class but loneliness kills more, for sure, more destructive than drugs.

What touches my heart is the ending. Nick promises to continue his duty as a special agent (undercover). When loneliness comes, he also intends to take drug but at last his salvation is brought by "innocence" (personified by Jane's little daughter) who dumps the syringe for him. Only when we come to purity and innocence, goodness and kindness can we have a way out from evil.

Spectacular movie, simply put...

[paul_haakonsen · 8/10 · 30 August 2012]

For some reason I always put off watching "Protégé", which turned out to be a mistake on my end. This movie was nothing short of spectacular, and it is among the top five of Hong Kong movies that I have seen.

The story is about Nick (played by Daniel Wu) who is an undercover cop in the heart of the lucrative Hong Kong drug trade, working closely with Banker (played by Andy Lau). Nick becomes close to Banker and his family, and becomes Banker's protégé, set up to overtake the business as Banker plans to retire, as his health is failing and his age is catching up with him. At the same time, Nick sees the effects of drugs as his neighbor Jane (played by Jingchu Zhang) asks for help. She is alone with her daughter, having left her abusive husband (played by Louis Koo).

Of course it is a story about drug dealing and the underworld, but it is also the story of loyalties, friendships, and corruption.

I must admit that this is one of the more riveting and well-told stories that I have seen in a Hong Kong movie. It is a nice step away from the usual non-stop action or silly romantic comedies that Hong Kong cinema pumps out by the dozens. The story in "Protégé" is raw, harsh and direct. It is the type of movie that burrows deep and sticks with you.

Of course Andy Lau put on a great performance in this movie, as he always delivers. But I will say this as well, Daniel Wu really did a phenomenal performance in this movie, and normally I don't care much for his cocky acting. It was really nice to see his talent have flourished beyond his usual generic acting. And despite having only a minor supporting role, then Louis Koo really did deliver as well in the role of the abusive drug addict husband.

If you enjoy Hong Kong cinema, and haven't already made your acquaintance with "Protégé", then get to it, because it is a major milestone in Hong Kong cinema. Even if you are not particularly a fan of Hong Kong or Asian cinema, you can still enjoy this movie, because it is a great story told in the world of drugs.

"Protégé" is a worthy addition to any DVD collection, and a MUST to any collection of fans of Hong Kong or Asian cinema.

HK Neo Reviews: Protégé

[webmaster-3017 · 10/10 · 21 July 2010]

It's a great film, so stop using that needle… It's May and it's about time and once again director Derek Yee delivers quite possibility one of the best movie of 2007. Yee have created a powerful film, an almost flawless display and once again showing what a real HK film should be like. It is full credit to Yee's ability to extract the best from the potential filled Daniel Wu, a touch of lost flair from Andy Lau, capturing the innocence of Zhang Jingchu and perhaps a career boost for Louis Koo to finally step out of his comfort zone. It is Yee's ability to combine the above comments with relevant social concerns and in turn creating a powerfully driven and emotionally charged movie about the consequences of drug and beyond. It's been a while, since Neo clapped his hands and the effort that Yee and producer Peter Chan puts in deserves a lot more and in the progress showing to the HK audience that HK movies are still worth watching. Now that's something to be proud of.

It is a magical feeling that allows the audience to reflect upon the consequences of their actions and inactions. Yee goes beyond the undercover genre and miles above the drug industry, by using the imageries of birds as a focal point of humanity. Remember the days of the bird flu, and all of a sudden people are afraid of bird. Is it the bird's fault that they have caught the flu or is it the fault of human nature. As a result, we have to kill the birds and dispose of them, in order to stop the problem from getting worst. So why didn't we stop the problem, before the problem even arises? Such are questions that Yee tries to portray and after all, why do people take drugs. We all know drugs are bad, but yet people still addict into it. So does the fault goes towards the drug addicts for wanting it in the first place, or does the fault lies in the ones who create and sell them. This is where Andy Lau comes in and somehow he managed to portray the character in a manner that you do not usually see Andy as. Then again, he could well be right, perhaps it is all about supply and demand – they want it, so I sell them.

Going into the film, I had no idea who directed it, but within seconds, you could feel the atmosphere and style of direction that only Derek Yee can manage. Daniel Wu should be proud of this performance, even though at times it's seemed like a rehash of his previous role in A Nite in Mongkok, but still it is easily Wu's best ever performance. It is his ability to carry the film on his shoulder with Andy Lau looking on, is an image that shows the fact of Wu's finally coming of age. It is great news for HK cinema and his facial expressions and acting have steadily improved. Not unlike Andy Lau's protégé, Wu is just as hard working and as Neo claimed from day one, you can see the effort that Wu tries is clearly his best. It shows that hard work might not make you a natural talent, but at the very least it does make up for it. Another person worthy of praise, is the scene stealing cameo performance from Louis Koo, who for the first time in years, he is able to step out of his shadow within the blink of romantic comedies. It is bravo effort and an immensely tense display of druggie. Andy Lau has decided to take a step back and allow a young protégé in Wu to shine and in the progress he is able to portray a character and a personality that you rarely see in Lau's work. It is different from his acclaimed performances in Infernal Affairs and Running Out of Time, but instead this time his outsmarted and those moments in the toilet reminds us of what Lau is capable of.

It is also worthy of noting the return of much missed Anita Yuen, and while her role is almost non-existent and irrelevant, it is a welcoming return and clearly acted beyond her limited script. Last, but not least and quite possibility one of the most memorable performance in 2007, it is Zhang Jingchu. Zhang, who shined so brightly in Tsui Hark's Seven Swords, depicted a menacing display of being torn into a world of drugs and the tension of being a mother with an air of innocence in seducing Wu. It is ultimately a portrayal between the beauty and ugly side of human nature.

All in all, Protégé is a powerful film that leaves the audience thinking and continues to think. Drug is a bad thing, but sometimes it makes you wonder whether it is the feeling of emptiness caused by human nature and events that is far worst. Drug by itself is never a bad thing, but it is the people and their actions towards the drug that makes it a bad thing. Yee have shot a beautiful film and the use of birds to ultimate express the core of the film is nothing short of brilliance. With a team of Yee and Peter Chan, it is hard to imagine what can really go wrong and not surprising together they have created something important. It is probably not flawless, but in Neo's honest opinion, he can not find any. Perhaps you can criticize the lack of development of some characters, but really it isn't worth noting. Yee have created something special and delivered a present to the doorstep of every eagerly awaiting HK cinema lovers. It may sound cliché, but Neo just love it…

I rate it 10/10

• www.thehkneo.com

Best movie of its genre

[ebiros2 · 9/10 · 3 June 2009]

By watching how life of people surrounding heroin, this movie will touch you. The story is that up close, and no one has succeeded in bringing this topic in such a surreal way to the big screen as the Protégé.

Director Derek Yee brings no bares held tale of undercover cop, Hong Kong drug lord, and the lives of people affected by the use of heroin in a tight plot and excellent script.

The framing of the visuals, the portrayal of the people of this level can only be accomplished by an excellent movie, and this movie takes it to the next level.

If you've never seen this movie, you owe it to yourself to see it. It brings a new level of story telling to the cops vs drug lord genre.

An intense and deep film

[AscendeSuperius · 8/10 · 2 October 2021]

Like the myriad of amazing Hong Kong films that have come out over the years, this one was no exception. The plot was absolutely magnificent. The acting, a joy to watch. It was intense and it was deep, showing how the undercover cop had to deal with his values and ideals, and yet have to betray the one that he spent his life with. Really, words cannot explain the emotions I felt watching this film.

Unflinchinly tense

[DanTheMan2150AD · 8/10 · 6 February 2024]

A gripping, often uncompromising look at the Hong Kong drug trade, Protégé takes a tried and tested storytelling formula and marries it to compelling cinematic finesse caught up in a cobweb of drugs, loyalties and deceit. Mercifully unpretentious, the film is directed with remarkable proficiency by Derek Yee, offering a look at both sides of the drug coin: those who profit from it and those who ultimately suffer from it. By keeping it more personal, Yee's film feels more intimate and urgent, more satisfyingly intriguing, helped in no small regard by its star power. A greyed-up Andy Lau is as great as ever, offering up a sympathetic spin on an otherwise purely business-focused drug lord, while Daniel Wu plays off of Lau with a subtle and controlled rage. With its smart script, solid acting and tight directing Protégé varies from intense drama to dreamlike to subtle shades of black comedy yet never feels like an afterschool special or an obvious morality tale.

HK did it again

[ronaldocarey · 10/10 · 3 January 2020]

I'm not gonna write much. Watch it. This is not your typical Chase and run action flick. There is substance to it.

love life, far away from drugs.

[yz402 · 12 May 2011]

Moon to was showed on 2007, it was direct by the famous Hong Kong director Tung Shing Yee. This film combines with criminal, discourse and thriller. The story told about an undercover police—Nick took part in an organization which was make heroin. Nick has followed with Banker for about 8 years, he wanted to dig the most deeply secrets of this organization out and damaged the biggest heroin marketing. In his pretending life, he was fall in love with his neighbor—Fen, who was addicted to drugs, it makes Nick confusing and angry, he began hated the producer of drugs, it caused Nick wanted to arrest even quicker, but on the other hand, Nick was very contradict, because he has along with Banker for 8 years, he did not understand who he is, a police or a bad guy. In this film, Andy Lau was act Banker, in front of his wife, daughter, he was very gentle and very care about his daughter. Besides, he had a dark side, no compassion. In order to make the biggest benefits, he did not care other people. Nick's neighbor –Fen, drugs for long time, at the beginning when Nick met Fen until Fen die on the sofa, her expression was same, it seems to emphasize that the drugs user life has no vitality, she tried to give up drugs, but at the end, her death make the audiences sick. Fen's husband also was a drug user; he always tempted Fen to drug with him and sold his daughter to make money to buy drugs. Director expressed the relationships between buyer and user, drug is very experience, buyers make advantage to get more money, drug users in order to have drugs exposed the cruelty of human nature. Through this film, audience has deeply realized the details about drugs. Moon to is a heavy film, it makes people thought-provoking. Expect actors, director make the atmosphere changed somber, the red gorgeous sofa, the hand, and a lot of mouse, these images make people shaken. It was tell people that drugs is harmful to people, it not only bad for health, but also can change a family and it is enough to destroy a life.