22 reviews
While writers and directors are well known for using other people's ideas and techniques, there is no greater flattery than direct copying. It is said that the remake of Psycho in 1998 was done shot for shot, for example; yet that effort garners barely 4.5 here at IMDb, a losing score for me to watch.
Beast Stalker is not a remake of anything, yet it takes a key ingredient from Amores Perros (2000) – an horrific car crash – that sets the scene for the subsequent action and reaction amongst and between the players. As with Amores Perros, without the crash – a visceral metaphor for the ways in which people interact and impact upon each other in daily life – there would be no plot and no movie called Beast Stalker.
That plot circles around four players, essentially: Sergeant Tong Fe (Nicholas Tse), a tough, go-getter cop who rules his team with an iron will; Ann Gao (Jingchu Zhang), a government prosecutor determined to bring a top criminal to justice for murder during an armed robbery; her daughter, Ling (Suet-yin Wong) who is kidnapped to force Ann to falsify crucial evidence against the top criminal; and Hung King (Nick Cheung), presumably the 'beast' of the story and kidnapper of cute little Ling.
The story really begins when Tong Fe, three months after the car crash, is at the school from which Ling is kidnapped and as Ann arrives to pick her up. Hung King gets away with the girl, and Tong Fe promises Ann that he will find Ling. The hunt is on...but time is of the essence: the trial of the bank robber/murderer is in 24 hours.
For reasons that are best explained in the movie, Tong Fe decides to act alone. A lucky break allows him to narrow his search to a specific set of cramped apartments which he begins to scrutinize and search in a variety of ways; and during which, he is eventually assisted by a couple of his police colleagues and a plucky Ling who is able to get location information out by cell phone to Tong Fe and her mother. As night falls, Tong Fe zeros in on an apartment brilliantly lit by a giant, red neon advertising light, and when he spots Ling through a window, he knows he'll be able to keep his promise to Ann. Or so he thinks.
The final act that brings closure for the players I'll leave you to enjoy without spoiling it. Suffice to say the suspense, action and excitement are well worth your time, and are as good as it gets. Better yet, the epilogue is, absolutely, emotional dynamite; so don't miss it.
Technically, the production is brilliant: well paced and well photographed, although it suffers from too many, repetitive zoom shots; but the editing is stunning in parts, particularly the slo-mo action in the crash. If you've seen some of the slo-mo explosions in The Hurt Locker (2008), you know what I mean. Coupled with appropriate flashbacks to fill in various back-stories, the entire filmic experience is well-structured and easy to follow.
Finally, though, a word about the title: considering the overall thematic thrust – personal redemption – the title is, I think, misleading at best. Hung King, as the main antagonist, has unselfish and even laudable motivations that drive him to commit a terrible criminal act. And likewise, none of the protagonists – Tong Fe and Ann Gao, particularly – are squeaky clean, either. Moreover, as we all know, given appropriate stimulus and context, anybody can perform a heinous crime, offensively or defensively. All of which raises an age-old question: does the end always justify the means? Think on that when you see this one and especially when you get to the epilogue.
Give this offering a good eight out of ten.
Recommended for all, except young kiddies (too much violence).
January 3, 2013
Beast Stalker is not a remake of anything, yet it takes a key ingredient from Amores Perros (2000) – an horrific car crash – that sets the scene for the subsequent action and reaction amongst and between the players. As with Amores Perros, without the crash – a visceral metaphor for the ways in which people interact and impact upon each other in daily life – there would be no plot and no movie called Beast Stalker.
That plot circles around four players, essentially: Sergeant Tong Fe (Nicholas Tse), a tough, go-getter cop who rules his team with an iron will; Ann Gao (Jingchu Zhang), a government prosecutor determined to bring a top criminal to justice for murder during an armed robbery; her daughter, Ling (Suet-yin Wong) who is kidnapped to force Ann to falsify crucial evidence against the top criminal; and Hung King (Nick Cheung), presumably the 'beast' of the story and kidnapper of cute little Ling.
The story really begins when Tong Fe, three months after the car crash, is at the school from which Ling is kidnapped and as Ann arrives to pick her up. Hung King gets away with the girl, and Tong Fe promises Ann that he will find Ling. The hunt is on...but time is of the essence: the trial of the bank robber/murderer is in 24 hours.
For reasons that are best explained in the movie, Tong Fe decides to act alone. A lucky break allows him to narrow his search to a specific set of cramped apartments which he begins to scrutinize and search in a variety of ways; and during which, he is eventually assisted by a couple of his police colleagues and a plucky Ling who is able to get location information out by cell phone to Tong Fe and her mother. As night falls, Tong Fe zeros in on an apartment brilliantly lit by a giant, red neon advertising light, and when he spots Ling through a window, he knows he'll be able to keep his promise to Ann. Or so he thinks.
The final act that brings closure for the players I'll leave you to enjoy without spoiling it. Suffice to say the suspense, action and excitement are well worth your time, and are as good as it gets. Better yet, the epilogue is, absolutely, emotional dynamite; so don't miss it.
Technically, the production is brilliant: well paced and well photographed, although it suffers from too many, repetitive zoom shots; but the editing is stunning in parts, particularly the slo-mo action in the crash. If you've seen some of the slo-mo explosions in The Hurt Locker (2008), you know what I mean. Coupled with appropriate flashbacks to fill in various back-stories, the entire filmic experience is well-structured and easy to follow.
Finally, though, a word about the title: considering the overall thematic thrust – personal redemption – the title is, I think, misleading at best. Hung King, as the main antagonist, has unselfish and even laudable motivations that drive him to commit a terrible criminal act. And likewise, none of the protagonists – Tong Fe and Ann Gao, particularly – are squeaky clean, either. Moreover, as we all know, given appropriate stimulus and context, anybody can perform a heinous crime, offensively or defensively. All of which raises an age-old question: does the end always justify the means? Think on that when you see this one and especially when you get to the epilogue.
Give this offering a good eight out of ten.
Recommended for all, except young kiddies (too much violence).
January 3, 2013
Helpful•61
- RJBurke1942
- Jan 2, 2013
- Permalink
BEAST STALKER is one of those wonderful films – a crime movie with real heart behind it. The story may be hackneyed and predictable and the plot twists might be anything but, but in the end this film is a triumph because it gets to the real darkness and emotion behind the subject matter. Police procedurals and crime thrillers have long been popular in Hong Kong, but many of them are inevitably slick and soulless, providing entertainment but without real depth to back it up. Not so BEAST STALKER.
The overall story is one of kidnapping, but there's much more going on with the film than that. Both heroes and villains are painted with the same level of painstaking care, so that in the end the film becomes all about character rather than cliché and the latest effort to make the hero look cool in front of a slow-motion explosion. The acting is a triumph; Nicholas Tse bags the fairly predictable role of the tortured cop and does a good job with it, but it's Nick Cheung as the would-be kidnapper who really shines. Cheung could easily have been over the top or theatrical in his turn as the film's villain, but instead he comes across as an all-too real person. He's one of the most interesting bad guys I've seen in a film, and he ignites every scene he takes part in with his dynamic performance.
Of course, at the end of the day this is still a thriller, and director Dante Lam makes sure we don't forget it. There are car crashes, fist fights, shoot-outs and foot chases, and all of them are portrayed with the maximum excitement. This is the first time I've seen a film of Lam's, and I love his cinematography: he sets the scene in long shots before moving in close and staying in close whether dialogue or action is playing out. It adds a level of realism and catapults the viewer into the film in an effective, engaging way. On the strength of BEAST STALKER I'm already eager to track down more of the director's work.
The overall story is one of kidnapping, but there's much more going on with the film than that. Both heroes and villains are painted with the same level of painstaking care, so that in the end the film becomes all about character rather than cliché and the latest effort to make the hero look cool in front of a slow-motion explosion. The acting is a triumph; Nicholas Tse bags the fairly predictable role of the tortured cop and does a good job with it, but it's Nick Cheung as the would-be kidnapper who really shines. Cheung could easily have been over the top or theatrical in his turn as the film's villain, but instead he comes across as an all-too real person. He's one of the most interesting bad guys I've seen in a film, and he ignites every scene he takes part in with his dynamic performance.
Of course, at the end of the day this is still a thriller, and director Dante Lam makes sure we don't forget it. There are car crashes, fist fights, shoot-outs and foot chases, and all of them are portrayed with the maximum excitement. This is the first time I've seen a film of Lam's, and I love his cinematography: he sets the scene in long shots before moving in close and staying in close whether dialogue or action is playing out. It adds a level of realism and catapults the viewer into the film in an effective, engaging way. On the strength of BEAST STALKER I'm already eager to track down more of the director's work.
Helpful•61
- Leofwine_draca
- Aug 6, 2012
- Permalink
Tagline: Dante Lam is back in form
Review by Neo: Ever since directing Beast Cop, Dante Lam seems to have gone brainless, but with exactly a decade onwards, Lam is finally delivering in Beast Stalker. Although the material does not bombard anything about freshness, there is no reason to be negative, as there are plenty of moments of reasonable excitement to make it one of the better lights of 2008 HK Cinema. While Beast Stalker is by all means dark, it is also lighter than Beast Cops, especially when taken into account of the somewhat redeeming finale. A good film by all means, but on the scale of Lam's best efforts (Neo mentioning Beast Cop for X number of times), it pales. Luckily, the above is more of a positive comment than negative, as any film worthy of comparison with the aforementioned flick cannot be too bad.
Even the current reviewer is annoyed by how many times, Neo have somewhat mentioned the word, Beast Cop. For god sake, this is not a promotional fest of former great movies, but rather looking at the future of HK cinema, with a view of the past. Years, ago back in Tiramisu, Nicholas Tse portrayed himself as a somewhat capable actor and from there, he has gone from worst to bad. Luckily, Tse has finally come of age and the result is showing in a somewhat pleasing display of serious acting chops. Still, there are a lot of cons that would require mentioning, like moments of Tse being angry or frustrated comes of more laughable than convincing. Without being a pessimist there is a lot to cheer about Tse's latest display and Neo can safely claim it as one of his best display since Goddess of Mercy.
There is no question that Nick Cheung is one heck of an actor and his steer away from comedy is certainly one of the best career moves for Cheung. It has been noted, that Neo first realise his potential as a serious actor way back in 1998, when he was actively involved in TVB. His role as a good guy turned villain was menacing and in recent years, Cheung has shown that Neo was right about him. Here, his villainous turn is by no means the typical carbon copy, but rather multi-dimensional and the result is menacing, interesting and absolutely captivating. Cheung has come a long way and perhaps award recognition is just around the corner.
There is a saying when all actors are in their best form, the film usually works. Well, to be honest, there is no such saying, but it does rings quite true. Luckily, good things usually come in three and surely one of the better actresses in recent years, Zhang Jing Chu (The Protégé), can do no wrong. After Neo acclaiming her as Best Actress for her immensely scene stealing role as a junkie mother in Protégé, Zhang does not disappoint and she handles her role with ease, While by no means on the same class as her performance in Protégé, it is still more than adequate enough to allow the audience to relate to her character. An actress to watch in years to come and the scene when she realise she has indirectly caused the death of her own child is just captivating to endure.
Director Dante Lam loves brutal straight forward, fist to fist fights and he makes good use of this to further enhance the realism of the work. Beast Stalker works because; Dante Lam tries hard to focus on the characters and allows them to flourish. All in all, Beast Stalker is suitably dark, filled with three capable performances and a redeeming finale to round it out. While it is true that the film falls short of reaching the dazzling heights in Beast Cop, it is great news to announce that director Lam is back to what he does best and finally approaching the sort of form that seem to have eluded from his wane, for the last decade. Basically, cutting all the above crap, it really just requires the following line: a film that Neo recommends viewing (Neo 2009)
I rate it 8/10
Review by Neo: Ever since directing Beast Cop, Dante Lam seems to have gone brainless, but with exactly a decade onwards, Lam is finally delivering in Beast Stalker. Although the material does not bombard anything about freshness, there is no reason to be negative, as there are plenty of moments of reasonable excitement to make it one of the better lights of 2008 HK Cinema. While Beast Stalker is by all means dark, it is also lighter than Beast Cops, especially when taken into account of the somewhat redeeming finale. A good film by all means, but on the scale of Lam's best efforts (Neo mentioning Beast Cop for X number of times), it pales. Luckily, the above is more of a positive comment than negative, as any film worthy of comparison with the aforementioned flick cannot be too bad.
Even the current reviewer is annoyed by how many times, Neo have somewhat mentioned the word, Beast Cop. For god sake, this is not a promotional fest of former great movies, but rather looking at the future of HK cinema, with a view of the past. Years, ago back in Tiramisu, Nicholas Tse portrayed himself as a somewhat capable actor and from there, he has gone from worst to bad. Luckily, Tse has finally come of age and the result is showing in a somewhat pleasing display of serious acting chops. Still, there are a lot of cons that would require mentioning, like moments of Tse being angry or frustrated comes of more laughable than convincing. Without being a pessimist there is a lot to cheer about Tse's latest display and Neo can safely claim it as one of his best display since Goddess of Mercy.
There is no question that Nick Cheung is one heck of an actor and his steer away from comedy is certainly one of the best career moves for Cheung. It has been noted, that Neo first realise his potential as a serious actor way back in 1998, when he was actively involved in TVB. His role as a good guy turned villain was menacing and in recent years, Cheung has shown that Neo was right about him. Here, his villainous turn is by no means the typical carbon copy, but rather multi-dimensional and the result is menacing, interesting and absolutely captivating. Cheung has come a long way and perhaps award recognition is just around the corner.
There is a saying when all actors are in their best form, the film usually works. Well, to be honest, there is no such saying, but it does rings quite true. Luckily, good things usually come in three and surely one of the better actresses in recent years, Zhang Jing Chu (The Protégé), can do no wrong. After Neo acclaiming her as Best Actress for her immensely scene stealing role as a junkie mother in Protégé, Zhang does not disappoint and she handles her role with ease, While by no means on the same class as her performance in Protégé, it is still more than adequate enough to allow the audience to relate to her character. An actress to watch in years to come and the scene when she realise she has indirectly caused the death of her own child is just captivating to endure.
Director Dante Lam loves brutal straight forward, fist to fist fights and he makes good use of this to further enhance the realism of the work. Beast Stalker works because; Dante Lam tries hard to focus on the characters and allows them to flourish. All in all, Beast Stalker is suitably dark, filled with three capable performances and a redeeming finale to round it out. While it is true that the film falls short of reaching the dazzling heights in Beast Cop, it is great news to announce that director Lam is back to what he does best and finally approaching the sort of form that seem to have eluded from his wane, for the last decade. Basically, cutting all the above crap, it really just requires the following line: a film that Neo recommends viewing (Neo 2009)
I rate it 8/10
- www.thehkneo.com
Helpful•31
- webmaster-3017
- Sep 6, 2010
- Permalink
- basilisksamuk
- Jul 15, 2012
- Permalink
Helpful•22
- captain_astronaut
- May 31, 2022
- Permalink
A better than average H.K. thriller - even with the "Over the top" acting and special effects.
With the usual convoluted plot and moral high ground for the "good guys", it seemed it might be a tight squeeze to tie up all the loose ends by the end of the picture. But, in the end, everything is nicely bundled and the emotional resolution is accompanied by the satisfaction of knowing how all the principals fit together.
There may be a remake by Tarentino, but he'll be hard pressed to find a kid as cute as the one in this flick. (All the kids are cute in this one!)
With the usual convoluted plot and moral high ground for the "good guys", it seemed it might be a tight squeeze to tie up all the loose ends by the end of the picture. But, in the end, everything is nicely bundled and the emotional resolution is accompanied by the satisfaction of knowing how all the principals fit together.
There may be a remake by Tarentino, but he'll be hard pressed to find a kid as cute as the one in this flick. (All the kids are cute in this one!)
Helpful•49
- edchin2006
- Jan 3, 2010
- Permalink
Helpful•14
- dumsumdumfai
- Dec 3, 2009
- Permalink
Helpful•40
- greg-201-519789
- Jun 16, 2012
- Permalink
- BA_Harrison
- Aug 14, 2016
- Permalink
A Hong Kong police investigation goes horribly wrong and the lead detective quits. 3 years later he is thrust back into action when a girl gets kidnapped. With everything connecting back to the first event. With rather unique filmmaking, lots of handhold shots at unconvential positions, it's more personal. The setup takes a while to understand due to it being in Chinese and a lot of names are thrown out, but with patience you can understand it. What I was surprised by was the heart they gave to the kidnapper which left me feeling sorry for him and then afraid of him a scene later, he was very well done. The other characters though felt generic.
Helpful•01
- timothyhilditch
- Jan 15, 2022
- Permalink
This is the best Hong Kong cop thriller I have seen since "Infernal Affairs" and "Triad Election." All three films suggest critiques of Mainland China's relationship to Hong Kong chilling enough to raise them to a level of art. I expect a remake soon, although I don't think it will be as good as "The Departed."
For those with no interest or awareness in contemporary Chinese politics, "Beast Stalker" works perfectly well as a thriller. But with a little reflection many contemporary Chinese films like this can be decoded as profound commentaries on the current situation in China every bit as trenchant as Sixth Generation dramas. This is a golden age of Chinese cinema. Don't underestimate what you see.
For those with no interest or awareness in contemporary Chinese politics, "Beast Stalker" works perfectly well as a thriller. But with a little reflection many contemporary Chinese films like this can be decoded as profound commentaries on the current situation in China every bit as trenchant as Sixth Generation dramas. This is a golden age of Chinese cinema. Don't underestimate what you see.
Helpful•1116
- kampolam-75813
- Jan 22, 2023
- Permalink
Just saw Dante Lam's Beaststalker at Seattle International Film Festival and loved it. Can anyone tell me why he chose that title? In other words, what is the significance of the name "Beaststalker"? I haven't seen "Beast Cop," but is there some kind of convention or genre in HongKong cinema that would explain it?
To anyone who hasn't seen this film, I highly recommend it. The performances are outstanding, it's a real emotional roller-coaster, and is very cleverly put together. Here's hoping that the Americans don't try to remake it, as it would lose its real punch. The only good remake I've ever seen was "The Departed," and even that one didn't live up to the HK original.
To anyone who hasn't seen this film, I highly recommend it. The performances are outstanding, it's a real emotional roller-coaster, and is very cleverly put together. Here's hoping that the Americans don't try to remake it, as it would lose its real punch. The only good remake I've ever seen was "The Departed," and even that one didn't live up to the HK original.
Helpful•12
"Hong Kong action flick specialist Dante Lam's one-two punch THE BEAST STALKER and THE STOOL PIGEON are essentially manufactured by the same team. Both wrestle with the guilt conscience of police officers, one for his own accidental doing, the other over his maneuver towards at-risk informants, they are exemplars of Hong Kong cinema in the noughties, recruiting actors from mainland China into the indigenous milieu, and striving for a morally correct guidance (both are requisites to secure a lucrative Chinese market release)."
read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks.
read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks.
Helpful•00
- lasttimeisaw
- Apr 14, 2021
- Permalink
Many Hong Kong thrillers suffer from over styled over produced (by Hong Kong standard) and over acting. I feel like this one has none of those and it has a good story and direction to back everything up. Nick Tse is a pretty boy but this flick he plays a man all right. The film was released in 2008 and I just caught it in 2020. I have no expectation after seeing too many thoughtless glossy productions, but this one is an exception and a pleasant surprise.
Helpful•10
"The Beast Stalker" is a gripping cinematic masterpiece that takes audiences on a thrilling journey of redemption, compassion, and unrelenting suspense. Directed by Dante Lam, this Hong Kong crime thriller captivates from the opening scene to the closing credits, leaving viewers breathless and emotionally invested throughout.
The film tells the story of Sergeant Tong Fei (played flawlessly by Nicholas Tse), a dedicated cop haunted by a tragic accident that has left him emotionally scarred. When a desperate criminal, Hung King (stunningly portrayed by Nick Cheung), takes a young girl hostage during a botched robbery, Sergeant Tong finds himself caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to present complex characters that are flawed, vulnerable, and yet incredibly human. Nicholas Tse delivers a standout performance as Sergeant Tong, exuding a blend of stoicism and raw vulnerability that draws the audience deep into his emotional turmoil. Tse's portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the essence of a man desperate for redemption and willing to go to great lengths to save an innocent life.
Equally captivating is Nick Cheung's portrayal of Hung King, the hardened criminal with a surprising depth. Cheung masterfully portrays the intricate layers of his character, revealing glimpses of humanity beneath his ruthless exterior. The on-screen chemistry between Tse and Cheung is electrifying, adding an extra layer of tension to an already suspenseful narrative.
"The Beast Stalker" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its masterful pacing and expertly crafted action sequences. The adrenaline-fueled car chases and intense shootouts are executed with precision, showcasing director Dante Lam's exceptional talent for creating heart-pounding thrills. Yet, amidst the pulse-pounding action, the film never loses sight of its emotional core, continually reminding us of the fragile nature of the human condition.
What sets "The Beast Stalker" apart from other crime thrillers is its ability to explore profound themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the redemptive power of human connection. Through its intricate storytelling, the film prompts introspection, leaving audiences to ponder the fine line between good and evil, and the transformative impact of acts of compassion in a world dominated by darkness.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The atmospheric cinematography captures the gritty urban landscape of Hong Kong, amplifying the sense of urgency and danger that permeates the story. Combined with a hauntingly beautiful musical score, "The Beast Stalker" creates a sensory experience that immerses viewers in its gripping narrative.
In conclusion, "The Beast Stalker" is an exceptional film that transcends the boundaries of its genre. It boasts an outstanding cast, captivating performances, and a thought-provoking storyline that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, this film is a must-watch. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you both exhilarated and moved.
The film tells the story of Sergeant Tong Fei (played flawlessly by Nicholas Tse), a dedicated cop haunted by a tragic accident that has left him emotionally scarred. When a desperate criminal, Hung King (stunningly portrayed by Nick Cheung), takes a young girl hostage during a botched robbery, Sergeant Tong finds himself caught in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to present complex characters that are flawed, vulnerable, and yet incredibly human. Nicholas Tse delivers a standout performance as Sergeant Tong, exuding a blend of stoicism and raw vulnerability that draws the audience deep into his emotional turmoil. Tse's portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the essence of a man desperate for redemption and willing to go to great lengths to save an innocent life.
Equally captivating is Nick Cheung's portrayal of Hung King, the hardened criminal with a surprising depth. Cheung masterfully portrays the intricate layers of his character, revealing glimpses of humanity beneath his ruthless exterior. The on-screen chemistry between Tse and Cheung is electrifying, adding an extra layer of tension to an already suspenseful narrative.
"The Beast Stalker" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its masterful pacing and expertly crafted action sequences. The adrenaline-fueled car chases and intense shootouts are executed with precision, showcasing director Dante Lam's exceptional talent for creating heart-pounding thrills. Yet, amidst the pulse-pounding action, the film never loses sight of its emotional core, continually reminding us of the fragile nature of the human condition.
What sets "The Beast Stalker" apart from other crime thrillers is its ability to explore profound themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the redemptive power of human connection. Through its intricate storytelling, the film prompts introspection, leaving audiences to ponder the fine line between good and evil, and the transformative impact of acts of compassion in a world dominated by darkness.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The atmospheric cinematography captures the gritty urban landscape of Hong Kong, amplifying the sense of urgency and danger that permeates the story. Combined with a hauntingly beautiful musical score, "The Beast Stalker" creates a sensory experience that immerses viewers in its gripping narrative.
In conclusion, "The Beast Stalker" is an exceptional film that transcends the boundaries of its genre. It boasts an outstanding cast, captivating performances, and a thought-provoking storyline that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, this film is a must-watch. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you both exhilarated and moved.
Helpful•10
Sometimes what you're looking for is right in front of you. Sometimes you really have to look for it. In this case our main hero is trying to figure out who's responsible for a crime and what went down. Now some may think they know way before him, some may be right, but that is not what is good about this movie. It's the action and the actors that help the story and the movie itself.
There are some fancy elements in this that help create something exciting for the viewers. Suspense is high and it keeps it at a steady level. Good stunts and action scenes too
There are some fancy elements in this that help create something exciting for the viewers. Suspense is high and it keeps it at a steady level. Good stunts and action scenes too
Helpful•10
Dante Lam's 2008 crime thriller is one of my favourite modern Hong Kong films, and definitely one of the directors best. For me, this was the film that really set Lam in place with a style and tone we can now recognise as his, and right from there, we have had nothing but hit after hit from the director with pretty much everything that has followed!
Wonderfully directed by Dante, and filmed by his go-to cinematographer, Kenny Tse Chung To, Beast Stalker provides its viewers with an incredibly intense and spectacular ride, with great performances from all involved - especially from Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung with the latter winning Best Actor at a number of award ceremonies for his role as the one-eyed kidnapper with an agenda. Nicholas Tse plays the unfortunate cop who, after chasing down some gangsters in their car, suffers a fatal crash that changes the lives of all involved forever. A twist in that crash extends the pain and grief of Tse, taking him on an intense journey involving the kidnap of a child and the lengths he will go to for her rescue.
Its hard to write just too much about this incredible film without spoiling things for you, but all I can say is 'watch it'. Gritty and realistic in its approach, the film moves at a great pace while capturing many emotional and tense dramatic moments. While there may be a thousand cop or kidnap movies to pick from, Beast Stalker just does something a little different highlighted with some great acting, with Cheung igniting pretty much every scene he is in. Dante uses a lot of hand-held shots; intrusive and involved, whether its drama or action, making for a lot of nail-biting scenes and exiting moments!
I just love Beast Stalker! The action is provided by Stephen Tung Wei, and is a great mix of violent hand-to-hand, gun-play and more. The chase scene on the 1 hour mark is particularly tense and kicks-off an insane second half that barely lets-up! The ending is pretty amazing, both in terms of action and story, that is both thrilling and painful to watch, with a heart-wrenching final moment from the gorgeous, Nic Tse. I must also mention how fantastic the little kidnapped girl was in her role...
John Woo was amazing back in the day, but for me, Dante Lam has taken that crown right off the legendary director and is one of Hong Kong's finest, delivering a string of amazing action films consistently. I would love to see Lam direct Jackie Chan in a tight, action-thriller, much like Crime Story but even more intense. Fingers crossed!
Overall: Stunning in its cinematography, action and performances, Beast Stalker is highly recommended and one of my favourites of 21st century, Hong Kong cinema!
Wonderfully directed by Dante, and filmed by his go-to cinematographer, Kenny Tse Chung To, Beast Stalker provides its viewers with an incredibly intense and spectacular ride, with great performances from all involved - especially from Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung with the latter winning Best Actor at a number of award ceremonies for his role as the one-eyed kidnapper with an agenda. Nicholas Tse plays the unfortunate cop who, after chasing down some gangsters in their car, suffers a fatal crash that changes the lives of all involved forever. A twist in that crash extends the pain and grief of Tse, taking him on an intense journey involving the kidnap of a child and the lengths he will go to for her rescue.
Its hard to write just too much about this incredible film without spoiling things for you, but all I can say is 'watch it'. Gritty and realistic in its approach, the film moves at a great pace while capturing many emotional and tense dramatic moments. While there may be a thousand cop or kidnap movies to pick from, Beast Stalker just does something a little different highlighted with some great acting, with Cheung igniting pretty much every scene he is in. Dante uses a lot of hand-held shots; intrusive and involved, whether its drama or action, making for a lot of nail-biting scenes and exiting moments!
I just love Beast Stalker! The action is provided by Stephen Tung Wei, and is a great mix of violent hand-to-hand, gun-play and more. The chase scene on the 1 hour mark is particularly tense and kicks-off an insane second half that barely lets-up! The ending is pretty amazing, both in terms of action and story, that is both thrilling and painful to watch, with a heart-wrenching final moment from the gorgeous, Nic Tse. I must also mention how fantastic the little kidnapped girl was in her role...
John Woo was amazing back in the day, but for me, Dante Lam has taken that crown right off the legendary director and is one of Hong Kong's finest, delivering a string of amazing action films consistently. I would love to see Lam direct Jackie Chan in a tight, action-thriller, much like Crime Story but even more intense. Fingers crossed!
Overall: Stunning in its cinematography, action and performances, Beast Stalker is highly recommended and one of my favourites of 21st century, Hong Kong cinema!
Helpful•10
- Movie-Misfit
- Jun 11, 2020
- Permalink
Great film with lots of emotional scene. You're going to love the movie once you watch it
Helpful•10
- mohdnurhafifimastakin
- Sep 30, 2018
- Permalink
Helpful•10
Helpful•11
- ryanmo-35178
- Apr 3, 2021
- Permalink
