Firestorm (2013 film): Difference between revisions
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==Production== |
==Production== |
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Filming for ''Firestorm'' began in November 2012 and was wrapped up on 1 February 2013. Filming locations included [[North Point]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaynestars.com/movies/andy-lau-trapped-in-car-in-the-storm/|title=Andy Lau Trapped in Car in "The Storm"}}</ref> [[Government House, Hong Kong|Government House]] and [[Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens]] in the [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]] and [[Sheung Wan]] areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andylausounds.com/?p=9563|title=Fans gathered to catch Andy’s shooting Storm}}</ref> |
Filming for ''Firestorm'' began in November 2012 and was wrapped up on 1 February 2013. Filming locations included [[North Point]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaynestars.com/movies/andy-lau-trapped-in-car-in-the-storm/|title=Andy Lau Trapped in Car in "The Storm"}}</ref> [[Government House, Hong Kong|Government House]] and [[Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens]] in the [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]] and [[Sheung Wan]] areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andylausounds.com/?p=9563|title=Fans gathered to catch Andy’s shooting Storm}}</ref> |
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==Critical reception== |
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''Firestorm'' received mixed to positive review from critics. Derek Elley of [[Film Business Asia]] gave a positive review praising the acting, especially by [[Andy Lau]] and [[Gordon Lam]], strong characters and action sequences, referring it as "one of the best Hong Kong shoot-'em-ups in recent memory, with top playing and action. Asian and genre events, plus ancillary."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmbiz.asia/reviews/firestorm|title=Firestorm 風暴 review}}</ref> Gabriel Chong of [http://www.moviexclusive.com/index.php?c=2&desc=Home MovieXclusive] also gave a positive review praising the action choreography, twisty and compelling narrative and the tight engaging script and referring it as "the must-see Hong Kong action thriller of the year that’s packed with exhilarating action, a compelling plot, and a commanding lead performance from Andy Lau."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moviexclusive.com/detail.php?c=54&desc=F&p=2633&t=firestorm-3911826292-2013_2633|title=FIRESTORM (风暴) (2013) - MovieXclusive.com}}</ref> [[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out Hong Kong]] gave the film three stars out of five praising the action sequences, strong performances and visual effects that were never seen in Hong Kong cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timeout-admin-node1.candrholdings.com/film/events/62686/firestorm.html|title=''Firestorm'' Film Review}}</ref> |
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On the other hand, James Marsh of [[Twitch Film]] gave the film a mixed reviewing praising it for having "a vibrant, kinetic aesthetic that attempts to keep its audience in a state of breathless anticipation throughout" and also criticizing "the over-reliance on computer-generated effects and the almost total absence of plot or characterisation make ''Firestorm'' an incredibly loud, yet hollow experience." He ultimately concludes the review stating "Where ''Firestorm'' succeeds is through its sheer audacity - it's flagrant disregard for narrative, logic or motivation - but overwhelming commitment to brutal, often unnecessary violence and a desire to impress through excess. The film frequently surprises in its willingness to push the envelope further than most mainstream Hong Kong thrillers would dare, in terms of collateral damage, challenging our sympathies for perceived "heroic" characters, and the boundaries of plausibility and good taste."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twitchfilm.com/2013/12/review-firestorm-is-extremely-loud-and-totally-insane.html|title=Review: FIRESTORM Is Extremely Loud And Totally Insane}}</ref> Clarence Tsui of [[The Hollywood Reporter]] also gave a mixed review praising Lam's performance and action choreography by [[Chin Kar-lok]], but criticizing the action sequences as "bombastic" and the film "could not read as anything more than just an action thriller."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/firestorm-fung-bo-film-review-661412|title=Firestorm (Fung Bo): Film Review}}</ref> |
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Although the film has yet to receive a percentage rating on the Tomatometer of [[Rotten Tomatoes]], it has received a 100% based on ratings by users.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/firestorm_2014/|title=Forestorm - Rotten Tomatoes]</ref> |
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==Awards and nominations== |
==Awards and nominations== |
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Revision as of 22:38, 26 June 2014
| Firestorm | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Alan Yuen |
| Written by | Alan Yuen |
| Produced by | Andy Lau William Kong |
| Starring | Andy Lau Yao Chen Gordon Lam Hu Jun Ray Lui |
| Cinematography | Chan Chi-ying |
| Edited by | Kwong Chi-leung Ron Chan |
| Music by | Peter Kam |
Production companies | Edko Films Sil-Metropole Organisation Focus Films Good Friends Entertainment China Dream Film Culture Productions Ample Ideas (Hong Kong) International He Xin Zhongshan Jin Investment Management Elegance Media Guangdong Company Youku Tudou Inc |
| Distributed by | Edko Films |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 109 minutes |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Languages | Cantonese Mandarin |
| Budget | US$20,000,000[1] |
| Box office | US$56,382,533[2][3] |
Firestorm is a 2013 Hong Kong action film written and directed by Alan Yuen, produced by and starring Andy Lau. The film was converted to 3D during post-production, making it the first 3D Hong Kong police action film.[4] Firestorm was chosen to be the opening film at Screen Singapore held on 4 December 2013 where Lau and co-star Gordon Lam walked the red carpet for the film's premiere.[5] The film also opened the 56th Asia Pacific Film Festival on 13 December 2013 in Macau.[6] In addition, Firestorm also had its North American premier at the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival on 3 May 2014.[7]
Plot
A storm is heading to the city of Hong Kong, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches.
A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Cao Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation.
A hardboiled senior police inspector Lui Ming-chit (Andy Lau), hot on the trails of Nam and his tight crew, determines to put an end to this madness that causes the lives of innocent people. But he soon comes face with the cruel reality that the usual police tactics are too futile to send these armed thieves behind bars. Extreme crime requires extreme justice, even if it means crossing his moral line. To Shing-bong (Gordon Lam), an ex-con desperate to leave his criminal past behind, volunteers to be Lui’s informant in exchange for a fresh start with his girlfriend Yin Bing (Yao Chen). But little does he know what hellish situation he is getting himself into.
While Nam is putting together his next big score, the two colliding forces from both sides of the law, each at the top of their games, will soon face their archenemies. As Lui’s hunt heats up, their ultimate confrontation is about to take place on the streets.
As the storm passes through and the dust settles, whoever survives can hardly cope with its horrifying aftermath.
Cast
- Andy Lau as Senior Inspector Lui Ming-chit (呂明哲)
- Yao Chen as Law Yin-bing (羅燕冰)
- Gordon Lam as To Shing-bong (陶成邦)
- Hu Jun as Cao Nam (曹南)
- Ray Lui as Paco (啪哥)
- Philip Keung as Tong Keung (唐強)
- Kenny Wong as Sergeant Chiu Kin-kwok (趙建國)
- Oscar Leung as Kit (杰)
- Michael Tong as Jackal (傻豹)
- Vincent Sze as Sergeant Szeto Yat-ming (司徒一鳴)
- Terence Yin as Goofy (高飛)
- Sammy Hung as Dicky
- Michael Wong as Chief Superintendent Choi (蔡警司)
- Wong Cho-lam as Correctional Service Superintendent
- Alex Tsui as Police negotiator
- Eddie Cheung as truck driver
- Ben Wong as S.D.U. Team Leader
- Bob Lam as Attorney
- Mandy Wong as Yin Bin's colleague
- Lo Hoi-pang as Uncle Chi
- Grace Wong as female victim
- Bonnie Sin as hostage
- Lavinia Smith as Nipple
- Cheung Kwok-keung as CIB Sergeant Chow (周Sir)
- Hayama Go as Daffy (大飛)
- SIR JBS@24HERBS as Au Yeung
- Phat@24HERBS as Phat
- William Chan
Production
Filming for Firestorm began in November 2012 and was wrapped up on 1 February 2013. Filming locations included North Point,[8] Government House and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens in the Central and Sheung Wan areas.[9]
Critical reception
Firestorm received mixed to positive review from critics. Derek Elley of Film Business Asia gave a positive review praising the acting, especially by Andy Lau and Gordon Lam, strong characters and action sequences, referring it as "one of the best Hong Kong shoot-'em-ups in recent memory, with top playing and action. Asian and genre events, plus ancillary."[10] Gabriel Chong of MovieXclusive also gave a positive review praising the action choreography, twisty and compelling narrative and the tight engaging script and referring it as "the must-see Hong Kong action thriller of the year that’s packed with exhilarating action, a compelling plot, and a commanding lead performance from Andy Lau."[11] Time Out Hong Kong gave the film three stars out of five praising the action sequences, strong performances and visual effects that were never seen in Hong Kong cinema.[12]
On the other hand, James Marsh of Twitch Film gave the film a mixed reviewing praising it for having "a vibrant, kinetic aesthetic that attempts to keep its audience in a state of breathless anticipation throughout" and also criticizing "the over-reliance on computer-generated effects and the almost total absence of plot or characterisation make Firestorm an incredibly loud, yet hollow experience." He ultimately concludes the review stating "Where Firestorm succeeds is through its sheer audacity - it's flagrant disregard for narrative, logic or motivation - but overwhelming commitment to brutal, often unnecessary violence and a desire to impress through excess. The film frequently surprises in its willingness to push the envelope further than most mainstream Hong Kong thrillers would dare, in terms of collateral damage, challenging our sympathies for perceived "heroic" characters, and the boundaries of plausibility and good taste."[13] Clarence Tsui of The Hollywood Reporter also gave a mixed review praising Lam's performance and action choreography by Chin Kar-lok, but criticizing the action sequences as "bombastic" and the film "could not read as anything more than just an action thriller."[14]
Although the film has yet to receive a percentage rating on the Tomatometer of Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a 100% based on ratings by users.[15]
Awards and nominations
- 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards
- Nominated: Best Action Choreography (Chin Kar-lok)
- Nominated: Best Editing (Kwong Chi Leung, Ron Chan)
- Nominated: Best Visual Effects (Yu Kwok Leung, Lai Man Chun, Ho Kwan Cheung, Lam Ka Lok)
- Nominated: Best New Director (Alan Yuen)
- 12th Huading Awards
- Won: Top Ten Chinese Films
References
- ^ "Edko Films whips up Firestorm".
- ^ "FIRESTORM (2013)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2014-04-24.
- ^ "台灣週末票房收入:2014年 第 04 週01-24~01-26". Retrieved 2014-04-24.
- ^ "影／劉德華博命掀《風暴》 訓斥劇組嘆當偶像難".
- ^ Brzeski, Patrick (18 November 2013). "Andy Lau's 'Firestorm' to Open ScreenSingapore". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "Andy Lau's Firestorm to open 56th Asia-Pacific Film Fest".
- ^ "Firestorm | SFFS".
- ^ "Andy Lau Trapped in Car in "The Storm"".
- ^ "Fans gathered to catch Andy's shooting Storm".
- ^ "Firestorm 風暴 review".
- ^ "FIRESTORM (风暴) (2013) - MovieXclusive.com".
- ^ "Firestorm Film Review".
- ^ "Review: FIRESTORM Is Extremely Loud And Totally Insane".
- ^ "Firestorm (Fung Bo): Film Review".
- ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/firestorm_2014/%7Ctitle=Forestorm - Rotten Tomatoes]