Fans of Hong Kong cinema are set for an intense experience with the release of ‘Bursting Point,’ a new crime thriller that marks the return of celebrated action film director Dante Lam Chiu-yin to local filmmaking. Known for his patriotic blockbusters in mainland China, Lam co-directs with newcomer Calvin Tong Wai-hon and brings his signature brutal style to this latest venture.
The film, with its disturbingly sadistic content, including characters being burnt alive, has rightfully earned a Category III (adults only) rating from Hong Kong censors. ‘Bursting Point’ dives into a complex and fast-paced story, beginning with a narcotics officer’s horrifying death during a drug bust. This sets the stage for a relentless battle between senior police inspector Bong (played by Nick Cheung Ka-fai) and the notorious drug-trafficking gang boss Young (Shaun Tam Chun-yin).
The plot, far from slowing down, thrusts forward two years, showing Bong launching another operation against Young’s illegal drug empire with the assistance of determined undercover officer Ming (William Chan Wai-ting). The narrative becomes deeply personal as tragedies and vendettas intertwine following the death of Young’s brother.
While the plot might seem familiar to fans of police thrillers, Lam’s storytelling stands out with its relentless addition of tragic twists and shockingly graphic deaths involving corrosive acid, grenades, and more. This exceeds what most conventional police thrillers dare to explore.
True to Lam’s style, the film also weaves in emotional family backstories. Bong struggles with an estranged adult son, drawing parallels with the life of a crime lord, while Xiu (Isabella Leong Lok-sze), a new drug maker from the Golden Triangle, faces challenges with her rebellious teenage daughter.
The culmination of these intertwined stories is a violent showdown in a massive cave. However, the screenplay seems secondary to the unflinching depiction of violence. Lam’s commitment to showcasing the brutal reality of death, a trait evident even in his more patriotic works like the 2018 military epic ‘Operation Red Sea,’ sets this film apart from typical action thrillers.
While ‘Bursting Point’ may lack a cohesive story to render it a fully cathartic experience, its determination to make each violent act significant is likely to evoke a mix of horror and strange admiration among viewers. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of its genre, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of hardcore action cinema.
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