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.
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.