Chasing the Dragon (2017) Directed by: Jason Kwan, Wong Jing | Starring: Donnie Yen, Andy Lau

Based on the rise of real-life drug lord Crippled Ho (Donnie Yen), the film charts his brutal climb in 1970s Hong Kong’s criminal underworld, alongside corrupt detective Lee Rock (Andy Lau), whose alliance shapes the city’s dark history.

The film revolves around the journey from an illegal immigrant to a notorious Hong Kong drug lord of Hao Thot (played by Donnie Yen). Accompanying him is the corrupt police officer Loi Lac (Andy Lau), the two build a criminal empire in the midst of the chaotic society of the 60s and 70s. The film realistically recreates the underworld, where power, ambition and betrayal always go hand in hand.

An engaging work, full of Asian noir with excellent acting from Donnie Yen – who for the first time gave up martial arts, transforming into a complex character. Andy Lau maintains his form, creating a well-matched pair. The script is tight, the rhythm is good, the images are dark and the music is haunting.