The Film that this paper chooses to discuss is John Woo’s Hard-boiled movie released back in 1992. This film was Woo’s farewell gift to Hong Kong before his departure to Hollywood. The film falls under the crime/drama genre and although some may see it is a portfolio movie that can be categorized as Hollywood, it is neither Hollywood nor purely Hong Kong. This essay is going to provide an insight into the background to the film's industrial setting and its context in history, a brief overview of Hong Kong's major socio-historical events concerning the film, and the film's social context by themes, metaphors and allegories that the film has explored. These aspects make the Hard-boiled movie different from other Woo’s movies.
Background of the film industrial and historical context
Woo’s film hard-boiled is based on the socio-political context of Hong Kong’s return to China. For approximately 156 years Hong Kong had been under the British rule. This meant lack of political freedom which called for the need for democracy. During this period, Hong Kong’s population had no control of most things, which in turn led to anxieties, anger, and frustrations. This was also the period where there was a need for justice for the Hong Kong’s citizens among the Europeans. As stated by Munn, Europeans were sitting in judgment on the Chinese people and had formed their conclusions about the ‘Chinese character’ (Munn 111).
Made during Hong Kong’s Crimewave, Hard-boiled is one of the films in the 90’s that was themed on crime. In this action movie, Woo’s main message was hope, directed to a colony caught between illicit arms trade by triads from the mainland China. For instance, even though he had been criticized by for venerating the triads, he seeks to provide an audience with an officer of the law who is willing to stand up to the increasing rate of crime in the country.
As a detective going by the name ‘Tequila’, Woo portrays a cop who witnesses the violence of armed and organized gangs that succeeds even though illegal, while dealing with a legal system that itself is as corrupt as the criminals they hunt. This Film also sets a response to Hong Kong’s heroic return to the mainland China which resonates Woo’s hopes of Hong Kong’s survival from the British rule. Hard-boiled does not only draw its background from a historical context but also relates the events that happened to the film itself. Some of these events include Significant allegories, themes, and metaphors found in this film.
Events relation to the film’s social context
Hard-boiled film in relation to Hong Kong’s event can be drawn from a number of sources. For instance, taking a look at one source, the concept of corrupt law enforcement in Hong Kong can be seen in the film Hard-boiled where the legal system is just as corrupt and shady as the crime they are trying to prevent. This can be connected to Traver (1991) in the book Understanding Criminal Justice in Hong Kong, where it is argued that the first crime wave came as a result of the curtailment of prevalent cases of fraud within the police department as well as other agencies (Chui & Lo 52-54).
On a different note, however, Hong Kong’s quest to deal with corruption by putting up anti-corruption campaigns can be seen to be a step towards justice and a corrupt free legal system. Chui & Lo go on to state how the formation of the Independent Commission of Corruption had led to the dissolution of mutual benefit relationship between the police and triads (Chui & Lo 52-54). In the Hard-boiled film, this can be seen when Tony, who works for Johnny, a gun-smuggler, is portrayed as well-off hired killer in the arms dealing operation. However, Tony is an undercover cop whose attempt is to locate where Johnny’s secret arms are stored. This is in objection to the opinion that the government is corrupt, but rather just a consensus-style policing that involves cops taking the risk to successfully execute their operations.
Themes, Allegories, and Metaphors
The film Hard-boiled attract different themes that are in line with the socio-political events that took place in Hong Kong. The themes interplayed in this movie include Sacrifices, Redemption, honor, revenge and justice. For instance, the theme of sacrifice is seen when Tony, an ordinary cop, goes undercover in one of the most dangerous operations. Being aware of the risks it involves: coming into contact with the police and the risk of being found to be an undercover cop by the triads, Tony goes on to get involved in the organized gang with an attempt to get the arms. The challenges that Tony faces in this film are apparent when he tells Tequila, “So busy being a gangster I don’t know which me is real.” (IMDB)
Other themes such as justice and revenge can be seen at the fight in the tea house. In this scene, Tequila shows his bravery and willingness to fight against higher orders. This is confirmed in superintendent Pang’s word when he says, “Give a guy a gun, he thinks he's Superman. Give him two and he thinks he's God” (IMDB). He is alienated from the system and all he is engrossed in getting justice even if it means resenting against big organizations. Tequila’s act of heroism shows his loyalty and devotion to his country to make it better and free of crime and corruption. This is in line with Hong Kong’s laws and policies to eradicate crime and transform it from society once swayed by corruption to one of the world’s cleanest public services (Gaylord et. all 5).
Tequila’s caring and protective attitude towards a baby he holds bring out the theme of compassion. We see this not only towards the baby but also when he looks out for his partner who dies later in the movie. He can be quoted saying, “You saved the say there, you little pisspot. Thanks a lot,” when holding the baby who urinates in his legs (IMDB). This happens after shooting someone and blood can be seen on the baby’s face. This scene culminates in a hospital where Teresa and Tequila are out to save babies in a maternity ward.
Cinematic influence of the film
Woo’s cinematic influence is apparent in many films that have been produced up to date. Films such as Kill Bill, Django, and The Matrix all show the influence of Woo in the film industry. Hard-boiled is one of Woo’s finest films where he precisely wanted to reflect realism of contemporary life ("Hong Kong #2: Hard Boiled"). In contrast to the traditional film industry where martial arts, fists, and swords were commonly used, Woo introduced the concept of guns, hence giving birth to a new sub-genre. In an attempt to link this Hong Kong film with the Western crime film, Woo introduces a blue pallet and Jazz music which is seen to be one of the talents of the maverick cop actor Tequila.
Additionally, similar to several other modern day crime films, at one level the film portrays masculine loyalty and honor. It is ostensibly seen that this film has a neo-noir setting. However, the innovation is portrayed with the set-piece shootouts scenes in this movie; the massively stylized gunfights ("Hong Kong #2: Hard Boiled"). Moreover, the way the filming is done drew a major influence. For instance, the slow-motion and complex film editing and how cameras are swooped is mind-blowing. New heights of visceral are shown in this movie, which even appears to be packed with action than more Hollywood movies of its time.
Works Cited
"Hong Kong #2: Hard Boiled." Reflections. N.p., 18 Apr. 2014. Web. 8 June 2016.
Chui, Wing H, and T W. Lo. Understanding Criminal Justice in Hong Kong. Cullompton: Willan, 2008. Print.
Gaylord, Mark S, Danny Gittings, and Harold Traver. Introduction to Crime, Law and Justice in Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Hong Kong UP, 2009. Print.
IMDB. "Hard Boiled (1992) - Quotes." IMDb. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 June 2016.
Munn, Christopher. Anglo-china: Chinese People and British Rule in Hong Kong, 1841-1880. Routledge, 2013. Print.
