Late director Benny Chan Chi-Shun gifts audiences with his final film in Well Go USA'S Raging Fire. Bong (Donnie Yen) is a highly respected hardline cop with a long history of success on dangerous cases. However, his past unexpectedly comes back to haunt him when a sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo (Nicholas Tse), his former protégé, a talented former officer who had once respected and admired Bong. However, a terrible mistake three years prior landed him in prison, quickly turning the once-rising star into a furious man with a grudge and the will to destroy everyone who had wronged him--including his former mentor.
If you are a fan of martial arts films or police dramas from the East, you know Benny Chan's name. Raging Fire is the final project for director Benny Chan, who died from Cancer on August 23rd, 2020. Chan was able to complete the shooting of the movie, and despite his illness, oversaw the majority of the film's post-production before his death. The film is dedicated to Chan's memory, with the end credits paying homage to the director.
One of the things that may impress fans about the film most is the reunion of Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse, who co-starred together previously in Dragon Tiger Gate. In addition, both men have worked with the director before, so it's a welcome reunion for all involved.
Chan's script is a straightforward plot about dueling ethics and morals that only serve as the backdrop for the next big action sequence. Donnie Yen and Nicholas both bring their A-game to the performance, and Chan's script taps into both men and the reasons behind their actions. Honestly, most action junkies want to see this film for the ass-kicking and have no qualms about the routine plot. That said, the final showdown between Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse is worth the admission alone.
Despite the usual flaws found in every action, Raging Fire is the perfect swan song to Benny Chan's career.
Final Grade: B+
Raging Fire is playing in theaters now
Comments