By the mid-2000s, Hong Kong director Johnnie To Kei-fung was in full command of the style, form and content of the gangster genre. These three films demonstrate a master of technique at the height of his powers.
Exiled (2006)
To’s 1990s crime films played out like neat French policiers. But Exiled is more Italian in style, with the classical cinematography and Grand Guignol (bloody and dramatic) scenes evoking Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather.
Together with art director Tony Yu Hing-wah, To managed to give Exiled the opulent look of a “big picture” even though it was shot on a relatively small budget.
