I had heard enough about Wilson Yip's Sha Po Lang heading into last night's world premiere
to assume that it would be the best film to emerge from Hong Kong since Andrew Lau's Infernal Affiars. This is not the case. That assumption sells Sha Po Lang far, far short.
This is one of the finest films to emerge from Hong Kong ever. Period. We're not just talking about a return to the glory days here, we're talking about a distillation of everything that is good about Hong Kong and an expansion of the palette.
This is powerful, visceral stuff. This had the impact of a virginal viewing experience, the same potency as my first viewing of John Woo's The Killer. High praise, I know, but I sincerely believe this film is immune to over-hype. It is simply not possible. (...)
Hong Kong cinema has been in decline for years, that's no secret. Sha Po Lang may prove to be the last gasp of a dying industry, the last truly great film to come from that proud land, but to me it feels more like the start of something new.
This is a film so intense, so powerful, that it should inspire Hong Kong film makers to new heights for years to come. Yip has thrown down the gauntlet here, "This is what we used to do so well, why have we gotten away from it?" Here's hoping that he, and others, take up that challenge.
Absolutely brilliant. Truly stunning. A perfect ten.