A newly restored classic of Hong Kong cinema is returning to the big screen, reminding audiences of the raw, influential power that defined a cinematic era. Ringo Lam’s 1987 police thriller stands as a landmark work that would later echo through Hollywood’s crime genre.
The film follows an undercover police officer navigating the dangerous world of organized crime, tasked with infiltrating a crew of jewel thieves. What sets this narrative apart is its moral complexity—the officer finds himself torn between his duty to the force and the unexpected bonds he forms within the criminal underworld. The criminals display a code of honor that contrasts sharply with the corruption and infighting plaguing the police department he serves.
At the center of the drama is a magnetic performance from Chow Yun-fat, who masterfully portrays the psychological toll of living a double life. His character shifts seamlessly between a cool, clownish facade and the internal turmoil of a man caught between conflicting loyalties. This role showcases the actor’s range beyond the more stylized action films that would later make him an international star.
The film’s visual language captures Hong Kong in all its gritty authenticity, from crowded night markets to dimly lit back alleys. The restoration brings new clarity to these urban landscapes, emphasizing the film’s documentary-like approach to violence and crime. Action sequences unfold with brutal realism—tense foot chases through crowded streets and sudden, shocking shootouts that lack the theatricality of later genre works.
While the film shares basic plot elements with later Western crime dramas, its execution remains distinctly its own. There are no pop culture references or stylized violence set to classic rock here—instead, viewers experience the raw tension of moral compromise and the physical reality of urban crime.
The film’s influence on subsequent crime cinema cannot be overstated, having provided narrative DNA that would be reworked in famous Hollywood productions. Yet watching the original reveals a work that stands firmly on its own merits—a tough, emotionally charged thriller that captures a specific moment in both Hong Kong’s history and cinematic history.
City on Fire returns to UK cinemas this week, with home media releases scheduled for early December, offering new generations an opportunity to experience this cornerstone of action cinema in its fully restored glory.
