When you see the name John Woo attached to a film, you know that you are in for something special in the realm of action pictures. That is the case of the classy and absorbing and elegant “Blood Brothers,” which Woo produced and Alexi Tan directed.

The movie, which is said to be inspired by Woo’s “Bullet in the Head” (1990), reminds you of any gangster film from the Chicago of the thirties. On this occasion, though, the setting is Shanghai, about the same time frame.

Fung (Daniel Wu), Kang (Liu Ye), and Xiao Hu (Tony Wang) are three inseparable friends that live in a gorgeous provincial town, where they live a peaceful and happy life. Fung is in love with Su Zhen (Lu Lu). However, Xiao Hu convinces Fung and Kang to go with him to Shanghai, where they would prosper and make lots of money. Fung reluctantly agrees and joins his friends for the trip, leaving Su Zhen behind.

More on Blood Brothers — First Look Studios

Some six years ago, when I watched “Better Luck Tomorrow,” I was impressed on how its director, Justin Lin, examined the Asian-American experience. His approach was fresh, sincere and smart – no stereotypes and similar rubbish. In the very funny and witty “Finishing the Game,” Lin once again successfully captures part of Americana: the legend of Bruce Lee.

As it is known, by the time that martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee died on July 20^th, 1973, he wasn’t able to complete “Game of Death.” Even though some scenes were already filmed, particularly the ones involving basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the film demanded a conclusion due to the magnitude of Lee’s fame. With “Finishing the Game,” Lin attempts to accomplish this in his own way, making a film that documents the casting of the next Bruce Lee. The result is just clever and humorous.  

More on Finishing the Game – IFC Films