4K Ultra HD Review – Bullet in the Head (1990)

      Bullet in the Head, 1990.

      Directed by John Woo.

      Featuring Tony Leung, Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee, Simon Yam, Yolinda Yam, and Chung Lam.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Three close friends flee Hong Kong to war-torn Saigon in hopes of starting a life of crime, but they endure a traumatic journey that irreparably damages their lives and friendships.

      Arrow Video continues its series of 4K UHD special editions of John Woo's pre-Hollywood action films with the 1990 release, Bullet in the Head. The film draws heavily from various influential American movies while blending those themes with a critique of Hong Kong's British administration and Woo's distinctive, intense style, resulting in a unique offering from the director.

      Set in 1967, friends B (Tony Leung), Little Wing (Waise Lee), and Fai Jai (Jacky Cheung) are carefree youth immersed in rock n’ roll and brawling with local gangs. On his wedding night, B and Fai look for rival gang leader Ringo after Fai has been attacked by Ringo's men earlier that evening. In a moment fueled by adrenaline, B overreacts and kills Ringo. After confiding in Wing about their actions, the trio decides to leave Hong Kong until the situation calms down, with B vowing to return to his wife.

      They journey to Vietnam, where Wing aims to benefit from the war’s smuggling operations, hoping to strike it rich. Though the others are hesitant, they accompany him, eventually joining forces with Luke (Simon Yam), an assassin working for the ruthless gangster Leong (Chung Lam). Luke dreams of escaping to freedom with Sally (Yolinda Lam), a nightclub singer whom Leong has kidnapped, drugged, and forced into prostitution. The three friends agree to help after they steal Leong's gold, but their escape by boat is thwarted when they are attacked by gangsters and captured by the Vietcong. The friendship faces strain as loyalty wavers, and for Wing, the temptation of gold becomes more enticing than aiding his childhood friends in their escape.

      Part crime thriller and part character drama, with elements of a war film, Bullet in the Head is an intensely chaotic narrative as B, Fai Jai, and Little Wing constantly find themselves in perilous situations, deprived of the carefree experiences typical of young men. Although their predicament arises from their reckless decision to kill Ringo, the bonds of childhood friendship can sometimes outweigh even romantic ties. The film illustrates how a moment of impulsiveness can lead to irreversible consequences, with John Woo relentlessly piling on the misfortunes until tragedy strikes in a profoundly affecting manner that justifies the film's title.

      Drawing influences from The Deer Hunter and, to a lesser extent, Apocalypse Now, Bullet in the Head opens with a vibrant montage showcasing the trio reveling in the youth culture of the rock n' roll era, misleading viewers about the film's impending darkness. The lean writing quickly captivates, endearing viewers to the protagonists despite their role in the chaos. The film echoes Scarface as the friends try to ascend to success through quick and questionable means, highlighted by top-notch writing and performances as Wing becomes disillusioned, putting money above friendship. The repercussions of this choice are heartrending, and the film's concluding act is arguably Woo's finest filmmaking to date.

      As with previous releases, Arrow has provided Bullet in the Head with a complete Dolby Vision/HDR10 upgrade, boasting a consistent grain and impressive detail. While there are occasional moments of soft focus due to the film's age, the print revitalizes it, ensuring sharp visuals and vibrant colors during action sequences. The three-disc set features the Theatrical Cut in 4K UHD, as well as two standard Blu-rays presenting The Festival Cut, which includes six additional minutes of extra gore, minor plot points, and deleted scenes of lesser visual quality. While it’s nice to have, viewers seeking the best presentation are better off with the Theatrical Cut. The third disc contains bonus features, including new and archival interviews with cast and crew.

      Overall, Bullet in the Head may stand as John Woo's masterwork, especially in balancing action with drama. Though Hard Boiled followed it and showcased the director at his creative zenith in terms of violent on-screen action, Bullet in the Head offers much more than mere shootouts and explosions; its action feels more organic and the character development remains strong without veering into excess. If you're amassing John Woo re-releases, Bullet in the Head is essential, but if you're new to this brilliant film, now is the time to act before this limited edition sells out, as it represents the definitive version of a crucial film.

      SEE ALSO: The Essential Films of John Woo

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward

      Originally published