You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

by

In the role of both star and director, Donnie Yen Chi-Tan delivers a gripping combination of action and drama in the movie titled “The Prosecutor“. This intriguing mix of fast-paced action sequences and intense courtroom dramatics makes it one of Yen’s finest films so far. The screenplay, penned by longtime collaborator Edmond Wong, who previously worked with Yen on the Ip Man series, is based on a notorious Hong Kong criminal case. In this story, an innocent man unjustly sentenced to many years in prison finds an unexpected champion for his release.

Initially appearing in court in 2017, police detective Fok Chi-ho (Yen), wearing a neck brace following bravery on duty, narrates his story. On the witness stand, he describes an incident where his assault unit confronted a criminal group. A fierce gun battle erupted, with Fok bravely putting himself in harm’s way to save a fellow officer. However, protocol was violated, and a crafty defense and lingering uncertainty led to a notorious criminal escaping conviction. Disillusioned by the outcome, Fok makes the decision to leave law enforcement and return to academia.

Donnie Yen in Top Form

Seven years down the line, Fok successfully clears the Hong Kong bar exam and secures a position as a legal professional within the Department of Justice. His esteemed background as a police officer lends him credibility, but Chief Prosecutor Yeung (Francis Ng) cautions him that the courtroom is a distinct battlefield compared to street policing. Assistant Prosecutor Bao Ding (Kent Cheng) is tasked to aid Fok with his inaugural case – the prosecution of a drug suspect and his associate.

Mason Fung (Ma Ka-kit), a destitute young man residing in the slums, faces charges for receiving a kilogram of cocaine delivered via mail from Brazil. Fong asserts that he lent his address to fellow defendant Chan Kwok-wing (Locker Lam) for a thousand dollars, unaware of the package’s contents. His lawyers, working pro bono (Julian Cheung and Shirley Chan), advise him to plead guilty. Given his spotless criminal record and first offense, they assure him that leniency should be expected from the Grand Judge. However, those words seem insincere when Fong is handed a 27-year prison sentence instead.

Yen’s fast-paced opening scene establishes a complex mystery. A grave injustice occurred when Fox, due to manipulative criminals taking advantage of legal loopholes, effectively escaped murder charges. A young and innocent boy, Uncle Ma’s grandson (Lau Kong), found himself facing severe prison time for something as trivial as receiving mail. If Uncle Ma was indeed guilty, spending nearly 30 years in Hong Kong’s harshest prison is an extreme punishment that doesn’t seem fair given the nature of the crime. Is this justice at all?

In the show, Yen demonstrates his acting prowess as Fok struggles with his fellow prosecutor’s indifference towards Ma’s harsh punishment. Yeung reprimands Fok for his empathy, reminding him that he is not a defense attorney. His role is to imprison criminals, discard the keys, and focus on the next case. The sight of judges and lawyers enjoying fine wine while discussing overtime pay infuriates Fok — they seem unconcerned about Ma’s fate in prison. However, Fok senses something fishy. He believes there must be more to Ma’s background that needs to be investigated.

Brutal Justice

The narrative unfolds intricately as Wong skillfully constructs Fok’s case amidst exhilarating fight sequences. Picture a blend of Law & Order with an added dose of intensity, where The Prosecutor alternates between courtroom drama and urban chaos. Fok is certain he’s on the right path as attempts are made to eliminate him and mute witnesses, while Yen continues to impress with masterfully designed fight choreography, showcasing some of his finest cinematography yet. The action is presented from various viewpoints and angles, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

During their thrilling battles and pursuits, Yen and his acrobatic crew don body cameras, seamlessly switching perspectives using extended tracking shots and bird’s-eye drone views. However, it’s not just fast cuts: Some action sequences unfold along streets and up buildings in impressive parkour style. A memorable confrontation involves cars attempting to crash into Fok in a parking garage, which transitions into a chase across floors where the antagonist leaps from one level to another in a fluid, continuous shot.

In every shot, it’s clear that Yen has years of experience under his belt, making the overall production look fantastic. However, there’s one recurring issue that detracts from the enjoyment: a common trope found in Hong Kong action movies, where a single person effortlessly takes on dozens of opponents without any explanation. Despite delivering explosive action, Yen struggles to avoid using outdated and predictable cliches in crucial scenes.

In the quieter moments of the story, The Prosecutor diligently investigates the secret plot that led to Ma’s incarceration. At its core, this tale imparts a valuable lesson about moral fortitude and adherence to the essence of justice. Those who manipulate the machinery of law should be answerable for their actions, just as those they condemn are accountable for their crimes. The Prosecutor may be an outstanding action movie, but its impact goes beyond mere entertainment, inviting us to reconsider our expectations.

This film titled “The Prosecutor” has been jointly produced by Maoyan Entertainment, Huace Pictures, and Mandarin Motion Pictures. You can now enjoy it in various formats such as digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, or DVD, which are distributed by Well Go USA Entertainment.

Read More

2025-05-29 20:03