A Time to Revenge

Starring:Ken Olandt, Julie Michaels, Paul Gleason, Leslie Ryan, William O'Leary, Dewey Weber, Elizabeth Berkley, Mike Moroff, Larry Mahan, Robert Phillips, Christopher Michael, Heather Burton, Mark Nearing, Taylor Kowalski, Dale Gibson
Director: John Harwood (II)
Studio: Allumination
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Johnny To, whose cool, precise gangster thriller The Mission is one of the best Hong Kong films since the Chinese takeover, brings a stylish flair to Running Out of Time, an absurdly plotted but compelling cat-and-mouse crime drama that became a box-office smash in Hong Kong. Criminal genius Wah (pop star Andy Lau) is given only a few weeks to live by his doctor, so he embarks on an elaborate heist and strings along hostage negotiator and unconventional supercop Sang (Lau Ching Wan) as part of the fun. "I just want to play a game with you for 72 hours," Wah confesses. "Great," responds Sang's blustery boss, "it's lunatic against lunatic." The elaborate scheme has something to do with a bald badass mobster (an almost unrecognizable Waise Lee, of John Woo's Bullet in the Head and A Better Tomorrow), a priceless gem, and a debt of honor. There's a hint of Woo's warrior bonding as cop and crook develop a respectful adversarial friendship in their running battle of wits: "If you can get me to the police station, you win." It all hinges on some far-fetched twists and the Hong Kong cops are little more than buffoons for most of the film, but To's steely seriousness, sleek style, and runaway pacing keep the film flying through most of the improbabilities. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Running out of Time..........2007-02-03

You're a burglar, and you have 72 hours to live...what would do? That's the premise of this action movie...I found it decent (story, acting, etc...). Three stars!

A Good Action/Thriller Film From The East!.......2007-01-17

While this film is not as good as "Internal Affairs," [in my opinion], it is above average. And although it is not a brilliant film, it does deliver in that it is highly entertaining. I guess part of my rationale is that there are so many bad American action flicks, that something from the east must somehow be more palattable. Moreover, I have seen quite a number of mindless Hong Kong triad films, and this one was refreshing. [Except the great 'SPL' known as "Kill Zone" here in the west]. Anyway, if you're familiar with director Johnny To, then you'll know what to expect: The bad guys and the cops. In the film, (Cheung) Andy Lau, portrays a man who has only a little time left to live: due to the fact that he is dying from an incurable illness.

Therefore, to take revenge for his father, he decides to rob an insurance company. The hostage negotiator is portrayed by Inspector Ho Sheung-sang (Ching-Wan Lau). The film is a cat-and-mouse type of action/thriller, where the dying Cheung and the Inspector play a sort of game of chess with wits. Ho Sheung-sang is hot on the trail of Cheung, all the while Cheung leaves the Inspector certain types of up clues which the Inspector must follow in order to catch him. This film has been called a departure from the genre of violent triad films, and I agree. It is much more of an intelligent crime drama film than one usually sees in HK cinema. [However, these films are getting much better all the time, and are even better than American action films]

Whatever your opinions are of this film, however, it is a very clever film: With (Andy Lau) as a criminal bent on revenge of certain members of a triad, and his clever use of the Inspector in pursuit. However, he must first convince the Inspector to become a part of his crusade against these criminals. And I liked the way the film showed how Cheung must manuever the Inspector into this plan of his. This is a very clever and tautly directed film from director Johnny To. Which brings me back to the begining of my review. Compared to many of the action films here in America, this one is brilliant. It's a fun film, enjoy it, and moreover, it is well worth your time spent viewing it. I own it.

Great movie, but BEWARE, AUDIO IS IN MONO.......2006-09-23

the movie is great....not quite infernal affairs, but it's still good. however, i just bought the "special edition" (nothing really special about it) and it does have a cantonese, mandarian, and english track. along with the commentary track that's listed in amazon. however the audio is NOT in 5.1. each audio track is presented in glorious MONO!! The video transfer is not clean and the mono track isn't even clear. Try to stay clear of this DVD, i am sure there is a dvd of this movie out there that is better. This is the "special edition" released by tai seng. bar code on the back of the dvd is 01643 85624

An almost perfect Hong Kong movie.......2006-05-09

Running Out of Time is probably as close to a perfect film as you're ever likely to see out of Hong Kong. All the elements click: a terrific script (by French writers Julien Carbon and Laurent Courtiaud) that even manages to subvert the odd clich?, reliably imaginative direction by Johnnie To, and excellent central performances by Andy Lau and Lau Ching Wan, the latter displaying his great comic timing to wonderful effect without ever crossing the line into parody (especially in his exasperated reactions to his superior's abysmal negotiating skills). The supporting cast is fine too, with Yo Yo Mung making a strong impression in a tiny role, and even the often histrionic Waise Lee (looking remarkably, and very aptly, like a bald Andy Lau) reining it in to good effect. It's best not to know too much about the plot going in beyond the basic set-up - with only a few weeks to live, Lau engages in a criminal game with Wan's cop with no easily apparent motive - and just sit back and enjoy the ride: it's certainly worth the fare. It also has one of the most perfect love stories in recent movies, and played in a mere three scenes (the second bus ride is one of the most magical moments of filmmaking I've seen in ages). There's also a fine score by Raymond Wong as well. The most fun playing cat and mouse at the movies in years.

Dying Criminal Decides to Go Out in a Crime Spree.......2005-05-30

1999 Unrated Hong Kong crime thriller. Caution: profanity. Also known as "Aau chin." First in, I believe, 2 movie series. (second one is called "Aau Chin 2," or "Running Out of Time 2").

DVD Features: The DVD contains just the movie (which can be heard in Cantonese, Mandarin or English with or without subtitles), some commentary hidden under the "set-up" feature (which is also the language feature), and some trailers (three trailers for this movie (2 Hong Kong, 1 USA), a trailer for Dragon Inn (remake of classic Kung Fu movie) and one for Armageddon (supernatural thriller, not the Hollywood movie)).

Credits: Staring Andy Lau (Cheung; "Infernal Affairs"), Lau Ching Wan (Inpector Ho Sheung-Sang; also known as Sean Lau; "The Attractive One"), Shiu Hung Hui (Chief Inspector Wong; "Hidden Heroes"), and Yoyo Mung (Leung Yuen Ting; "My Crazy Mother"). Directed by Johnny To ("Election"). Written by Yau Nai Hoi, Laurent Courtiaud & Julien Carbon.

Plot: A criminal mastermind is told that he only has two to four weeks to live (last stages of cancer). This criminal, Cheung, decides to go out in style and goes on a crime spree. He battles the police and a specific police officer (Inspector Ho Sheung-Sang) who is very good at his job.

Review: Interesting music, somewhat scratchy film (might just be the DVD), dubbing is a little off, but only if you pay close attention (though it can be quite bad). Intriguing film, we learn in the very first few moments that the criminal has nothing to lose because he is dying which adds a different layer to the normal police-criminal dynamic.

There's a neat scene where Inspector Sheung-Sang figures out that Cheung will leave the scene in a taxi, and becomes the taxi driver. Cheung gets in the back and the Inspector drives off, toward the nearest police station. The unarmed cop notes that the criminal won't shoot him because then the car will crash. What does Cheung do? He starts firing out the window of the taxi until the cop stops and Cheung flees. I'm not sure how realistic that scenario is, but it is an interesting method (later the roles are reversed, with the cop with a gun in the back and the criminal driving, the method used this time is also good). While the criminal plays with the police, the police fight each other (political in-fighting).

While this "cat and mouse" game is going on, a third criminal group is working the city. This group's connection to the main players is hard, at first, to figure out (but it is directly tied to Cheung's actions).

The movie is somewhat tense, but it is also somewhat harder to care about the action, as the film audience already knows that the main bad guy is dying anyway. Once again, it is harder to determine acting ability when watching a dubbed movie, though the acting seemed to be high quality. The music is good and helps add to the tension. The plot is interesting (what would you do if you were a criminal mastermind and know you are dying?) and solid. There even is some humor. Overall, I would give the movie 4.32 stars.

Average customer rating:

Pretty cool western...!
A Time To Revenge

A Time to Revenge
Starring: Ken Olandt , Julie Michaels , Paul Gleason , Leslie Ryan , and William O'Leary
Director: John Harwood (II)
Manufacturer: Allumination
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000A2ZQQ
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Description

Back in Vietnam, Major Whittmar (Paul Gleason) sold out his comrades to save his own skin. Now, he's a rich, ruthless land baron who's getting richer by squeezing out or killing off his neighbors. But when he and his cronies murder a rancher who threatens to expose them, the man's son, Will (Ken Olandt), swears vengeance. However, Will has a "history" with the Whittmar family. Several years ago, his first love died tragically, and now he has fallen for her seductive, insatiable sister Tami (Julie Michaels). Can Will avenge his father's death without losing the woman he loves? Saddle up for this sexy, action-packed, modern-day Western that takes the law into its own hands!

Customer Reviews:

Pretty cool western...!.......2006-05-05

Why doesn't Hollywood make more Westerns? I can't get enough, and I know that I'm not the only one out there. Accordingly, I was very pleased to hear that A Time To Revenge was coming out on DVD. Great action in the classic style. Check it out!

A Time To Revenge.......2005-03-18

The producers made this movie a sort of catchall for all interest, althought classified as a modern western. It includes some adventure, romance, music, violence, and yes--sex. Although it bears an "R" rating, I presume it must be for theme. I had a little trouble stay tuned . Found in the bargain bin, as low budget movie, pick it up if you like and give it a try.

Average customer rating:

Time to Die
Starring: Edward Albert , Rijk de Gooyer , Rex Harrison , Rod Taylor , and Raf Vallone
Director: Matt Cimber
Manufacturer: Tango Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ERVKK8
Release Date: 2006-05-08

Average customer rating:

Pretty cool western...!
A Time To Revenge

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

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4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Wicked Wicked West
Ghost Rock
The Trigger Effect
The Sweeper
Three Way

ASIN: B0000A2ZQT
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Description

Customer Reviews:

Pretty cool western...!.......2006-05-05

A Time To Revenge.......2005-03-18

Average customer rating:

A waste of ten bucks
John Woo, eat your heart out.
Had potential for more, but IMPRESSIVE nonetheless
THIS MOVIE IS THE MAIN REASON TO BUY A SURROUND SOUND 5.1

2000 A.D.
Starring: Aaron Kwok , Phyllis Quek , James Lye , Daniel Wu (II) , and Gigi Choi
Director: Gordon Chan
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004YS9B
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Customer Reviews:

A waste of ten bucks.......2003-02-20

I picked this up based on the reviews I read on Amazon and the low price. I was expecting a movie that rivals John Woo's Hard Boiled for non-stop action. Also a "Hollywood Style" flick that kept me riveted to the screen. I was sorely disappointed. I was stupefied by the first few minutes. Why were there jets flying around? It seems the jets were there just so they could put them on the DVD cover. Then a Singaporean general gave a boring speech about the "real war" on the internet. What on earth was he talking about? The rest of the film has a cliched plot about innocent guy whose brother creates a computer program that could crash the stock market. At two points the world stock market appears erased. The ending doesn't 'wrap it up'. I never found out if the Stock Market recovered. Does anyone know?
Only saving grace for 2000 A.D. was a couple of good action sequences about 30-45 minutes in. They were surprisingly brutal. If I were ever to watch this film again I would definitely skip to these scenes.
I recommend you get classic Hong Kong cinema such as "Hard Boiled" or "Naked Killer" instead.
Actually "Gen-X Cops" or "Black Mask 2" look like more fun than this.
I'll let you know.

John Woo, eat your heart out........2001-07-14

There are two main reasons why 2000 AD stands above films such as "Gen-X Cops" and other recent Hong Kong attempts to emulate the Hollywood "style". Reason number 1: PACING! Gordon Chan realizes that all the top Hollywood action films are paced so that any plot problems are glossed over quickly and the audience is kept busy with action and intrigue. In comparison, many of the other Hollywood-wannabe films from HK have suffered from slow or erratic pacing, resulting in an awkward film that feels neither like a Hong Kong film nor a Hollywood one. Reason number 2: Hands-down the BEST SHOOTOUTS since John Woo left Hong Kong. Seriously. The most incredible part of Gordon Chan's virtuoso action scenes is that he does NOT ape the Woo style, but employs his own unique approach. Specifically, he goes for a very hard-hitting, realistic style. No slow-mo or double pistols. It's all about bad-... weaponry and real-world military tactics. The first two gun battles in this film should have any red-blooded action fan jumping out of his/her seat. If you liked the street shootout in Michael Mann's "Heat", then you should get a kick of 2000 AD.

Had potential for more, but IMPRESSIVE nonetheless.......2001-06-29

"2000 A.D.", starring Heavenly King Aaron Kwok, boosted up Raintree Pictures of Singapore to a new level. Aaron Kwok, Richard Ng, and the bad-guy (forgot his name:P) all give the audience new perspectives. The editing is very original, and sound will blow you away. "2000 A.D." managed to bring audiences something new. With special effects brought to the screen from the team that worked on "INDEPENDENCE DAY", and with Aaron Kwok being the first to fly an F16 in an Asian film, director Gordan Chan never fails at surprising his audience. However, if you're looking for kung-fu, go look for Jet Li classics. If you're looking for something to blow-up and make the walls shake, "2000 A.D." is near perfect. Director Gordan Chan did well, and even though Aaron's acting was at times sketchy, overall performance and plot were well developed. - Priscilla

THIS MOVIE IS THE MAIN REASON TO BUY A SURROUND SOUND 5.1.......2000-11-16

This movie is great,showing Aron Kwoks style of Fighting and Gun Play.The Fight scene are well done by Yuen Tak.The moody soundtrack is great,and well edit action scene to make the flow of Drama.The rooftop fight scene will show how important to show the style of modern day fighting. The Story is complex, and too many characters to know. Once Kwok and his little group of friends are introduced they become involved in a rather complex and confusing international espionage involving the theft of a sophisticated computer program. Andrew Lin is cast as a renegade CIA agent behind the theft and the murders along the way. The stylized action sequences are very taut and explosive, as is expected in a Gordon Chan film. The director uses some startling editing and camera effects to show a unique perspective on the explosive violence. Also a new actor name MIKE CHAN has a rare CAMEO as himself.(SELINA'S Friend who gave back the Ring). Im telling you guys,the conclusion will make you fell special.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing but not disastrous by any means

Running Out of Time 2
Starring: Andy Lau , Lau Ching-Wan , Hui Shiu-hung , Ruby Wong , and Yo Yo Mung
Director: Johnny To
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BKDOAM
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing but not disastrous by any means.......2006-09-01

It was inevitable that after setting the benchmark so high with the first film that Running Out of Time 2 would be a disappointment, and it is, though it's still an above average Hong Kong thriller. Once again it's a game of cat and mouse rather than a collection of action scenes, but this time round new writers Kin Yee Au and Nai-Hoi Yau give Ching Wan Lau much less to work with and the film seriously suffers from the lack of genuine emotional involvement of the original. It's almost a film of incidental pleasures - a couple of playful nods to the original in rooftop and taxi scenes, a nice part for Johnnie To regular Lam Suet as a phenomenally unlucky compulsive gambler, a chase that drags on so long both pursuer and pursued stop for a drink of water and an ice cream and one terrific twist over the location of a ransom drop that the film is never able to top. It also has the best CGI effects I've ever seen in a Hong Kong film, with some remarkably well-integrated shots of an eagle flying through the streets of Hong Kong. But Ekin Cheung's mastermind just isn't interesting enough and the ending is too far fetched to work.

Average customer rating:

Running out of Time...
A Good Action/Thriller Film From The East!
Great movie, but BEWARE, AUDIO IS IN MONO
An almost perfect Hong Kong movie
Dying Criminal Decides to Go Out in a Crime Spree

Running Out of Time
Starring: Andy Lau , Ching Wan Lau , YoYo Mung , Waise Lee , and Shiu Hung Hui
Director: Johnny To
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305821461
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Running out of Time..........2007-02-03

You're a burglar, and you have 72 hours to live...what would do? That's the premise of this action movie...I found it decent (story, acting, etc...). Three stars!

A Good Action/Thriller Film From The East!.......2007-01-17

Great movie, but BEWARE, AUDIO IS IN MONO.......2006-09-23

An almost perfect Hong Kong movie.......2006-05-09

Dying Criminal Decides to Go Out in a Crime Spree.......2005-05-30

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