By Lights Movies Review Team
Chasing the Dragon (2017), directed by Jason Kwan and Wong Jing, is a gritty and emotionally charged crime drama that revisits the violent underworld of 1960s and 70s Hong Kong. Based on the true story of notorious drug lord Crippled Ho, the film delivers a powerful blend of action, corruption, and human tragedy.
Donnie Yen takes on a rare non-martial arts role as Crippled Ho, portraying the ruthless yet surprisingly complex gangster with depth and intensity. Andy Lau reprises his iconic role as corrupt police officer Lee Rock, creating a magnetic dynamic between the two leads. Their alliance—built on ambition, loyalty, and moral compromise—forms the heart of the film.
Visually, Chasing the Dragon recreates the gritty streets of old Hong Kong with cinematic flair. The action sequences are raw and brutal, but it’s the emotional weight behind the characters that elevates the film beyond typical crime thrillers. Themes of power, betrayal, and survival in a lawless world are explored with surprising nuance.
Though the pacing occasionally falters and some scenes veer into melodrama, Chasing the Dragon stands out as a compelling character-driven gangster epic. With stellar performances and strong direction, it’s a gripping portrait of one man’s rise through blood and smoke in a city ruled by greed.
