Cast
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Ti Lung
as Sunny Koo
Tony Leung
as Ah Sai
Tony Leung Ka-Fai
as Captain Chan
Elaine Jin Yan-Ling
as Lotus
Paul Chun Pui
as Captain Cheung
Ronald Wong
as William Wong (Boney)
Bowie Lam
as K.W. Poon
Benz Kong To-Hoi
as Bank Customer
Sabrina Ho Pui-Yi
as Bank Customer
Lai Siu-Fong
as Bank Customer
Tin Ching
as Wong
Teddy Yip Wing-Cho
as Bank Employee
Lee Ga-Sai
as Bank Employee
Kit Mok Kit-Ling
as Bank Employee
Mansook Ahmed
as Manson (Singh)
Crew
Director
- Derek Yee
Writer
- Derek Yee
- Keith Lee Baak-Ling
- Kwan Yiu-Wing
Producer
- John Shum Kin-Fun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, People's Hero examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Derek Yee brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of People's Hero took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 399 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While People's Hero shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Once Upon a Time in Mexico, which focuses more on action than character development, People's Hero subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Term Life and Gun Woman explore similar territory, People's Hero stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 22m
