Cast
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Kenny Ho Kar-King
as Dragon
Christy Chung Lai-Tai
as Christy
Collin Chou
as Tong San
Elaine Lui Siu-Ling
as Elaine
Cecilia Ng Sin-Si
as Sisi
Cho Wing
as Terrorist
Woo Fung
as Mr. Wu
Mary Hon Ma-Lee
as Mrs. Wu
Michael Lai Siu-Tin
as Cruise Emcee
Mandy Chan Chi-Man
as Lam / David
Carol Tam
as Sandy
Yuen Cheung-Yan
as Cruise passenger
Steve Brettingham
as Ship's Captain
Roy Filler
as Jake
Robert Samuels
as Bobby
Crew
Director
- Yuen Woo-Ping
Writer
- Ricky Ng
Producer
- Victor Yeung
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Red Wolf distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Yuen Woo-Ping 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Red Wolf took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 456 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Red Wolf shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The X-Files, which focuses more on action than character development, The Red Wolf subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Black Hawk Down and Blown Away explore similar territory, The Red Wolf stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 18, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 32m
