CASINO TYCOON is another gambling-themed movie from director Wong Jing, here re-teaming with star Andy Lau after the success of the breakneck HARDBOILED 2: THE LAST BLOOD. CASINO TYCOON is more of a laidback and mannered piece of work, reminiscent of GOODFELLAS in the long-term, expansive storytelling, told on a budget which does the story justice without it ever feeling epic in scope. In fact it feels much like an updated Shaw-style movie along the lines of Takeshi Kaneshiro's HERO, although it isn't an action movie.
The above average central cast members certainly work hard to bring the story to life and by and large they succeed. Lau is an intensely likable figure from the era and Chingamy Yau and Joey Wong both do well as his rival lovers. Alex Man's stalwart buddy is a great asset in the movie and features in some of the most intense moments, while Paul Chun (one of David Chiang's brothers) has one of those love-to-hate bad guy roles. CASINO TYCOON features plenty of twists and turns, a large dose of villainy, some brief but cool action, and lots of drama. I give it the thumbs up. A back-to-back sequel followed.
The above average central cast members certainly work hard to bring the story to life and by and large they succeed. Lau is an intensely likable figure from the era and Chingamy Yau and Joey Wong both do well as his rival lovers. Alex Man's stalwart buddy is a great asset in the movie and features in some of the most intense moments, while Paul Chun (one of David Chiang's brothers) has one of those love-to-hate bad guy roles. CASINO TYCOON features plenty of twists and turns, a large dose of villainy, some brief but cool action, and lots of drama. I give it the thumbs up. A back-to-back sequel followed.