Gau ngao gau (2006)

A Cambodian assassin finds himself on the run from Hong Kong police after completing his assignment.

Director:

Pou-Soi Cheang

Writers:

Matt Chow, Kam-Yuen Szeto,

Stars:

Edison Chen, Sam Lee, Weiying Pei

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edison Chen	...	Pang
Sam Lee	...	Insp. Ti Wai
Weiying Pei	...	Yu (as Pei Pei)
Siu-Fai Cheung	...	Chief Insp. Sum (as Cheung Siu Fai)
Yiu-Cheung Lai	...	Insp. Tang Wing Cheung (as Lai Yiu Cheung)
Suet Lam	...	Insp. 'Fat' Lam (as Lam Suet)
Ka Wah Lam	...	Insp. Ti - Wai's Father (as Lam Ka Wah)
Ho Yam	...	Mr. Lee (as Yam Ho)
Kam-wah Koo	...	(as Koo Kam Wah)
Ask Lee	...	Ben
Chi Wai Lao	...	Internal Affairs Officer (as Lao Chi Wai)
Ka Wing Lee	...	Taxi Driver (as Lee Ka Wing)
Ka Sing Chau	...	Funny Eyes (as Chau Ka Sing)
Kar Fai Lee	...	Kitchen Boy (as Lee Ka Fai)
Ting Fung Lee	...	Young Wai (as Lee Ting Fung)

Storyline

A Cambodian assassin finds himself on the run from Hong Kong police after completing his assignment.

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Plot Keywords:

police | hong kong | cambodian | assassin | bare knuckle boxing | 

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Hong Kong Japan

Language:

Cantonese Khmer Thai English

Release Date:

17 August 2006 (Hong Kong)

Also Known As:

Dog Bite Dog

Filming Locations:

Bangkok, Thailand

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$29,590 (Hong Kong) (25 August 2006)

Gross:

$175,557 (Hong Kong) (25 August 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Port, Same Way Productions Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"CRY AWAY"
Performed by Cammay Ng
Composed by Ben Cheung
Lyrics by Cammay Ng

User Reviews

Interesting journey that explores the dehumanization effect of violence.

WOW. If you think that a film can't fatigue in some way, then you haven't seen Dog Bite Dog. This film pulls no punches, and it doesn't shy away from showing very disturbing images at all. Much like Salo, this one shows us the dehumanization of the human spirit. It is gritty, dark, depressing and hopeless, but it is also one of the best films to ever come out of Hong Kong.

The script is much more of the same, but don't go on thinking it is incredibly clichéd. It basically is about a troubling and obsessive detective in a cat and mouse game, against a professional and emotionless hit-man. While the script offers nothing new on the surface, it does provide a lot of questions about the dark side of humanity. Is violence really that necessary? Do we become more or less human when we abuse a 5 year old child, without pity, without remorse? In turn, we humans act no less than rabid dogs when we are blinded by anger, this is a sad truth. It is a topic that the director brilliantly explores, without limiting himself at all. Besides the cat and mouse chase, the script also develops two separate story lines for the main characters. One is about love, and the other is about redemption. Even if the script isn't that new, it is still wonderfully written and it keeps you glued to the seat at all times.

The acting is really, really good. Edison Chen as the Hit-man is incredible; he proves that he isn't just any pretty face. He is ruthless, vile and beyond likable. Sam Lee as the obsessed cop is also outstanding. The supporting cast, in short, is excellent. The music is also worth mentioning. Very somber score by Ben Cheung, with some effective light hearted songs played at key dark moments in the film. The cinematography by Yuen Man is also really good.

Overall, this CATIII film is highly recommended. Very well paced, incredibly acted, marvelously scored and just really good at the end of it all. However, as many have pointed out, this is not a movie for everyone. If you dislike strong violence then you should stay away from this one. If you don't like seeing heavy negativity in film then this isn't for you too. In the end, a powerhouse film, 8/10.