New on Blu-ray, 88 Films’ new Long Arm of the Law box set collects the first two (of four) films of the loosely connected crime saga of stories collectively directed by brothers Johnny Mak and Michael Mak. Thematically, the films are centered on stories that are colored by the sociopolitical landscape between mainland China and Hong Kong.
Note; for those who already know the films and just want to get a good look at the new set, we previously posted a detailed unboxing pictorial.
The Long Arm of the Law (1984)
Dir. Johnny Mak
Encouraged by stories of easy money to be made in Hong Kong, a group of poor friends in mainland China decides to sneak in and go on a “get rich quick” crime spree to make as much money as possible in just a few days. It’s a great setup, and the film’s first act was actually my favorite part, showing the geographical and social divide between China and Hong Kong and featuring a suspenseful sequence showing the gang dodging guards, dogs, and bullets to sneak into Hong Kong. (I’ve recently also watched the North Korea documentary Beyond Utopia, and this sequence immediately recalled similar scenes of refugees fleeing through the jungle).
While I was digging the setup, the film kind of lost me as it becomes clear that these guys aren’t just poor schlubs trying to find a better life or catch a break, but rather legitimately awful people. They’re completely unscrupulous in their quest, not just stealing but killing cops and innocents alike – readily, indiscriminately, and without hesitation.
Of course that’s kind of the point, but the timing’s all off and we miss the what should be a descent or journey into depravity – this switch is flipped so early and so easily on that instead of being tragically corrupted by their experience, these dudes were just awful pretty much from the start. By the time one of them sexually assaults a prostitute by making her perform fellatio at gunpoint, I had already long been actively rooting for them to get thrashed.
The film’s finale takes us to one of the world’s most unique visual geographies, the cramped alleyways of Kowloon. The gang holes up as they try to make their escape, resulting in a final showdown with the law. It’s a terrifically claustrophobic and harrowing sequence, making the most of the oppressive architecture of the Walled City as the location for a blistering action sequence. It’s an incredible segment, even though I’m completely out of step with characters and narrative.
The Long Arm of the Law Saga II (1987)
Dir. Michael Mak
I’m apparently a contrarian on these two films. It seems the general consensus is that the first is a masterpiece and the sequel a step down, but I couldn’t disagree more. While I wasn’t particularly taken with the first film, Saga II was right up my alley, with more developed characters and an evocative heroic bloodshed theme.
A loose sequel that takes place in the same world but tells a mostly unconnected story, Saga II also focuses on a group of mainlanders who are caught illegally residing in Hong Kong. This time it’s a trio of police officers who have defected, and they’re presented with a unique opportunity: spend the next couple years working undercover to infiltrate the HK underworld, with the promise of their freedom and permanent residency afterward.
These characters are far more interesting and empathetic than Part 1‘s crew, facing arduous situations and conflict, stemming from their relationships. For their leader, it’s navigating to find the right balance in staying undercover while also not losing their way and betraying their principles, and managing their partnership with another undercover cop who’s been around longer – providing both opportunities and dangers. Another friendship is tested as the second member of the crew learns that an old war buddy – a former brother-in-arms to whom he owes his life – is one of the criminals they’re tasked with taking down. Yet another entanglement is borne out of a love affair as the third member must decide whether to follow his mind or his heart, to risk entrusting his girlfriend with his secret.
The film is similar in many ways to the Infernal Affairs series which came some years later, making me wonder if it served as as direct influence (it certainly feels like one). All of these story threads are meaningful and riveting, and it actually seems kind of insane to me that anyone would consider this incredible film a step down from the first – even if they really loved the first one. The action’s just as thrilling and suspenseful as the first film, but also imbued with a great narrative, far more compelling with real stakes and grievances.
The Package
Long Arm of the Law Parts 1 & 2 are now available as a handsome Blu-ray box set from 88 Films, featuring a rigid slipcase, double-sided artwork for both movies, piano-black Blu-ray cases, a booklet, and a double-sided poster. We’ve previously unboxed the set to show off the physical package and extras.
Special Features and Extras – Long Arm of the Law
- Brand New 2K Remaster from the Original Camera Negative
- High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
- Hong Kong Version feat. Cantonese Mono Audio and newly translated English Subtitles (106:03)
- English Version feat. English Mono dub (105:07)
- Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng (HK Version)
- Family Business – An Interview with Michael Mak (16:32)
- From Hong Kong Police to Big Circle Gangs – An Interview with Scriptwriter Philip Chan (28:51)
- A Conversation with Action Director Billy Chan and Scriptwriter Philip Chan
- An Interview with Director Johnny Mak (9:47)
- Hong Kong Trailer (4:54)
- Reversible cover with new art by Sean Longmore
Special Features and Extras – Long Arm of the Law Saga II
- Brand New 2K Remaster from the Original Camera Negative
- High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
- Hong Kong Version feat. Cantonese Mono Audio and newly translated English Subtitles (90:20)
- English Version feat. English Mono dub (87:23)
- Audio Commentary by Hong Kong Film Expert Frank Djeng (HK Version)
- Bringing the Action – An Interview with Director Michael Mak (25:14)
- Man of Action – An Interview with Co-Star Ben Lam (16:09)
- An Offer You Can’t Refuse – An Interview with Scriptwriter Philip Chan (8:07)
- The Iron Fist of Crime – An Interview with Stuntman Stephen Chan (24:13)
- Hong Kong Trailer (3:33)
- English Trailer (1:40)
- Reversible cover with new art by Sean Longmore
– A/V Out
