RATING★ 6.0
WORTH IT? MAYBE
We're No Bad Guys backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for We're No Bad Guys.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is We're No Bad Guys Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1997)

Plane (Ekin Cheng), a troubled cop who hits the skids when his girlfriend Carrie (Gigi Leung) is killed by a stoic hitman named Angel (Alex Fong). One year later he finds himself saddled with new partner Turkey (Jordan Chan), an immature cop who is in love with up-and-coming idol singer Tinny Chung (Vivian Hsu). There are the usual growing pains as the two partners learn to like and trust one another. Plane meets Tinny's friend Mandy, her looks resemble Carrie's and they fall in love. Angel then returns to settle old scores.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy, Action cinema, then We're No Bad Guys offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1997 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Action films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

We're No Bad Guys, a standout production of 1997, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Action landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Plane (Ekin Cheng), a troubled cop who hits the skids when his girlfriend Carrie (Gigi Leung) is killed by a stoic hitman named Angel (Alex Fong). As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Action are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Plane (Ekin Cheng), a troubled cop who hits the skids when his girlfriend Carrie (Gigi Leung) is killed by a stoic hitman named Angel (Alex Fong). One year later he finds himself saddled with new partner Turkey (Jordan Chan), an immature cop who is in love with up-and-coming idol singer Tinny Chung (Vivian Hsu). There are the usual growing pains as the two partners learn to like and trust one another. Plane meets Tinny's friend Mandy, her looks resemble Carrie's and they fall in love. Angel then returns to settle old scores."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Jordan Chan Siu-Chun ensure that the emotional beats of We're No Bad Guys always land with sufficient weight. Jordan Chan Siu-Chun provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Wong Jing is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 101 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is We're No Bad Guys truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Action, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, We're No Bad Guys explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1997 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Wong Jing respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, We're No Bad Guys serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jordan Chan Siu-Chun or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, We're No Bad Guys is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

101MIN

At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

Advertisement