TAXI HUNTER (1993)

 

Directed By: Herman Yau

Written By: Wing-Kin Lau and Kai-Chung Mak

Cinematography: Puccini Yu

Editor: Wing-Ming Wong

Cast: Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Rongguang Yu, Man-Tat Ng, Athena Chu, Hoi-Shan Lai, Fai-Hung Chan 

Mild-mannered businessman Anthony Wong's life is shattered when his pregnant wife is run over by a busy taxi driver. This and another incident with a sleazy cab driver caused Wong to go on a mission to kill bad taxi drivers.

This is a fun movie despite the storyline of it being a revenge/vigilante movie. As it keeps changing tone throughout 

One minute it is a comedy, then it seems like a satire then it goes for a more dark and violent route. But that you really take any of it too seriously. 

The film starts out with begat looks to be a comedic scene then it becomes an over-the-top action sequence.

One of the supporting characters is a police detective who constantly does dumb things but rarely has a good idea and dresses like a teenager of the time. Though he is a middle-aged adult. 

The other supporting character is a super cool cliche who always wants to get in on the action. No matter how dangerous it is. Our lead is more of a nerd who is polite and pushed to the edge but seems to stay that way throughout the killings that politeness.

Even as most of the taxi drivers throughout the film are mean-spirited and vicious. So it makes it easy to hate them. At least most of the ones he comes across and attacks. There is at least one nice one throughout. So it does offer some hope and not a total stereotype.

The film is a strange hybrid that makes the film more fun than it has any right to be. The action happens so fast. 

The film is wacky, yet never feels too ridiculous or over the top. It manages to stay grounded even under the silliest circumstances.

Definitely a fun watch. 

Grade: B