Exiled

Add this one to the 'must see' list.

Exiled is a strange film. You see, it’s not only a Hong Kong action flick, but a western too. A western that’s set in modern day Macau. It sounds like a potentially disastrous combination, but then, the idea of a sci-fi western didn’t sound too good until Joss Whedon came out with Firefly, did it?

Exiled is about four gangsters who’ve just been given the rather grisly assignment of bumping off their former friend and colleague, Wo. Even though these men are professional killers, they’re rather amicable sorts and agree to help their old mate do one final job. The idea being that his wife and newborn son will have some money to live on once he’s gone.

Of course, things rapidly turn pear-shaped and the hitmen find themselves joining Wo on his flight from the wrath of the Macau mob. The western motifs – the whiskey drinking, the shootouts, the scheming hooker, and of course, the idea of a band of revolver-toting outlaws with a thirst for justice – remain strong throughout and are combined beautifully with all the elements and nuances and of contemporary Hong Kong action films.

As we said, Exiled is very weird, but it’s thoroughly entertaining too. The action is sweet, the occasional moments of comedy are funny and the soundtrack fitting. Even if shoot-em’-up cinema normally leaves you dead and cold, be sure not to miss Exiled. We promise you won’t be disappointed.