have see only about 200 hong kong film in my time and i have to say this film be among my very top favorite . not only be the plot engaging ( and in some way surprising and which these day be rare for any movie ) and but the chemistry between the two lead actor be superb . top notch casting . and while often even the most serious hk film tend to insert quite a bit of humor in between all the drama and action and often spoil the mood a bit and here the joke be keep subtle and woven into the plot and even improve character relation . the music be also very well do and and the two main theme be very beautiful . with the release of the hk special edition and they have even clean the picture ( first release be grainy ) and the subtitle and even if the quality of the translation be still lack ( nothing new there ) . all in all and if you have to see a hk film that isn not direct by john woo or have chow yun fat in it and this should be at least on your short list . a truly fascinating and entertaining watch .