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ASPA-3971Main MenuMedia ProjectPIXLR Practice ImageThe "Hustle" in Kung Fu HustleHallyu and Soft PowerGroup FacilitationFinal ReflectionResumeAlex Xiee5ce671bc185bd1b14f93e5250a1de0139d5cd6d
Heroic Bloodshed in "A Better Tomorrow"
12018-12-14T23:54:07-08:00Alex Xiee5ce671bc185bd1b14f93e5250a1de0139d5cd6d322702plain2018-12-15T00:10:57-08:00Alex Xiee5ce671bc185bd1b14f93e5250a1de0139d5cd6dIn this discussion, I want to go into detail on the genre of heroic bloodshed and how it related to “A Better Tomorrow.” Many critics have credited John Woo for creating the genre of heroic bloodshed through the film “A Better Tomorrow.” Generally, heroic bloodshed films feature a story that contains the themes of redemption, brotherhood, honor, duty, and violence. In “A Better Tomorrow,” Ho is betrayed by Shing and is sent to prison. Kit’s father was killed during a kidnapping due to Ho’s triad connection. This creates a wide divide between the brothers, which could be seen when Kit was frisking Ho’s body outside the club compared to the first frisking in the early part of the film. The theme of redemption can be seen as Ho wishes to reconcile with his Kit for his past mistakes and crimes. Ho is seen repeatedly throughout the film trying to converse with Kit but is ignored and chastised. It is only near the end of the film do both the brothers reconcile through the actions of Ho and the death of Mark. The theme of brotherhood can be seen throughout the film through the blood connection between Ho and Kit, as well as the brotherhood between Ho and Mark. The brotherhood between Ho and Mark is important as it drives Mark to assassinate the Taiwanese gang leader which results in Mark getting crippled. However, even after getting crippled Mark stayed with the triad for three years waiting for Ho’s return in hopes of rising back together in the triad. Another scene of demonstrates brotherhood is the moment where Mark is sailing away from Hong-Kong but returns back in order to help Ho. Lastly, the theme of brotherhood is seen when Kit forgives and accepts Ho’s lifestyle and allows Ho to kill Shing. The themes of honor and duty are seen within Kit, as Kit wishes to arrest both Shing and Ho for the death of his father. Throughout the film, Kit performs his duty to arrest Shing for his evil doings. The last theme of violence is seen pervasively throughout the film. The usage of guns was dominant throughout the film. Key scenes such as Mark’s assassination and the final shootout showed a vast amount of violence. These monumental scenes were created through John Woo’s choreographic directions that blended both attributes of martial arts and gunplay.
