A misunderstanding in a bar puts propane salesman Kent 'Fatty' Cheng smack in the middle of a gang war between Vietnamese blackmailers and Chinese mercenaries. Mercenary Simon Yam, in one of his trademark crazy-eyed psycho roles, blames Cheng for starting the events that lead to his brother's death. His revenge against Cheng's family fills the second half of the film. This film is not for the queasy. Unlike most HK thrillers with their stylized fighting, the violence here comes suddenly and with shocking brutality. The fact that most of the film takes place at night in dark labyrinthine places - warehouses, construction sites - gives the film an effective nightmarish atmosphere as Cheng tries to flee from the demonic Yam.
Also present in this movie is a darkly absurdist comedic sensibility that lets the violent action and the characters go way too far and keep on going, until the effect is almost sickening and yet still entertaining.
Also present in this movie is a darkly absurdist comedic sensibility that lets the violent action and the characters go way too far and keep on going, until the effect is almost sickening and yet still entertaining.