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John Woo: The Films 2nd Edition

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John Woo is one of the most influential and iconic action cinema directors of all time. His films have thrilled audiences around the world with their breathtaking action sequences, stylish visuals, and emotional depth. From his early work in Hong Kong cinema to his Hollywood blockbusters, Woo has consistently pushed the boundaries of action cinema and created some of the most memorable and groundbreaking films of the genre.

John Woo: The Films, 2d ed.

by Kenneth E. Hall

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3008 KB
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Print length	:	228 pages

This updated and expanded second edition of John Woo: The Films is the definitive guide to Woo's filmography. Author Paul Fonoroff provides an in-depth analysis of each of Woo's films, from his early classics like A Better Tomorrow and The Killer to his Hollywood blockbusters like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II. Fonoroff explores Woo's unique style and techniques, his collaborations with actors and crew, and the cultural and historical context of his films.

John Woo: The Films 2nd Edition is a must-read for fans of Woo's work and anyone interested in the history and evolution of action cinema. It is a comprehensive and insightful examination of one of the most important and influential filmmakers of our time.

Chapter 1: The Early Years

John Woo was born in Shanghai, China, in 1946. His family fled to Hong Kong when he was a child, and he grew up in a poor neighborhood. Woo began his career in the film industry as a production assistant in the early 1970s. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the late 1970s, he was directing his own films.

Woo's early films were mostly low-budget kung fu and action films. However, he began to develop his own unique style in the early 1980s with films like The Killer and A Better Tomorrow. These films featured stunning action sequences, stylish visuals, and a strong emphasis on brotherhood and loyalty.

Chapter 2: The Hong Kong New Wave

In the early 1980s, a new wave of filmmakers emerged in Hong Kong. These filmmakers, including Woo, Tsui Hark, and Ringo Lam, were influenced by Western cinema and began to experiment with new filmmaking techniques and styles.

Woo's films of this period are often considered to be among the best of his career. A Better Tomorrow (1986) is a groundbreaking action film that helped to define the Hong Kong New Wave. The film tells the story of two brothers who are forced to become criminals after their father is killed. A Better Tomorrow is a stylish and action-packed film that also features a strong emotional core.

The Killer (1989) is another classic Woo film from this period. The film follows the story of a professional assassin who is forced to confront his own mortality after he is diagnosed with cancer. The Killer is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that is considered to be one of Woo's masterpieces.

Chapter 3: Hollywood Success

In the early 1990s, Woo began to direct films in Hollywood. His first Hollywood film was Hard Target (1993),starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Hard Target was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Woo as a major force in Hollywood.

Woo's next Hollywood film was Broken Arrow (1996),starring John Travolta and Christian Slater. Broken Arrow was another critical and commercial success, and it further cemented Woo's status as a top Hollywood director.

In 1997, Woo directed Face/Off, starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. Face/Off is a high-concept action thriller that features a groundbreaking scene in which the two actors swap faces. Face/Off was a huge critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of Woo's best films.

Chapter 4: Mission: Impossible II

In 2000, Woo directed Mission: Impossible II, starring Tom Cruise. Mission: Impossible II was a massive box office success, but it received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the film's action sequences, while others criticized its plot and characters.

Despite the mixed reviews, Mission: Impossible II is still considered to be a solid action film. The film features some of the most spectacular action sequences of Woo's career, and it is a must-see for fans of the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Chapter 5: Later Career

After Mission: Impossible II, Woo directed a number of other films, including Windtalkers (2002),Paycheck (2003),and Reign of Assassins (2010). These films were not as successful as Woo's earlier work, but they still contain some of his trademark action sequences.

In recent years, Woo has returned to his roots in Hong Kong cinema. He has directed two films in China, The Crossing (2014) and Manhunt (2017). Both films were well-received by critics and audiences.

John Woo: The Films 2nd Edition is the definitive guide to Woo's filmography. Author Paul Fonoroff provides an in-depth analysis of each of Woo's films, from his early classics like A Better Tomorrow and The Killer to his Hollywood blockbusters like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II. Fonoroff explores Woo's unique style and techniques, his collaborations with actors and crew, and the cultural and historical context of his films.

John Woo: The Films, 2d ed.

by Kenneth E. Hall

5 out of 5