100% Spicy
A film that humanizes drug addictions, criminals and law enforcement…
Protégé is a thought provoking film.
A film that humanise criminals
A film that does not glorify law enforcers
A film that depicts life as it is
No sugarcoating, no fairytale romance, no moral stance.
It does not teach audiences how to think, it does not say what is right or wrong, it leaves us to interpret for ourselves. It is uncomfortable to watch because it does not paint criminals as villains and officers as heroes.
it does not offer salvation.
The introduction scene to Andy Lau’s character, Lam Kwan, is powerful and calls for audiences to related to him as an ordinary family man struggling to fend for his family. He appears as a frail and non-threatening middle aged man who dresses modestly, and has common worries such as issue with his rebellous teenage daughter and a medical condition that got him hospitalised. His tragic ending draws sympathy and is painful instead of satisfying to watch.
Audiences are basically forced to take the red pill. we are forced to face the truth that a supposedly evil criminal could be a good father, a supposedly loving mother turned out to be a drug addict, a policeman who is supposed to have good integrity is full of greed. Some go after money, some go after power. We are shown the grey areas in life and lead to empathise with the different characters.
I have never liked films that glorify humans of any category especially law enforcers.
If superhero does exists, I’d say this film is the superhero of crime films because it gives audiences an insight to social issues. Deep, authentic and harsh.
Would love to hear your thoughts in the JouleView comments section, below…
I rate this gritty film, 5 JoulePeppers – it’s Spicy!
Btw, Andy Lau’s acting was superb.
Thank you for your first AppFlicks Jouleview Review @Bubblexin! I haven’t seen Protégé yet. I’ll have to scan Netflix for it and give it a watch as soon as I can. Speaking of crime dramas have you watched The Departed (2006) which takes place in my hometown, of Boston, Massachusetts? Another good one, set around Charlestown, Massachusetts is The Town (2010). I’d also recommend Heat (1995) and Miami Vice (2006). There’s so many great films in this genre.
Impressive. Interesting story based on review. I’ll watch this one.