A seminal piece of Hong Kong cinema that directly influenced one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors is set for a major UK re-release. Ringo Lam's gritty 1987 thriller City on Fire, starring the magnetic Chow Yun-fat, returns to the big screen and home formats, offering audiences a chance to experience the raw original that helped shape Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs.
The Plot That Inspired a Generation
While Tarantino famously borrowed the film's core plot structure, the two movies diverge significantly in tone and execution. City on Fire plunges viewers into the bustling, often brutal streets of Hong Kong, a world vividly restored for this new release. The narrative follows an undercover police officer, played by Chow Yun-fat, as he infiltrates a gang of jewel thieves. Unlike the postmodern stylings of Reservoir Dogs, Lam's film is a masterclass in violent realism and moral complexity.
A key distinction lies in the audience's knowledge from the outset. We know Chow's character is a cop, which allows the story to explore a more profound theme: the conflict of loyalty. The film powerfully contrasts the infighting and cold bureaucracy of the police force with the unexpected honour and camaraderie he finds within the criminal gang—a group that includes the man who killed his colleague, portrayed by Danny Lee.
Chow Yun-fat's Defining Performance
This re-release showcases Chow Yun-fat at the peak of his powers. While his collaborations with John Woo in operatic action films like A Better Tomorrow and Hard Boiled brought him international fame, his work in City on Fire is arguably more nuanced. He effortlessly shifts between a cool, clownish underworld persona and a man grappling with the immense psychological toll of his double life.
The film stands as a cornerstone of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, yet it carves its own identity with a stark, unforgiving aesthetic. Forget stylised shootouts set to pop music; this is a world of grubby locations, sudden, bloody violence, and tense foot chases that feel palpably real. The film's own influences are also notable, with Lam drawing inspiration from the 1970s Indian thriller Gaddaar.
Where and When to Watch the Restoration
UK audiences have two key opportunities to experience this restored classic. City on Fire will ignite UK cinemas from 14 November, offering a chance to see its gritty visuals on the big screen. For home viewers, the film will be available to own on UHD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms from 1 December.
This re-release is more than a nostalgia trip; it's a chance to witness a pivotal film that bridged cultural and cinematic worlds. It cemented Ringo Lam's reputation as a master of the genre and provided the emotional heft and violent realism that would resonate through decades of crime cinema.
