A Hero Never Dies

“Extreme, violent, and unforgiving, A Hero Never Dies is a thriller in the form of a modern-day Western — a rarified, metaphysical no-man’s-land of brutal power play in which two professional killers are caught up in a ferocious, endless fight between rival triads. To centers the film emotionally on the two hired guns — men who leave parallel lives and are joined by the same destiny, and who end up transforming their mutual esteem into a tragic alliance.”
— Sabrina Baraccetti, Far East Film Festival

“To deconstructs the genre with camera motion and abstracted color, turning the guy with a gun story into a classically symmetrical celebration of structure….A textbook example of To’s ability to infuse formalist play with emotional effect: every betrayal and sacrifice packs a wallop.”
— Shelly Kraicer

Film Details

Country: Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese

Year: 1998
Running time: 86 min
Format: 35mm
Director: Johnnie To

Producers: Johnnie To, Wai Ka-fai

Cinematographer: Cheng Siu-keung
Editor: Chan Chi-wai
Print Source: AGFA

Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Generous support is provided by Nion T. McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund.