Film Review: City of Darkness 黑色城市 (1999) - Hong Kong / Taiwan
Rating: 4/10
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
In "City of Darkness," Donnie Yen and Collin Chou find themselves in a narrative that promises intrigue but ultimately falls short in execution. Yen's subdued role leaves much to be desired, offering little beyond his trademark fight scenes. Chou, cast as the cartoonish villain, struggles to inject depth into his character, resulting in a missed opportunity for complexity.
The film follows the intertwining paths of Fei, White, and Fong, three young individuals connected by a shared secret unknowingly carried in their pendants. As the ruthless Duanmu, played by Collin Chou, pursues them for the coveted map pieces leading to the 'Holy Wall' treasure, a tale of greed and peril unfolds. Enter Edge and Lin Dan, portrayed by Donnie Yen, a pair of cops with contrasting personas who take it upon themselves to safeguard the children and thwart the nefarious plans of their adversaries.
Despite its promising premise, "City of Darkness" struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative, relying heavily on action sequences to compensate for its narrative shortcomings. The direction by Lin Wan-Chang and Tin-Hung Yiu, coupled with Li-Min Pien's writing, fails to elevate the film beyond its superficial plot, leaving the audience craving more depth and nuance in character development. (Neo, 2025)
**Directors:** Lin Wan-Chang, Tin-Hung Yiu
**Writer:** Li-Min Pien
**Stars:** Donnie Yen, Collin Chou, Billy Chow