Film Review: Justice in Northwest 西北風雲 (2018) - China
Rating: 5/10
Support my goal of writing one film review per day in 2025 - https://www.patreon.com/neofilmreviews
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
"Justice in Northwest" presents a familiar narrative of crime and justice, set against the backdrop of cross-border smuggling in China. Directed by Huang Huang and led by a talented cast including Yu Nan and Simon Yam, the film delves into the world of law enforcement through the eyes of Gao Qiao, a dedicated policewoman.
While the performances by the cast members are commendable, particularly Yu Nan's portrayal of Gao Qiao, and Simon Yam as the love interest and clay pot owner / drug dealer, the film falls short in delivering a truly gripping and original storyline. The plot, centered around a smuggling case, lacks the depth and complexity needed to truly engage the audience on a profound level.
Despite its shortcomings, "Justice in Northwest" manages to showcase moments of tension and intrigue, keeping viewers moderately engaged throughout its runtime. The cinematography captures the essence of the crime genre, with notable attention to detail in depicting the gritty underworld of smuggling operations.
In the realm of crime thrillers, "Justice in Northwest" offers a decent but unremarkable viewing experience. While it may appeal to fans of the genre, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impact or offer a fresh perspective on familiar themes. This film stands as a passable addition to the crime genre, but lacks the depth and innovation to truly stand out in a crowded field. (Neo, 2025)