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Island of Greed

1997 2h 6m Mystery & Thriller List
Reviews 33% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
A government inspector (Andy Lau) tries to bring down a Taiwanese underworld figure (Tony Leung) who is seeking a political seat.

Audience Reviews

View All (5) audience reviews
DanTheMan 2 Island of Greed is a pretty ruthless and gritty chronicling of corruption in the government of China and their occupation of Taiwan. Although it's much more of a political thriller using current affairs as a backdrop to tell the life of a triad boss in his attempts to seize power and the opposition he faces from both political rivals and an ever-persistent police detective. A lot of the movie is carried by the charisma of its two leading men, nice direction from Michael Mak, a haunting score by Raymond Wong & Landy Wei and some decent action set pieces that are too few and far between. However, the story relies so heavily on viewers knowing the ins and outs of Taiwan like the back of their hand, so I was extremely lost on most things that would more than likely have a deeper meaning to those who have grown up there. Nothing special but still worthwhile for the action and performances if you can get invested in all the political talk. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This dreadful flick meant almost nothing to non-Taiwanese viewers. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member The "Island of Greed" (Taiwan) is flooded with "Black Gold" (dirty money). Leung plays the mob boss trying to get into politics, Lau plays his police adversary. As one would expect, an army of dogs is released on Lau and his teammates when they assault a tea plantation. And of course, gangs of taxi drivers riot with flames a plenty. Some good action, but too long. Nominated for Best Action Choreography, lost to "Downtown Torpedoes". Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Not bad, but could have been a lot better. It comes off a bit like propaganda at times and definitely has a few wtf? moments. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie has got the cast speak in mandarin and collaborating with taiwan actors. Good acting from Andy & Tony. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Island of Greed

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis A government inspector (Andy Lau) tries to bring down a Taiwanese underworld figure (Tony Leung) who is seeking a political seat.
Director
Michael Mak
Producer
Johnny Mak
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
Chinese
Release Date (DVD)
May 15, 2001
Runtime
2h 6m