PTU - "Everyone in uniform is a brother"
This 2003 Johnny TO film had me nodding along with a wry smile from the get-go. It captures the atmosphere of foreboding that revolves around a missing police gun—the rush to find it before a report can be made and the tension that builds.
In 1995, I was in PTU when one of my officers thought he'd lost his handcuffs in a struggle with a couple of hooligans. We held off reporting the loss. Then, at daybreak, the handcuffs are found tucked into the fold of the police van seat. Nothing as exciting as this movie, but I understood the characters' intent.
Lam Suet is perfect as the inept, dishevelled CID officer LO. I know the type. I've worked with him, recognising all his foibles and actions. He misplaces his revolver in a rumble with a couple of triads guys. Meanwhile, the killing of a triad boss sets off investigators suspecting LO's involvement.
Sergeant Mike of the Police Tactical Unit is determined to help LO. His fellow Sergeant Kat is not impressed with this blatant breach of the rules. At the same time, the triads are fighting amongst themselves. Whilst rival police units are scouring for a case.
Sergeant Mike and his team shake down everyone they can find while keeping their interfering and guileless commander at bay. The nuance of relationships between ranks, colleagues, and police units is well crafted. Again, I was nodding along in agreement.
The ending is poetic. LO prevails, and Sergeant Mike has done the honourable thing by sticking with him. Some reviewers have held that PTU is all style over substance. As Sgt Mike, I agree that Simon Yam is playing it understated. Yet, I see the substance in the subtle hints about the tension between supposed comrades.
Sergeant Mike has a simple philosophy: "Everyone in uniform is a brother".
In 1995, I was in PTU when one of my officers thought he'd lost his handcuffs in a struggle with a couple of hooligans. We held off reporting the loss. Then, at daybreak, the handcuffs are found tucked into the fold of the police van seat. Nothing as exciting as this movie, but I understood the characters' intent.
Lam Suet is perfect as the inept, dishevelled CID officer LO. I know the type. I've worked with him, recognising all his foibles and actions. He misplaces his revolver in a rumble with a couple of triads guys. Meanwhile, the killing of a triad boss sets off investigators suspecting LO's involvement.
Sergeant Mike of the Police Tactical Unit is determined to help LO. His fellow Sergeant Kat is not impressed with this blatant breach of the rules. At the same time, the triads are fighting amongst themselves. Whilst rival police units are scouring for a case.
Sergeant Mike and his team shake down everyone they can find while keeping their interfering and guileless commander at bay. The nuance of relationships between ranks, colleagues, and police units is well crafted. Again, I was nodding along in agreement.
The ending is poetic. LO prevails, and Sergeant Mike has done the honourable thing by sticking with him. Some reviewers have held that PTU is all style over substance. As Sgt Mike, I agree that Simon Yam is playing it understated. Yet, I see the substance in the subtle hints about the tension between supposed comrades.
Sergeant Mike has a simple philosophy: "Everyone in uniform is a brother".