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 police van seat. Nothing as exciting as this movie, but I understood the intent of the characters.
Lam Suet is perfect as the inept disheveled 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 the triad boss sets off investigators suspecting LO's involvement. Sergeant Mike of the Police Tactical Unit determines 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. All the while keeping their interfering and guileless commander at bay. The nuance of relationships between ranks, colleagues and police units are 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. I agree that Simon Yam as Sgt Mike is playing it understated. Yet, I see the substance in the subtle hints about tension between supposed comrades. Sergeant Mike has a simple philosophy “Everyone in uniform is a brother”.
Lam Suet is perfect as the inept disheveled 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 the triad boss sets off investigators suspecting LO's involvement. Sergeant Mike of the Police Tactical Unit determines 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. All the while keeping their interfering and guileless commander at bay. The nuance of relationships between ranks, colleagues and police units are 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. I agree that Simon Yam as Sgt Mike is playing it understated. Yet, I see the substance in the subtle hints about tension between supposed comrades. Sergeant Mike has a simple philosophy “Everyone in uniform is a brother”.