Dragon in Jail (1990)
Reviewed by: Libretio on 2005-10-15
Summary: Blood spattered prison/Triad drama
DRAGON IN JAIL (1990)

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Sound format: Mono

Kent Cheng's DRAGON IN JAIL toplines actor-singer Andy Lau as a gold-hearted convict who befriends fellow inmate Kenny Ho (THE RED WOLF) whilst they're both in jail on manslaughter and embezzling charges, respectively. Upon release, however, they both go their separate ways: Ho becomes a lawyer, whilst Lau is dragged into the criminal underworld via the machinations of a thuggish Triad underling (William Ho) who frames him for murder. The film's second half charts a series of appalling tragedies which drive the normally peaceful Lau to seek revenge against his tormentors, culminating in a predictably blood-spattered finale.

A fairly typical Hong Kong potboiler of its day, DRAGON IN JAIL combines heart-rending melodrama with sudden eruptions of choreographed violence, all of which serve to underline the bonds of friendship which unite the leading characters. Kenny Ho acquits himself admirably here, playing a fairly clichéd role, whilst top-billed Lau coasts through proceedings on the strength of his good looks and sensitive acting style, showing no signs of the heavy workload which saw him appear in more than a dozen movies in 1990 (his commercial success meant that he was a popular choice for get-rich-quick Triads operating within the HK film industry at the time). Production values are sparse, but Lam A-do's excellent cinematography makes a virtue of the rough-hewn locations and Lam Sai-kan's low-budget art direction, while Wong Ming-lam's snappy editing keeps the narrative moving along swiftly. Some of the cutting seems a little ragged in places, however, indicating a rushed post-production schedule.

Elsewhere, director Cheng - taking a break from countless acting roles in the likes of RUN AND KILL, CRIME STORY, etc. - acknowledges the sexually ambivalent aspects of the prison setting with a couple of surprisingly candid 'sex' jokes, while the movie's only substantial female role (Gigi Lai, playing Lau's ill-fated girlfriend) is basically sidelined in favor of the intense, 'platonic' friendship which develops between Lau and Ho. HK movie commentator John Charles has chided western observers for their constant citation of "homoerotic undercurrents [in HK movies]... that would not be viewed in such a way by Chinese audiences". Maybe not, but the filmmakers themselves seem to know exactly what they're doing! Ultimately, DRAGON IN JAIL is an enjoyable entry in the HK crime canon, distinguished by its busy plot, fine performances and energetic action sequences.
Reviewer Score: 6