But I couldn't let my just-pretty-good review stay here. Many films make less sense and become more meaningless the more thought you give them; what might've initially seemed deeply meaningful often turns out to be empty style. The Mission is a rare genre film that rewards repeated viewings and close scrutiny.

What is most remarkable about The Mission is its minimalist, stripped-down approach to everything. This may initially have been a function of the budget, (reportedly US $330,000)but instead of trying to make up for his limited budget with self-conscious camerawork and flashy performances, To opted for a minimalist approach to not only the action scenes, (which are innovative for the slow pace at which they unfold)locations(it seems to have largely been based around whatever a certain realty company would let them use) and cast, (talented but B-list budget choices in the leads, few scenes with extras)but even the story and character development, which are presented with remarkably minimal dialogue. Character relations are established in very subtle ways for an "action" movie; a gesture, a glance, even the characters' position in the frame.

Maybe I'm making The Mission sound like a dull art movie. It's not. It's as "cool" a gangster pic as anyone could ask for; you'll find the (minimalist, of course) synth soundtrack running through your head, you'll find yourself moving like Roy Cheung and glaring like Francis Ng. Am I reading too much into the movie because it's an award-winner from the man who is probably my favorite director anywhere? Maybe. Many may find the movie dull or a letdown on first viewing; I myself was disappointed with my first impression of the movie, which was positive but didn't live up to the hype. Still, The Mission is a film that rewards the effort you put into it.