John Woo razzle and Wong Kar-Wai dazzle are the defining characteristics of this Thai action thriller. Shamelessly aping their distinctive styles, it occasionally matches Hong Kong's two finest for excitement as well.
Deaf and mute since childhood, hitman Kong (Pawalit Mongkolpisit) seeks violent redress for the torment of his early years. Working with partners Joe (Pisek Intrakanchit) and Aom (Patharawarin Timkul), Kong turns a corner when he meets kindly pharmacist Fon (Premsinee Ratanasopha). He discovers that life holds other options, but is it too late to choose them?
What it lacks in originality, the Pang brothers' collaborative debut makes upin raw energy and palpable passion. Eighty per cent dialogue free, the film draws its force from neon-doused ultraviolence, frenetic editing and a teeth-looseningly loud techno soundtrack. By the time its final shoot-out erupts Bangkok Dangerous is wearing its welcome pretty thin, but that doesn't detract from the force of the earlier thrills.
