A Better Tomorrow
| A Better Tomorrow | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Traditional | 英雄本色 |
| Simplified | 英雄本色 |
| Mandarin | Yīng Xióng Běn Sè |
| Cantonese | Jing1 hung4 bun2 sik1 |
| Directed by | John Woo |
| Produced by | Tsui Hark |
| Screenplay by |
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| Starring |
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| Music by | Joseph Koo |
| Cinematography | Wong Wing-hang |
| Edited by | Kam Ma |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Cinema City & Films Co. |
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Release date
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Running time
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95 minutes |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
| Box office | HK$34.7 million |
A Better Tomorrow (Chinese: 英雄本色; Jyutping: Jing1 hung4 bun2 sik1; literally: "True Colors of a Hero") is a 1986 Hong Kong crime film directed by John Woo and starring Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun-fat. The film had a profound influence on the Hong Kong film-making industry, and later on an international scale.
Although it was produced with a tight budget and was relatively unknown until it went on screen (due to virtually no advertising), it broke Hong Kong's box office record and went on to become a blockbuster in Asian countries. It is highly regarded, ranking at #2 of the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures. Its success also ensured the sequel A Better Tomorrow II, also directed by Woo, and A Better Tomorrow 3: Love & Death in Saigon, a prequel directed by Tsui Hark.
Although Ti Lung was the film's lead actor, co-star Chow Yun-fat's breakout performance out-shined him, solidifying the latter's status as one of the top superstars in the Hong Kong film industry. Chow's character "Mark Gor" was imitated by many fans even decades after the film's release.
Sung Tse-Ho (Ti Lung) works for the Triad, whose principal operation is printing and distributing counterfeit US bank notes. Ho is a respected member of the organization and is entrusted the most important transactions. Mark Lee (Chow Yun-Fat), another high-ranking member of the group, is his best friend and partner in crime.
Ho is close to his younger brother, Kit (Leslie Cheung), who is training to become a police officer. Ho keeps his criminal life secret from his brother and encourages Kit's career choice. Ho's father is aware of Ho's criminal activities and appeals to him to go straight. Ho agrees, deciding that his next deal in Taiwan will be his last one before leaving the Triad. Shing (Waise Lee), a new member, is sent along as an apprentice. The deal turns out to be a trap by the Taiwanese gang. A shootout ensues in which Ho and Shing flee, pursued by local law enforcement.
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