A Better Tomorrow

In A Better Tomorrow, Sung Chi Ho, a former gangster trying to leave crime behind, seeks a quieter life, rebuilding trust with his younger brother Sung Chi Kit, a dedicated police officer. The brothers share a bond born of years on opposite sides of the law. Chi Ho's loyalty to allies keeps tempting him back into the streets, even as he protects Chi Kit from the consequences of their past. Mark Lee, Chi Ho's longtime companion, stands at the crossroads between friendship and duty, choosing between loyalty to the crew and the squad that wants to bring it all down. As pressure from rival gangs intensifies, the brothers must balance affection and obligation while a violent past presses toward devastating reckoning.

Directed by John Woo and released in 1986, A Better Tomorrow derives from a screenplay credited to Xue Quan, Chan Hing-Kai, and Leung Suk-Wah. This Hong Kong crime drama helped establish Woo's reputation for stylish action fused with personal drama.

The film grossed about 4,999,517 dollars worldwide, reflecting solid returns for a mid-1980s Hong Kong production. Its financial performance helped cement the leads' stardoms and contributed to John Woo's growing international reputation. Its turnout helped spark discussion in regional markets.

A Better Tomorrow helped define the heroic bloodshed style by mixing accelerated gun action with intimate family bonds. It propelled Chow Yun-Fat to international prominence and influenced a wave of Hong Kong films and directors, shaping later action sequences and star culture. Its gunplay and brotherly tension defined many imitations.

Critics praised the movie for its brisk energy and emotional gravity, noting how loyalty to family clashes with the lure of crime. The film examines redemption, duty, and the human costs of violence, delivered through straight shooting direction and strong performances. It remains a touchstone for craft in genre cinema.