Raging Fire (2021)
Raging Fire (2021)
Directed by the late Benny Chan, Raging Fire is a powerful Hong Kong action thriller that stars Donnie Yen as Cheung Sung-bong, a righteous and tough-as-nails cop who’s forced to face his former protégé turned vengeful criminal, Yau Kong-ngo, played by Nicholas Tse. The film is a passionate swan song to classic Hong Kong action cinema—gritty, explosive, and emotionally charged.
Donnie Yen brings his signature intensity and martial arts precision to the role of a principled detective caught in a moral war. Meanwhile, Nicholas Tse delivers a standout performance as the charismatic antagonist, whose personal betrayal and fall from grace fuel the film’s central conflict. The chemistry and rivalry between Yen and Tse give the story a raw emotional edge.
The action sequences are top-tier—gunfights, car chases, and hand-to-hand combat are choreographed with precision and shot with clarity. Unlike many modern action films, Raging Fire avoids CGI overload and embraces practical stunts, making every explosion and punch feel grounded and impactful.
The narrative touches on corruption, justice, and loyalty, echoing the golden era of Hong Kong crime dramas. Benny Chan’s direction is tight and heartfelt, especially poignant knowing it was his final film. While the plot follows a familiar formula, the execution, performances, and action elevate it beyond standard genre fare.
