When celebrated heroes face an even more complex evil scheme, 'Black and White: The Dawn of Justice', the sequel to the 'Black and White' film series based on Taiwan's hit TV show, returns with intensified thrills—spectacular explosions, highway chases, and a global threat in the form of a deadly virus. This article delves into every dimension of this action film to see if it lives up to expectations.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
After Wu Yingxiong (played by Mark Chao) becomes a hero from the Boeing 777 incident, peace in Harbor City is short-lived when multiple explosions rock the city within hours. This is just the beginning of a larger scheme. Wu must team up with Chen Zhen (Lin Gengxin), a genius detective, to uncover the truth. They discover a stolen military missile and a deadly virus capable of destroying the world within 14 days. The duo must work together to stop the catastrophe before it's too late.
Acting and Characters
Mark Chao reprises his role as Wu Yingxiong with strong fighting skills and intense emotions, while Lin Gengxin adds flair with a sharp and playful Chen Zhen. Their pairing creates great chemistry. The villain, played by Huang Bo, is chillingly effective. However, the female character Lan Xiying (Zhang Junning) has a limited role, though she still helps drive the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Tsai Yueh-hsun and the team create an impressive atmosphere of a crumbling city. Action scenes are fast and crisp, especially the highway chase and realistic explosions. The score enhances the excitement, though it feels repetitive at times. Overall, it's well-done for a mid-budget action film.
Editorial Analysis
'Black and White: The Dawn of Justice' tries to up the scale from the first film with a global threat and more elaborate special effects, but it suffers from rushed storytelling and plot holes. However, for action fans who enjoy mindless thrills, this film delivers, especially with the lead duo's teamwork that adds charm.
Verdict
For those who enjoy mindless action thrills, 'Black and White: The Dawn of Justice' is a worthwhile choice. Despite weaknesses in the script, the entertainment value compensates. Fans of the Black and White series should definitely watch.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Explosive action scenes with beautiful visuals
- +Great chemistry between the lead duo
- +Plot has twists and isn't straightforward
👎 Cons
- −Some parts feel rushed and have plot holes
- −Female characters have too little screen time
Top Cast
FAQ
Yes, this is a direct sequel to Black and White (2012), but it can be watched standalone as it recaps the first film's events.
Currently, there are two main films: Black and White (2012) and Black and White: The Dawn of Justice (2014), which is the direct sequel.
The runtime is 126 minutes, or about 2 hours and 6 minutes.
