Sparrow

Man jeuk

(Hong Kong, 2008, 87 mins)

35mm

Wisconsin Premiere

camera: Cheng Siu-keung
editor: David Richardson
sound: Martin Chappell
music: Xavier Jamaux, Fred Avril
art director: Tony Yu
costume designer: Stanley Cheung
cast: Simon Yam, Kelly Lin, Lam Ka-Tung, Lam Suet, Kate Tsui

• IMDB Film Info

In Exiled (WFF07), director Johnnie To focused on a ex-gangster, backed by two groups of hitmen pitted against each other, using the distinct rhythms of each squad to create a stylish, dark thriller. Sparrow now moves a foursome pickpockets front and center. Led by the charismatic Kei (Simon Yam), they make a comfortable living in the streets of Hong Kong. Each heist is a delicate choreography of theft, transfer, and disappearance. Each day begins with breakfast at the little diner with birdcages hanging from the ceiling. A mysterious woman crosses their path, literally, as she flees down an alleyway dressed in stylish clothes. The brothers become entranced by this femme fatale, apparently under the control of an aging mob boss, and the jazzy, joyful game is afoot. Sublime in its setting of the old streets of Hong Kong, this is a fascinating story where everything — wallets, hearts — can be stolen by sleight-of-hand.

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