Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hong Kong crime classic mixes brutal violence and melodrama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Better Tomorrow
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A BETTER TOMORROW, money counterfeiter Ho (Lung Ti) is jailed while his brother Kit (Leslie Cheung) rises through the ranks of the police force. When Ho is released, Kit can't forgive him and while Ho wants to go straight, old friend Mark (Chow Yun-Fat) wants to rekindle their old criminal business.
Is It Any Good?
Released in 1986, this first iconic collaboration between writer-director John Woo and actor Chow is a gripping action drama that set the template for an entire genre. With the compelling set-up of two brothers—one a criminal and one a cop—A Better Tomorrow's melodrama is perfectly performed by its leads. Emotions pour out of acting legends Chow, Cheung, and Ti with operatic intensity. Meanwhile, the big, bloody, and thrilling action complements the family drama and elevates it to a crime epic. The movie also has heart and hope, with the taxi-firm owner, Ken (Kenneth Tsang), being the kindest and most compelling character. His belief in how formerly incarcerated people can turn their lives around is the heart of a movie packed with big emotions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in A Better Tomorrow. Was it thrilling or shocking? What do you think was the filmmaker's intention by how it was stylized? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the theme around forgiveness. How did Kit view Ho? Do you think his black and white, good and bad view of the world is correct? What other factors might need to be considered?
Talk about Ken's decision to employ formerly incarcerated people who couldn't get work elsewhere. Do you think this is a kind and hopeful outlook? Talk about how kindness is a positive trait.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 1, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : March 9, 2016
- Cast : Chow Yun-Fat , Lung Ti , Leslie Cheung
- Director : John Woo
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s) , Chinese Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence throughout and pervasive language
- Last updated : January 27, 2026
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