NYFF Review - 'The Inspection' Unearths Empathy in the Trenches of Bootcamp
The film exhibits a respect for the craft and an empathy for human tribulations that have historically been ignored.
The Best of Times (2002)
Although their characters and temperaments couldn't be less alike, 19-year olds Wei and Jie are best friends. They're also neighbours, living with widower fathers and problem siblings in the suburbs of Taipei. When Wei is promoted from the rank of nightclub parking valet to the rank of debt-collector in Brother Gu's gang, he persuades his boss to hire Jie to work alongside him. Things begin to go wrong when they are given a handgun to reward their success in the new job. Always excitable and volatile, Jie becomes reckless and dangerous when he has the gun in his hand. When they try to collect a debt from the boss of a rival gang, a fight erupts and Jie shoots the gang-boss. The boys find themselves on the run. But fate and their youthful dreams still have tricks to play.
- / 5
PopScore
Representation
Pictures and Videos
Movie Information
Although their characters and temperaments couldn't be less alike, 19-year olds Wei and Jie are best friends. They're also neighbours, living with widower fathers and problem siblings in the suburbs of Taipei. When Wei is promoted from the rank of nightclub parking valet to the rank of debt-collector in Brother Gu's gang, he persuades his boss to hire Jie to work alongside him. Things begin to go wrong when they are given a handgun to reward their success in the new job. Always excitable and volatile, Jie becomes reckless and dangerous when he has the gun in his hand. When they try to collect a debt from the boss of a rival gang, a fight erupts and Jie shoots the gang-boss. The boys find themselves on the run. But fate and their youthful dreams still have tricks to play.
Rating:
Genre:Thriller, Crime, Drama
Written By:Chang Tso-chi
In Theaters:10/15/2002
Box Office:
Runtime:109 minutes
Studio:NHK Enterprises, Chang Tso-chi Film Studio
Articles You May Like
Garfield the Movie: A Failure in Adapted Characters
An analysis on how the Garfield movie fails to represent the characters it is adapting, especially the women, by removing their best characteristics.
Celebrating the Diversity of the 2026 Oscars
2026 ranks highest in Oscars history for its representation of minorities in all categories, and that’s definitely something to be celebrated.
Trauma Profiteering in Jordan Peele's 'Nope'
Nope succeeds tremendously in dealing with higher concepts in an engaging and highly entertaining manner without sacrificing theme or personality.
Rag Tag - Nigerian Love Story for the Black Canon
'Rag Tag' encompasses the diversity within the African Diaspora by showing London Nigerian men learning to regulate their emotions while navigating love and societal pressures.
History and Lessons behind Norma Rae aka Crystal Lee
How closely should film adaptations follow their source material? Let's take a deep dive into "Norma Rae", and find out.