One Nite in Mongkok. Hong Kong 2004. Directed by Derek Yee

Mongkok is said to be the heart of Hong Kong's Kowloon area. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The assassin called Roy from the mainland China is hired to kill the boss of other of two main triads, and Roy has also personal intentions towards middle-man Luk who hired him. When Roy arrives in Mongkok, he gets to know to Dan, a girl from China who makes a living with prostitution. At the same time the Hong Kong police has strong suspicion that these two triads will have a violent confrontation if the assassin can finish his job.

Derek Yee directed this surprisingly effective thriller with enough twists and action to keep the interest throughout the film. The very beginning seems like an average HK action thriller but very soon the tension grows. One Nite in Mongkok does not deliver much of original and new aspects to the genre, but it sure does work so well that it nails you to your seat.

Daniel Wu (of Night Corridor, upcoming Police Story 5, Gorgeous etc..) stars as assassin Roy in way we are used to see him: not much of a facial expressions but his cool appearance and charisma makes his performance believable. Cecilia Cheung as Dan is very likable in her role playing the naive but warm-hearted prostitute. Lam Suet as Luk gives some comical value and it has a nice effect in overall atmosphere.

One Nite in Mongkok is a fine example of film that creates suspense with simple ways. It has a number of influences from mainstream Hollywood movies but it uses them in a way that it's ultimately entertaining as it is simultaneously thrilling like a top-notch HK thriller can be. Few surprisingly violent blood bursts has enough shock value to keep viewer as edgy as it is necessary. This film should not be missed if you are into thrilling action and good entertainment. One Nite in Mongkok may not be delivering anything original, but re-inventing the wheel just isn't sometimes useful.