This is probably a film that a lot of people missed out on during 2006. Back then, this was probably one of the better movies of the year and the status remains despite 5 years after. The film was made on the backdrop of an era where undercover cops have been given cult status after the success of 2002's Infernal Affairs. For me, On the Edge succeeds on a number of levels, firstly as a character driven drama, secondly in refining the career of Nick Cheung and finally as an engaging drama. Still, On the Edge is by no means perfect; it fails to live up to its promise. It is simply a film that could have been great and settled for second best. Then again, the film poses one of the most memorable scenes with Francis Ng and Nick Cheung in the car. Ng (the triad boss) asks Cheung (undercover cop) – "How long have you been a cop?" Cheung replies "7 years", Ng continues "How long have you been with me?" Cheung claims "4 years". Ng smartly charms "At least it is not because we don't pay you enough, so you have to work part time!" For me, the film works because it focuses on characters and with the scene stealing Francis Ng, ever dependable Anthony Wong, the improving Derek Tsang and a convincing yet difficult display of conflicting emotions by Nick Cheung, On the Edge rises above expectations and succeeds… Neo rates this 8/10.www.thehkneo.com

I watched this movie on an international flight with no idea of what the movie was about and it did not disappoint. This could almost be a sequel to Internal Affairs as the story follows an undercover cops return to the rank and file of the police force.OK so you may need to live with a dodgy premise that the undercover cop would not be given a new identity and posted to a different area to avoid any potential conflicts however this is a really insightful film giving a view from both sides of the law.This is a gritty drama with some John Woo themes of loyalty and brotherhood but based in reality. Watch and enjoy.

At first glance, this movie might look like an Infernal Affairs clone, with Nick Cheung declaring he wants to be a "good cop", and with the element of an undercover cop in the triads. Actually, this could have sort of served as a tangent off IA1, with keen observations to how undercover cops find it tough to assimilate back to normalcy, as the movie shared, more than 50% do not make it pass their 3rd year.Nick Cheung plays Harry, an undercover cop who has just busted one of the largest triad bosses - Don Dark (don't ask, played by the excellent Francis Ng), but so what? One would expect glory, recognition and a fat reward to go along, but surprise, in the real world, things like that go unappreciated more often than not. In most movies, the good guy takes the bad guy down in a blaze of glory, and one would expect the glorious moments to be hailed. Here, it's the exploration of how difficult it is actually to rid yourself of vices that you picked up over the years.Given 8 years spent in the underworld, friendships are forged, and so that sense of brotherhood and loyalty become fiercely strong. And it is indeed this brand of devotion that casts a shadow on Harry, whether he has actually rid himself of underworld links, or somehow turned tails and is acting like a double agent. But you know you're stuck in a rut when both sides decide they couldn't trust you.Assimilating back to society isn't always easy, and not having the support from those that matter to you will always make it all the more challenging. In the 8 years you've been living a lie as a different man, how would you expect others to look at you? It actually makes you wonder if it is humanly possible at all, to forget some of the best times of your life, and the relationships you hold so dearly to. After all, no man is an island.A major plus point is the stellar supporting heavyweights like Francis Ng and Anthony Wong, though they may seem to have superficially replayed their roles from IA2, with a bit of mellowing from Ng and an extra sense of edginess from Wong. Rain Lee as Harry's girlfriend looked a bit out of place though, with her cutie pie looks totally in opposites with her tough- nails gangster moll character. There's also a deliberate contrast between the methods of those on different sides of the law, subtly hinting that in the end, it boils down to basic human principles of conduct.To round up, the movie may be treading on a familiar genre. The multiple flashbacks are done very nicely as we see the years that Harry spent in the underworld intertwined and contrasting with the normal life he's trying to lead. I suspect it might not last long in its release here given the barrage of films out starting from next week, so you might want to give this movie a shot.

From the moment Brother Hung's atmospheric soundtrack begins to complement equally weather-soaked visuals in this new triad piece, you know a treat's in store.But mesmerizing sounds courtesy of Mr. Hung and his versatile keyboard compositions aren't all that's before us, something assured in part thanks to the presence of prolific director Herman Yau. His talents have previously been responsible for starting the entire Troublesome Night franchise in addition to more mainstream releases like Herbal Tea (2004), and now we have him engaged in more nefarious hijinx.And frankly, On the Edge comes quite close to being a perfect movie, a feat stopped short only by its existence in a universe tread so many times it's due for a tire rotation: the indefatigable realm of Hong Kong cops and robbers.Elements of Infernal Affairs and Expect the Unexpected emerge thick and fast, albeit with a major twist and superb execution. As a complete product, On the Edge wins out, bringing back the kind of cinema HK's vaunted wordwide reputation has been founded on.The lead herein belongs to Nick Cheung, a truly believable and thoroughly impressive actor who rarely receives the primary roles his acumen suggests. Weaned on supporting performances thus far, Cheung portrays undercover cop Harry Sin, known to the criminal elements as Harry Boy. As the latter, he ensconces himself in a major organization headed by Boss Dark (Francis Ng in another quirky but effective appearance).Harry does so well, he pretty much becomes a fully-fledged triad, befriending henchman Mini B (Derek Tseng of A.V fame), while totally falling for gorgeous karaoke joint beauty Cat (lovely Rain Li).There have been, and doubtless will continue to be, stories about cops masquerading as the criminals they're supposed to bring in, but not many reach the palpable emotional effect ascribed to On the Edge. The interaction between Harry and his various underworld associations is rendered not only authentically, but with authoritative, effective melodrama liable to keep most viewers glued to the screen start to finish.Yet more awaits: when Harry finally meets his day of reckoning and is forced to act as law enforcer rather than loyal blood brother, a twist appears. He gets to keep his triad persona free of retribution, in complete contrast to audience expectations. Those mandate a swift reprisal, but here quite the opposite transpires. This results in a most interesting situation, where Harry walks a line among the two opposing realities, alternating between newly-returned-from-the-cold, celebrated operative and formerly-loved compatriot-turned-traitor.Naturally, neither faction trusts Harry. Even his colleagues in the police force feel compelled to proceed cautiously, taking his comeback with a grain of salt. This is especially the case with seasoned and brutal veteran Lung, who marks one more solid showing for one of our favorites, Anthony Wong. Lung has little patience for those he considers on the wrong side of the law, a viewpoint ultimately inclusive of Harry Boy.Unable to shake either stigma, Harry's entire identity comes under scrutiny by others and, more so, himself. This conflict is done on a par with classics such as Serpico and Donnie Brasco, balancing strong characterization, emotive content and action like a fine-tuned symphonic orchestra, save for one brief, annoying segment recalling TV series 24 a bit too much.Some may worry On the Edge belongs in the predictable and formulaic pile, but such pigeon-holing simply won't do in its case. Certainly a card-carrying member of the triad genre, On the Edge's running of a supremely tight ship raises it above the usual fare. It encompasses all the essential components, down to much-needed violence, gore and suggestive themes.Unlike oft-touted Election, On the Edge doesn't resort to ceremonial pomp and mysticism, nor does it shy away from the juicy stuff. After all, how can you seriously expect people to buy into a crime epic devoid of blood, guts and the occasional car chase? In that respect, On the Edge refrains from pulling too many punches. It's as straight-faced as possible, caters to no obvious agenda, and even has cops that look and act like the real McCoy (could be because many of the extras are actual police officers, differing from other films).While it may not be on the cutting edge of innovation, On the Edge for sure rides the crest of quality and makes a proud stand for HK cinema as it once was. Support it, watch it.Rating: * * * *