The Prosecutor

The Prosecutor is a legal crime action thriller directed by and starring Donnie Yen, reteaming with Ip Man producer Raymond Wong, and features a star-studded ensemble cast.

While it is not on par with the iconic status of the Ip Man film series, it is a modern Ip Man in spirit: Donnie Yen beating justice into a lawless world. Different robes, same job!

In its promotional trailer, it was baffling to see Donnie Yen, presumably the prosecutor in the title, holding a revolver running through a subway car like a police officer.

How would the story explain his fighting abilities and gun training? It's embarrassing to admit, but this ridiculous little hairball intrigued me for a month leading up to the film's release.

After a violent drug bust gone wrong, police officer Fok Chi-ho is disappointed with the criminal system, and quits the police force to become a government prosecutor...The answer I was looking for!

It was this precise moment ten minutes into the film, my expectations were firmly set. There was no use thinking how long it would take for a career policeman to quit, attend law school, and switch immediately to being a government prosecutor. Nor would I think about whether the film will portray the court of law authentically. It's not that kind of movie.

Under this mindset, The Prosecutor is an action-packed and entertaining popcorn film that's worth seeing once.

The ensemble cast, including Michael Hui, Francis Ng, Ray Lui, Julian Cheng, Kent Cheng and Lau Kong provide great support and keep the dramatic scenes engaging. There wasn't any feeling of waiting for the dialogue scenes to end so the fights can commence.

In fact, Francis Ng steals the movie in a hilarious reportedly-improvised scene where he openly challenges Donnie Yen to a fistfight, which was so close to a fourth wall break (whio challenges Donnie Yen in a movie?) that it had me cackling for a whole minute.

Julian Cheng completely morphs as the refined salt-and-pepper-haired businessman villain, a role that would normally played by Michael Wong. Cheng stands out, but falls short of being awards worthy.

The action choreography by Donnie Yen's Stunt Team, is noticeably more audience-friendly and less brutal than Yen's past MMA-themed films, like SPL, Flashpoint and Special ID.

In the past, Donnie Yen's priorities as star and fight choreographer were set on showcasing martial arts authentically. Whether it was police, wuxia or comic book action, he strived to deliver a sense of martial arts realism, notably power.

I see a maturation in Donnie Yen in The Prosecutor.

The Prosecutor felt like a culmination of Donnie Yen's filmmaking experience being applied in full as a director, with Raymond Wong supplying him all the proper resources.

This time, Yen is working with cast and crew he's familiar with and integrating the drama and action together to deliver a solid movie, and not just a movie with great fight scenes.

The Prosecutor (2024) : Movie Review -

Donnie Yen, best known for his iconic role as Ip Man, returns in The Prosecutor-a gritty, action-packed legal thriller that dares to blend adrenaline-fueled sequences with courtroom drama. While we've seen our fair share of courtroom thrillers, few dare to mesh it with high-octane action the way this film does-and surprisingly, it works quite well. With a gripping, edge-of-the-seat narrative and intellectually charged legal mind games, The Prosecutor offers far more than your average legal or action drama. Yen not only throws punches but also throws light on the cracks within the justice system, encouraging introspection and awareness among viewers-particularly those who might one day stand before the gavel.

The story kicks off when a young man from an underprivileged background is falsely accused of drug trafficking, sending his life into chaos. Framed by a powerful and corrupt legal machinery, he becomes entangled in a system that is rigged against the innocent. Enter Fok Chi-ho (Donnie Yen), a former hotshot cop turned reclusive legal crusader, burdened by a haunting failure from his past. Compelled by a deep-rooted sense of justice, he returns to fight a system riddled with corruption, shadowy conspiracies, and moral decay. What unfolds is a tense battle involving institutional cover-ups, legal loopholes, and ruthless adversaries-both inside and outside the courtroom.

Clocking in at just under two hours, The Prosecutor maintains a relentless pace. Even in the quieter moments, the film keeps you riveted with tense legal exchanges and gripping investigations. Then come the explosive action set pieces-few but fiercely executed-and Donnie Yen delivers every punch, kick, and dramatic moment with commanding presence. Each action block feels earned and impactful. The climax delivers not only thrilling visuals but also a powerful social commentary. It speaks to younger generations and veteran members of the judiciary alike, nudging them to rethink justice beyond mere legal evidence. The final silent moment, showing the quiet joy on a judge's face, speaks louder than any words could-it's a rare cinematic scream for justice that only the emotionally tuned-in will fully appreciate.

Donnie Yen is in top form, leading the film with a mix of emotional gravitas and kinetic energy. His courtroom monologue in the finale isn't lengthy, but it lands with weight, reflecting the journey his character undertakes. Julian Cheung is a surprise package and owns every second of his screen time. Michael Hui, portraying the judge, lends genuine credibility to his role, while Francis Ng as the chief prosecutor brings grit and gravity. MC Cheung Tin-fu brings youthful energy to the narrative, and Lau Kong offers a veteran presence with a memorable performance. Mandy Wang impresses with her dual-shaded character-beauty, brains, and betrayal all rolled into one. The ensemble cast adds terrific support across the board.

Visually, The Prosecutor is striking. The cinematography captures both the glossy cityscape and gritty courtroom drama with finesse. Li Ka-wing's editing ensures a tight narrative that rarely lags, although it remains to be seen whether the emotional impact holds up on a second viewing. The background score is decent overall, though it shines brightest in the climactic rooftop sequence, where it adds tension and cinematic heft. That top view was insane! Edmond Wong's sharp script and Donnie Yen's focused direction result in a potent mix of action, intellect, and commentary. In conclusion, The Prosecutor is more than just another action flick-it's a well-rounded thriller with substance. From fast-paced action and legal intrigue to emotional depth and a subtle call for justice reform, it delivers a thoroughly satisfying cinematic experience. Watch it if you're ready to go beyond standard genre fare and want something that stimulates both the mind and the senses.

RATING - 6/10*

This movie is a decent option for those looking for light entertainment, especially if you're bored and just want to kill some time while hanging out at the mall. It's the kind of film that requires very little effort or emotional investment, making it a casual watch rather than something truly memorable. However, it's hard to recommend it to anyone who has to go out of their way to see it, as the plot and execution feel overly conventional and lack originality.

The story plays it safe by sticking to the predictable formula of good triumphing over evil, which has been done countless times before. While Donnie Yen's fight scenes are undoubtedly a highlight, they can't fully compensate for the lack of depth in his performance. His acting feels stagnant, as though he hasn't challenged himself to grow or explore new dimensions in his craft. Once you strip away the action sequences, you're left with a film that feels hollow and uninspired, catering more to mainstream expectations than delivering something fresh or impactful.

In short, this is a film that serves its purpose as a casual time-filler but doesn't offer much more than that. If you're a die-hard Donnie Yen fan or just love action choreography, you might still find some enjoyment. Otherwise, it's a passable experience but not one worth going out of your way to watch.

The Prosecutor is an interesting film, as it's actually a legal-focused thriller first and foremost, with the martial arts action coming second. I found this blend of genres to work surprisingly well, and I give Donnie props for trying something different. The movie features a phenomenal opening action sequence and an incredible climactic one too. When it comes to the action scenes, you definitely won't be disappointed.

However, the legal aspect-which makes up the majority of the film-is unfortunately a bit lacklustre and predictable. I wish the courtroom scenes had explored more of the complexities of the justice system and delivered more intense drama. It didn't help that the villain was incredibly one-dimensional.

Still, it's an entertaining action movie overall, and this film does show that Donnie knows how to handle action.

Donnie Yen brings his signature style and flair to The Prosecutor, a film that merges courtroom drama with martial arts action. While it delivers on innovative visuals and spectacular fight choreography, its legal intricacies might leave audiences-especially those unfamiliar with the differences between common and civil law-scratching their heads.

The film shines in its technical execution. Creative camera movements and first-person-shooter (FPS) sequences are used to great effect, pulling viewers directly into the action. The fighting choreography is, as expected from Donnie Yen, nothing short of epic. From fluid hand-to-hand combat to intense weapon fights, the action sequences are a masterclass in martial arts cinema. These moments are choreographed with precision and filmed with ingenuity, elevating them beyond typical action fare.

However, the legal drama is where the film falters. For audiences accustomed to the Indonesian legal system, the trial process in The Prosecutor can be baffling. The film's depiction of a prosecutor's journey to confront a supreme judge raises compelling ethical and moral questions, but the lack of clarity in its portrayal of legal norms might prompt viewers to do some research into the differences between legal systems.

One point of contention is the film's claim of being "inspired by a true story." While this lends an air of gravitas, it feels unnecessary-distracting from the narrative's standalone merits. Sometimes, a good story should simply be allowed to exist as fiction without the baggage of supposed real-world connections.

Despite these issues, the bravery of the protagonist to take on a figure of immense power, coupled with Yen's impeccable performance, creates a compelling emotional arc. The film also explores themes of justice and accountability, making it more than just an action-packed spectacle.