[Movie Review] The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell《扫毒3: 人在天涯》

The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell is a 2023 Hong Kong action film directed by Herman Yau and starring Aaron Kwok, Louis Koo and Sean Lau. The film is a thematic sequel to the 2019 film The White Storm 2: Drug Lords, featuring a new storyline and characters. All three movies in The White Storm series have standalone storylines and are not related sequentially or characters-wise. The common elements between them would be the theme of catching drug traffickers and featuring top-name Hong Kong male actors, alternating roles of policemen or drug traffickers.

The plot revolves around two undercover narcotics detectives, Xing (Aaron Kwok) and Wing (Louis Koo), who find themselves in a tangled web of loyalty and danger. Xing is embedded deep undercover as Billy, the right-hand man of Thai-Chinese cartel boss Suchat (Sean Lau). After a dramatic shootout, Xing is injured, and the cartel escapes to a drug-producing village in the Golden Triangle at the Thai-Myanmar border. Xing’s friend and fellow cop, Au Zhiyuan (Louis Koo), is determined to rescue him and pursues the criminals with the help of Interpol.

The film is at its best when the three main stars come together, creating a compelling dynamic that keeps the audience engaged. Louis Koo’s portrayal of Wing, the cocky and nihilistic alpha of the group, adds depth to the trio’s interactions. Meanwhile, Aaron Kwok shines as Xing, the undercover officer grappling with moral dilemmas and risking his cover being blown. Their brotherly bond is explored through well-executed flashbacks, enhancing the overall storytelling.

Top credits go to award-winning actor, Sean Lau. His portrayal of the cocky, but loyal Suchat is beyond stellar, and his performance alone is able to carry you through the whole movie, just to find out what will happen to Suchat at the end.

Additionally, Herman Yau’s direction excels in creating thrilling action sequences that boast practical effects, lending a palpable sense of tension and excitement. From explosive car chases to intense gunfights, the film delivers on its promise of being loud and over-the-top. Despite a superficial plot and underdeveloped character arcs, Yau manages to let his actors shine in their roles, making the best of an otherwise hasty screenplay.

The movie’s biggest strength lies in its sheer entertainment value. It successfully achieves its goal of providing a fun and action-packed experience, even if it lacks the nuance and drama that could elevate it to a higher level.

The White Storm 3: Heaven Or Hell may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do – deliver an adrenaline-fueled, explosive spectacle. For fans of the series and those seeking a mindless, action-packed adventure, this film will not disappoint. With impressive performances from its leading stars and intense action sequences, it manages to be an enjoyable ride despite its flaws.

Fans of good old-fashioned Hong Kong police and gangster movies will definitely enjoy this. Serious film critics should steer clear as the film is clearly made to entertain than to be taken too seriously.

The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell《扫毒3: 人在天涯》is now showing in Singapore cinemas.