Blu-ray Review – Lifeline

"Backdraft" was one of the biggest hits of 1991, and deservedly so. Director Ron Howard captured the intensity of firefighting while developing a crime story, working hard to humanize all of his characters during the tale. The picture was an impressive achievement, but weirdly didn't trigger many copycats. Fast-forward to 1997, and director Johnnie To tries to replicate the formula for "Lifeline," which examines the heartbreak and heroism of firefighters working in Hong Kong. To doesn't have a Hollywood budget or technical assistance, but he manages to achieve a sense of danger with the endeavor, which is frequently engaged in moments of potential peril. The helmer can't quite conquer odd pacing and surging melodrama, but "Lifeline" is a decent offering of special effects and performances. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com