The Drummer (DVD) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region 3

The film begins in fairly standard style with the young and arrogant rock drummer Sid (Chan) being caught in bed with the girlfriend of triad boss Stephen Ma (Kenneth Tsang of A Better Tomorrow and The Tokyo Trial), after which he is sent to hide out in remote Taiwan by his own enraged gangster father (Tony Leung Ka Fai). The rebellious youngster doesn't take too kindly to this, and spends most of his time either moping around or trying to outwit his minder Chiu (Hong Kong veteran Roy Cheung, recently in Johnnie To's Linger). Thankfully, he finally finds a distraction in the form of a group of Zen drummers who live and practice in a small mountain village, in particular an attractive though combative young woman called Hong Dou (Angelica Lee). Attempting to join the drummers in their frugal and disciplined life, Sid inevitably runs into problems, though gradually adjusts and begins to reach a harmony not only with the beat but with himself. Unfortunately, back in Hong Kong the ramifications of his actions are still being felt, and the past soon catches up in violent fashion.

The plot of The Drummer is pretty straightforward stuff, following the classic martial arts formula of a brash young man being exiled to a rural area where through a series of personal challenges and wacky training methods he learns to master his talents and conquer his personal demons. However, Bi makes the film a more interesting and engaging proposition than it might otherwise have been by updating this time honoured personal journey narrative arc and by combining it with modern triad themes. This fusion works very well, and although the film is basically predictable and loses its way somewhat towards the end, he gives the proceedings a unique feel by choosing to focus mainly on the spiritual aspects of the story, linking the rhythms of the drums with the rhythms of life. While this may sound a little heavy handed and pretentious, in practice it actually works very well, mainly since Bi takes a subtle, understated approach which gradually pulls the viewer along on Sid's journey. Music certainly plays a large part in the film, and the drumming scenes which are at its heart are passionate and striking, with Bi utilising the considerable talents of the U Theatre group to great effect.

The film also benefits from a set of interesting, well-written characters and great performances from the three leads, in particular Tony Leung, who deservedly won Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Horse Awards for his multi-layered turn as the terrifying gang boss who through the course of the film becomes gradually more human. Both Chan and Lee handle their drumming scenes convincingly, having reportedly undergone special training for the film. As a result, the story is unexpectedly moving and surprisingly tense towards the end, even though the outcome is never in much doubt. Bi directs with a steady hand, making the most of the breathtaking Taiwanese mountain scenery without ever losing sight of his characters, employing a great many close ups of the actors faces as he strives to bring out their every emotion. This nicely underlines the film's dramatic and humanistic elements, and prevents it from ever becoming either a piece of cinematic tourism or too much of a musically themed curio piece.

As a result The Drummer is a well-crafted blend of commercial and intellectual filmmaking sensibilities that entertains and engages on a number of different levels. Bi proves himself to be a skilful and thoughtful director and Chan continues to impress as one of the better and most charismatic actors of his generation.

by James Mudge - BeyondHollywood.com