A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong crime film directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun Fat. The film's success helped establish Chow as a leading actor in the Hong Kong film industry. It also marked the beginning of a long-standing collaboration between Chow and Woo, who went on to make several other successful films together.
The Plot of A Better Tomorrow
A Better Tomorrow tells the story of two brothers, Sung Tse-Ho (played by Chow Yun Fat) and Sung Tse-Kit (played by Leslie Cheung). Tse-Ho is a successful triad member who wants to leave the criminal life behind, while Tse-Kit is a police officer who is determined to bring down the triad. The two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the law, leading to a tragic confrontation.
The Impact of A Better Tomorrow
A Better Tomorrow was a critical and commercial success in Hong Kong, and it helped to popularize the "heroic bloodshed" genre of action films. The film's themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption resonated with audiences, and it made Chow Yun Fat a household name in Hong Kong. The film also had a significant impact on the international film industry, inspiring filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Johnnie To.
Chow Yun Fat's Salary for A Better Tomorrow
Chow Yun Fat was already a successful actor in Hong Kong when he was cast in A Better Tomorrow, but the film's success helped to elevate him to superstar status. Chow's salary for the film was reportedly HK$1 million, which was a significant amount of money at the time. The film's success also led to Chow being offered more lucrative roles in subsequent films.
Chow Yun Fat's Net Worth
Chow Yun Fat's success in the Hong Kong film industry eventually led to him becoming an international star. He has worked on numerous films in both Hong Kong and Hollywood, and he has amassed a significant fortune. As of 2021, Chow Yun Fat's net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
Chow Yun Fat's Philanthropy
Despite his wealth, Chow Yun Fat is known for his generosity and philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes over the years, including disaster relief efforts and education initiatives. In 2018, it was reported that Chow had donated nearly all of his net worth to charity, leaving himself with just $5.6 million.
The Legacy of A Better Tomorrow
A Better Tomorrow is widely regarded as a classic of Hong Kong cinema, and it remains popular with audiences around the world. The film's themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption continue to resonate with viewers, and its influence can be seen in countless films that have followed in its wake. A Better Tomorrow helped to establish Chow Yun Fat as a leading actor, and it kicked off a long and successful collaboration between him and John Woo.
Conclusion
A Better Tomorrow was a landmark film in the Hong Kong film industry, and it helped to establish Chow Yun Fat as a leading actor. The film's success led to more lucrative roles for Chow, and it helped to popularize the "heroic bloodshed" genre of action films. A Better Tomorrow's themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today, and its impact can be seen in countless films that have followed in its wake.