People's Hero (1987)

People's Hero 1987 / 人民英雄 1987 / Ren Min Ying Xiong , Yan Man Ying Hung

Two youths concoct a disorganised plan to rob a thriving inner-city bank. This plan is poorly executed, though, and a security guard is wounded in an ensuing shoot-out. Little do these youngsters know that among the clients is an experienced robber who had planned on making this particular outlet his own last bank job. Having clearly stamped his authority on the proceedings, the veteran Sunny Koo takes control of the robbery and uses the clients around him as hostages. It soon becomes apparent that his only wish is the release of his imprisoned wife and a safe exit from the situation. The negotiators try to intimidate their foe, but he repeats his threats of killing a hostage if they delay meeting his demands. His dilemma, though, is which hostage to kill; what follows is a tension-filled scene where the captives are forced to play schoolyard games to decide who should be the victim. However, throughout this, the robber reveals that he is far more than a heartless villain, and his character even impresses his rival, a hostage negotiator.