Customs Frontline: Hong Kong Cinema Action
I think International Cinema fans have long known that Hong Kong has a thriving movie scene. I grew up watching HK action movie classics like “Running Out of Time”, “Breaking News”, “Infernal Affairs”, “The Killer”, “In the Mood for Love”,“The Young and Dangerous” series. So many fond memories.
You always get nuggets and gems of wisdom from the strangest places. I watched this Hong Kong action film, Customs Frontline on a whim: “pits customs officers against weapons dealers as they tackle a case of arms smuggling” that ranges through Africa but takes place mainly in Hong Kong. Lots of action, drama and twists. And like most HK movies the main characters usually get killed off so you are always on edge.
But plenty of great quotes & lessons.
After the elite customs team suffers several fatal losses the main character starts to act up and tries to drink on the job. His mentor and commander slaps him and says:
“You are on duty. Respect the uniform. And Respect yourself.”
Basically you have to do the right thing and act properly even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t do something that will make you feel bad about yourself later.
His commander also gives some good advice about life.
“Once in a while I daydream about buying an island, building a house by the sea…and live in isolation. But before that becomes reality…I have to be realistic.”
“The truth can be painful sometimes but we have to accept it.”
“A million things are out of our control. But we can at least control our emotions.”
Maybe this is so very Asian but we tend to be pragmatic. It’s not an optimistic culture. It is a driven culture though.
But as I’ve learned the hard way, your goals & drive sometimes take you to the outcome you least expect. You overlook what’s most important in your life. And most times it’s too late to get back.
“The things I once coveted seem meaningless now. What I didn’t treasure before is what I yearn for most.”
Something to this. Don’t take anything in life for granted.