Movies to watch before Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
I know you all have seen the new Mission: Impossible trailer because we’ve been hyped by its teaser for a year already! And that means, we’re back with another list to keep you occupied while you wait for its arrival! We know that with spy thrillers, we can never go wrong! These thrilling movies have held moviegoers spellbound, taking them on exciting expeditions worldwide and entangling them in international intrigue and covert operations. Gripping sagas of espionage like Mission Impossible not only spark our imagination but also provide an irresistible peek into a clandestine realm brimming with perilous riddles and sellouts.
Prepare to be spellbound as these exceptional films redefine the limits of storytelling. With their mind-bending plot twists that leave us breathless and heart-pounding action sequences that quicken our pulse, they truly exemplify mastery in the art of filmmaking. And speaking of thrilling espionage, the highly-anticipated seventh installment of our favorite franchise, Mission: Impossible, has just released a new trailer, amplifying our expectations to unparalleled levels. While we eagerly await its arrival, we have something special in store for you! Immerse yourself in the world of detectives, cops, spies, moles, and everything crime and espionage!
We handpicked a selection of the finest movies to hype you for Tom Cruise’s return. But be warned, once you start, you may find yourself engrossed all night long, fully indulged in the captivating narratives and exhilarating action.
Movies to watch before Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
Infernal Affairs (2002)
We kick off this list with the GOATED Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai team up, Infernal Affairs! Prepare to be enthralled by the gripping tale of a young police officer who assumes the dangerous role of an undercover operative within the local mafia. Simultaneously, fate intervenes as a young member of the mafia infiltrates the police force. As time passes, their seasoned counterparts race against the clock to unveil the hidden mole within their ranks. The plot exudes a coolness that matches the brilliance of the movie itself.
Spy movies reach a different kind of intrigue when moles are strategically planted, intensifying the tension between rival societies. In this film, a suspenseful unfolding between the two moles ensues while each achieves remarkable success in their respective fields. However, they unwittingly morph into the very person the other aspires to become. Gradually, the ingenious plot cunningly pits them against each other, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. While you may have experienced Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, many will concur that Infernal Affairs offers an unparalleled cinematic experience.
Flash Point (2007)
And because seeing moles become trapped in a web of doubt makes spy movies greater, we have another one for you! Flash Point follows an undercover cop who infiltrates a notorious gang of ruthless criminals while his partner closely monitors the situation from the outside. Their mission is to take down three merciless Vietnamese brothers who control a smuggling ring. However, when the undercover officer’s true identity is exposed, chaos ensues, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
Chinese cop movies have an absolute flair for heightened martial arts action to new heights, compelling audiences of all ages. Flash Point is no exception. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping moments, including an explosive elevator scene and a climactic final battle reminiscent of a high-octane Tekken arena fight! But the excitement doesn’t end with the action sequences alone. These films possess a surprising ability to tug at our heartstrings. They effortlessly weave a close bond between the detective and the cop beyond their professional lives, highlighting the ever-present danger that follows them and their loved ones.
Cliff Walkers (2021)
Going back to a much more modern feature, we give you Zhang Yimou’s Cliff Walkers, a stunning Chinese piece of cinema that unfolds in the early 1930s in northeastern China. Set against a backdrop of political unrest, a group of communist agents embarks on a perilous mission to safely smuggle a group of prisoners out of a Japanese Internment camp. Little do they know that their operation has been compromised. A cold-hearted local official, collaborating with the enemy, dispatches his teams masquerading as communist allies to intercept them.
Prepare for a moving and enthralling adventure that will leave you in tears. Cliff Walkers masterfully balances a gradual yet lingering pace. It does so that every twist and turn become as indelible as its exhilarating car chases and gunfights. This film transcends the spy genre. It navigates the depths of noble sacrifices, both emotionally and physically, made in the pursuit of a better world. A labyrinth of obstacles awaits, with codes to decipher and a bewildering web of traitors to expose. While some critics argue that character development may take a backseat, Cliff Walkers defies expectations by delivering unexpected and heart-wrenching scenes that dare to live in your thoughts, rent-free.
The Killer (1989)
Chow Yun-Fat fans, rejoice! It’s our time to bring back one of the best cinematic treats the crime genre has to offer! The film intertwines the fate of a mob assassin and a nightclub chanteuse who tragically loses her sight during one of his deadly missions. Stricken by guilt, the assassin embarks on a poignant journey toward redemption. He vows to finance the restoration of his unintended victim’s vision through one final job. However, when the mafia double-crossed him, he reluctantly aligns himself with a renegade policeman to set things right.
This film is the perfect movie for every action-loving fan who doesn’t delve into Asian movies that much. The assassin finds himself haunted by the specter of violence, unable to escape the consequences of his deadly past. This film deftly blends emotionally charged scenes with breathtaking action sequences that will leave you in awe. Iconic moments abound, from the sleek airport extraction to the riveting gunfight entwined with the blind woman’s presence. It is a tale of integrity and loyalty, all while delving into the intricacies of human relationships. This cat-and-mouse chase film is the epitome of hitman-with-a-heart cinema!
City on Fire (1987)
Guys and gals, let me have this one, please? I will give you another timeless Chow Yun-Fat classic to feast on! Because NO ONE can get enough of him! When one of his undercover cops falls victim to a brutal stabbing, the inspector wastes no time assigning the fallen officer’s investigation of a notorious jewelry-robbing gang to his remaining mole. Though apprehensive, our protagonist reluctantly accepts the task, haunted by the memory of betraying a former friend during a previous undercover operation.
Asian crime films have an unparalleled ability to evoke laughter amidst gruesome scenes and stir our emotions to the core. City on Fire achieves the extraordinary feat of infusing intense bloodshed with poignant undertones. Our hero finds himself torn between the complexities of love, the weight of responsibility, and a fleeting yet genuine connection. In the end, no matter the outcome, the underground will always not be without a bloodbath. And you should sit around ’till the end! Witness the profound impact that inspired Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, including its iconic Mexican standoff.
Before you head out and binge the films on our list, you might want to see the new Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One here!
