The Criterion Voyages (Spine #1207): THE HEROIC TRIO / EXECUTIONERS -- Cult Classic Action at Its Finest

By Sean Boelman

In recent years and months, the Criterion Collection has shown more of a commitment to including action films like the work of Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, among others. The Heroic Trio / Executioners is a two-pack comprising some absolute gems of Hong Kong cinema, adding to the collection some incredible (and fun) cult classics.

The Heroic Trio and Executioners make up an interesting series because both films were made and released in the same year. Yet the two films are entirely different. Still, these two cult classics gave the world the incredible action filmmaker that is Johnnie To, which is a gift in and of itself.

The first film in the duology, The Heroic Trio, follows a group of three superpowered women who are connected by a plot of an evil wizard to kidnap babies. It’s absolutely as crazy as it sounds — a superhero martial arts movie that knows exactly how campy it is. There are some pacing issues, especially toward the middle, but the film is so unabashedly ridiculous that it’s hard not to be charmed.

That being said, if you thought the first one was off the rails, Executioners takes things even further. It’s a post-apocalyptic adventure featuring the characters from the first film as they seek to find a water source to restore peace to humanity. It’s ridiculous. It’s over the top. But it’s exactly what fans would want from an HK action flick.  ​

The action sequences of both films are pretty incredible and fittingly ludicrous. Zany is the name of the game here. There’s a guy who decapitates people using a cage-like device, lots of people flying through the air, invisible fights. It’s the type of action movie where there’s a lot of creativity on display, and while not all of it works, you have to at least admire it for what it tries to do.

The main draw of this double feature is, of course, the performances from its lead trio: Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Maggie Cheung (In the Mood for Love), and Anita Mui (Rumble in the Bronx). As three of the most iconic actresses in Hong Kong cinema history, Yeoh, Cheung, and Mui are a true dream team, and to see them share the screen like this is an absolute delight.

As far as bonus features go, this two-pack is, unfortunately, very thin. The highlight is an interview with actor Anthony Wong, who plays the coolest character in The Heroic Trio. There’s also an interview with film critic Samm Deighan and an essay by Beatrice Loayza (on a wicked poster in lieu of Criterion’s typical booklets). Still, those looking for supplemental materials might be a bit disappointed.

Although the lack of bonus features is admittedly a bit concerning given the higher price point of this edition than most, the quality of the restorations and the films themselves make The Heroic Trio / Executioners a must-get for anyone building up their Criterion Collection. It’s awesome to see the boutique label give more attention to genre cinema like this.

The Criterion Collection edition of The Heroic Trio / Executioners is available February 20.