Exiled (2006)
Johnnie To's sun-scorched Hong Kong neo-Western where loyalty, brotherhood, and fate collide in a hail of bullets.
Exiled - Movie Information
- Original Title: 放‧逐
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Johnnie To
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 19, 2006 (Hong Kong), July 6, 2007 (Germany - 18), October 20, 2006 (Australia - M)
- Alternative Titles: 放逐 (HK), エグザイル／絆：2006 (JP)
- Production Companies: Media Asia Films, Newlink Development, Milkyway Image
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
Exiled - Plot
A friendship is formed between an ex-gangster, and two groups of hitmen - those who want to protect him and those who were sent to kill him.
Exiled - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Johnnie To's world of loyalty and gunfire unfold:
Leaving it all behind...
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Exiled - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Johnnie To
Main Cast
- Anthony Wong Chau-Sang
- Francis Ng Chun-Yu
- Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung
- Lam Suet
- Nick Cheung Ka-Fai
- Josie Ho
- Richie Jen
- Simon Yam
- Gordon Lam Ka-Tung
- Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai
Writers
- Yip Tin-Shing
- Szeto Kam-Yuen
Exiled - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Exiled?
Exiled features a stellar ensemble cast led by Anthony Wong Chau-Sang as Blaze and Francis Ng Chun-Yu as Tai. You'll also see Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung, Lam Suet, Nick Cheung Ka-Fai, Josie Ho, Richie Jen, Simon Yam, Gordon Lam Ka-Tung, and Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai.
Is Exiled influenced by Spaghetti Western films?
Absolutely. Johnnie To openly drew inspiration from Spaghetti Westerns, particularly the work of Sergio Leone. The film's dusty Macau setting, slow-burn standoffs, and morally complex gunmen all echo that classic genre, earning Exiled comparisons to Leone's Dollar Trilogy and cementing its status as a Hong Kong neo-Western.
What is Exiled about?
Exiled follows Wo, a former gangster trying to start fresh in Macau with his wife and newborn. When his old crew arrives — split between orders to kill him and a desire to protect him — an uneasy reunion unfolds into a tense, beautifully choreographed story of loyalty, fate, and brotherhood under fire.
Where can I stream Exiled?
You can watch Exiled for free on DistroTV (with ads) and through the Plex Channel. Both platforms offer easy access to this acclaimed Hong Kong action thriller without a subscription, making it a great pick for a spontaneous movie night.
Who directed Exiled and what is his style?
Exiled was directed by Johnnie To, one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for his precise visual style and operatic action sequences, To brings a painterly quality to every frame. His work on Exiled is widely regarded as some of his finest, blending genre craft with genuine emotional depth.
How long is Exiled?
Exiled runs for 108 minutes — just under two hours. It's a well-paced watch that never overstays its welcome, balancing quieter character moments with explosive, meticulously staged action sequences that keep you engaged from start to finish.
What movies are similar to Exiled?
If you loved Exiled, you'll likely enjoy John Woo's The Killer (1989) and A Better Tomorrow II (1987) for their Hong Kong action pedigree. Fans of the Western influence might gravitate toward Django (1966) and Keoma (1976). Johnnie To's own Drug War (2012) and Mad Detective (2007) are also excellent follow-ups.
Was Exiled well received by critics?
Exiled earned strong critical praise upon release, with reviewers celebrating Johnnie To's masterful direction and the film's gorgeous cinematography by Cheng Siu-Keung. Critics highlighted its unique blend of Spaghetti Western aesthetics and Hong Kong crime cinema, calling it one of the finest action films of the 2000s.
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