Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Sparrow Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov March 3, 2025

Johnnie To's "Sparrow" (2008) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Chameleon Films. The supplemental features on the release include new audio commentary by critic Frank Djeng; new video essay by filmmaker Zach Closs; archival cast and crew interviews; premiere and press conference footage; vintage promotional material; and more. In Cantonese or Mandarin, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The sticky fingers

Amid the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, a gang of experienced pickpockets -- Kei (Simon Yam), Bo (Gordon Lam), Sak (Law Wing-Cheong), and Mac (Kenneth Cheung) -- are forced to prove their game when an elegant "sparrow" (Kelly Lin) unexpectedly outplays them all. However, as they proceed to even the score and then teach the “sparrow” a timeless lesson, she carefully draws them into a complicated scheme that, if executed right, will free her from her sugar daddy, Mr. Fu (Lo Hoi-Pang).

As the clueless pickpockets set their trap, Mr. Fu initiates an even more complicated scheme to punish the ungrateful “sparrow”.

But in the ensuing battle of wits, first the pickpockets and shortly after Mr. Fu alter their strategies. The pickpockets, now with a better grasp of recent developments, side with the “sparrow” against Mr. Fu, while Mr. Fu, annoyed by their lack of respect, concludes that they deserve a proper dose of her punishment, too. When it becomes clear that the two sides are equally good, they agree to determine the winner in a most unusual duel, which will also decide who gets to keep the “sparrow”.

Sparrow is an unusual entry in Johnnie To’s oeuvre. Even though it again has memorable characters who operate on the wrong side of the law and easily dazzles with familiar slow-motion camerawork, it does not impress like a conventional To film. It is because its relationship with its characters and the drama they are caught in are overtaken by a strong, quite peculiar sense of nostalgia for a Hong Kong that, like Lin’s talented thief, is also trying to choose a different path forward.

The catalyst of the nostalgia is To’s realization that the great playground so many of his films have used will soon welcome new players and new refs, and, in the process, undoubtedly acquire a new identity. This is why while the camera follows various characters, it often feels like To is giving one last grand tour of Hong Kong before its inevitable permanent transformation, highlighting and preserving its beauty and atmosphere for future generations.

While an unusual entry in To’s oeuvre, Sparrow is not an oddity. A decade earlier, Wayne Wang directed Chinese Box, which has a different personality and tone but channels similar nostalgia and symbolism. In Chinese Box, as Hong Kong is reclaimed by China, an English photojournalist, who has spent a good chunk of his life living and working there, discovers that he has a rare form of leukemia. Before running out of time, the photojournalist, assisted by two beautiful young women, goes on one last tour of Hong Kong, determined to preserve its beauty and atmosphere with a portable camera.

Sparrow is a lighter film. It is a lot more versatile film, too. While To tours Hong Kong and reveals his genuine love for it, the battle of wits becomes very entertaining. Parts of it are hilarious, and other parts highlight some pretty nifty tricks. The best of these tricks are elaborate, wonderfully choreographed acts.

The French duo Fred Avril and Xavier Jamaux (Mad Detective) supply yet another gorgeous soundtrack that adds a lot of class. It mixes chic contemporary downtempo tunes, like the ones that made the Buddha Bar series an international phenomenon, and special retro harmonies that frequently graced classic Hong Kong films from the 1950s and 1960s.

To shot Sparrow with frequent collaborator Cheng Siu Keung, who has lensed his biggest hits, including the Election films.

Sparrow Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.37:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a1080p transfer, Sparrow arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Chameleon Films.

In 2008, we reviewed this release of Sparrow produced by Hong Kong-based label Universe Laser & Video Co. For a long time, it was one of my favorite Asian releases.

This Australian release is sourced from the same master that was used to produce the Hong Kong release. Seventeen years later, I still think that the master produces very nice visuals. In fact, because of some encoding optimizations that have been made on the Australian release, I like how Sparrow looks even a bit more. For example, delineation, clarity, and depth are always very pleasing, and the density levels of the visuals are near perfect. Because there are no traces of problematic digital corrections, all visuals have strong and attractive organic appearance, too. Color reproduction and balance are very good. However, I think that this is the only area where some meaningful improvements can be made. Why? In 2025, there are many new masters that produce visuals with lusher colors and ultimately superior dynamic range. Sparrow looks very good, but select primaries and supporting nuances can be a tad more impressive. Image stability is excellent. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Sparrow Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

I revisited Sparrow with the Cantonese 5.1 track, which is the original track for it. While Sparrow does not have any elaborate action material, different parts of it do interesting things with subtle dynamic nuances and music, and the lossless track performs very well. The Asian release of Sparrow that I have in my library has more audio options, including a Cantonese LPCM 7.1 track, but the 5.1 track serves the film very well. Also, I found the English subtitles on this release to be superior.

Sparrow Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

DISC ONE - BLU-RAY

• Commentary - in this exclusive new audio commentary, critic Frank Djeng discusses the conception and production of Sparrow, why it functions as a love letter, the multi-layered structure of its narrative and visual style, and Johnnie To's body of work. Also, there are many comments about the work and careers of the leads.

• "A Playful Departure" - this exclusive new video essay was produced by filmmaker Zach Closs. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• Xavier Jamaux, David Richardson, and Ding Yuin-Shan - in this archival program, co-composer Xavier Jamaux, editor David Richardson, and production supervisor Ding Yuin-Shan discuss their involvement with Sparrow. There is specific information about the type of music Johnnie To wanted for the film and how it was supposed to complement its visuals. Also, there are additional comments about other To films, like Vengeance, and their structures and utilization of music, as well as the director's working methods. The program was produced in 2009. In English, not subtitled. (13 min).

• Archival Interviews - presented here are four archival interviews.
  
  1. Johnnie To - The director explains how Sparrow materialized and what he attempted to convey through its visuals. Also, it is clarified that "sparrow" refers to a pickpocket in Cantonese, and why in its classic form "sparrow"-ing is a dying profession in Hong Kong. In Cantonese, with English subtitles. (8 min).
  
  2. Simon Yam - Simon Yam explains why Johnnie To's attempt to preserve the classic image of a rapidly evolving Hong Kong is valuable and discusses his contribution to Sparrow. Also, there are some interesting comments about Yam's observations of real pickpockets while preparing for his part. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. (14 min).
  
  3. Kelly Lin - Kelly Lin explains what it is like to work under the director of Johnnie To, and discusses the long production of Sparrow (three years) and her preparation for her character. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. (5 min).
  
  4. Gordon Lam - Gordon Lam discusses the character he plays in Sparrow, how the dynamic between the pickpockets changes after Kelly Lin joins them, and what it was like to be directed by Johnnie To. In Cantonese, with English subtitles. (9 min).

• Gala Premiere - presented here is archival footage from the gala premiere of Sparrow in Hong Kong. Simon Yam and Kelly Lin answer a few questions as well. In Cantonese, with English subtitles. (5 min).

• Press Conference - presented here is archival footage from a press conference organized after the gala premiere of Sparrow. Jonnie To, Kelly Lin, Simon Yam, and Gordon Lam answer several questions about their collaboration on Sparrow. n Cantonese, with English subtitles. (10 min).

• The Making of Sparrow - in this short archival program, Johnnie To quickly addresses the production and stylistic identity of Sparrow. Raw footage from the shooting of the film on the streets of Hong Kong is inlcuded as well. In Cantonese, with English subtitles. (3 min).

• Photo Gallery - presented here is a collection of original promotional stills from Sparrow. Silent. (2 min).

• Trailer One - presented here is an original Hong Kong trailer for Sparrow. In Cantonese and English text, with English subtitles. (3 min).

• Trailer Two - presented here is an original UK trailer for Sparrow. In Cantonese and English text, with English subtitles. (3 min).

DISC TWO - CD

• Soundtrack - Xavier Jamaux and Fred Avril's soundtrack for Sparrow, presented on a CD. 17 tracks. Total length: 44.52 min.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Booklet - 20-page illustrated booklet featuring Sean Gilman's essay "(Pick)pocket Full of Miracles" and technical credits.

• Cover - reversible cover with original poster art for Sparrow.

Sparrow Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A passion project and farewell letter to a city that now, sadly, no longer exists, Sparrow is one of the best films in Johnnie To's oeuvre. For years, it remained one of my favorite Asian imports. Because it is yet to make an appearance in America, it could be a great addition to the Criterion Collection, together with many other films from the fantastic Milkyway Image catalog. Meanwhile, this new, Region-Free Australian release from Chameleon Films is a total winner. It offers a beautiful presentation of Sparrow with many new and archival bonus features, plus a copy of Xavier Jamaux and Fred Avril's wonderful soundtrack. A standard version of the same release is available for purchase as well. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.