Bullet in the Head (1990)

John Woo’s harrowing war drama started life as a prequel to A Better Tomorrow (1986) but was changed, expanded, and infused with a more politically poignant ideology. It follows three friends who end up in Vietnam during the war. They’re there to make their fortune, not to fight, but in conflict no one is exempt from suspicion.
It propelled Tony Leung into stardom, and he deserved it. He delivers perfectly the kind of inner turmoil nuances that Woo fills all of his heroes with. It’s a long film and not always an enjoyable viewing experience, but it’s one that Woo fans will want to endure.
The more ambivalent alternate ending is better, imo.

3½ inner scars out of 5