This is a rather surprising film from Hong Kong director John Woo.

Known for up beat, fast paced, gritty action films, Silent Night is a rather sombre, departure from what fans, like myself, have come to expect.

The back story is rather sad and I feel this film dwells on this aspect to the point of "almost" becoming obsessively morose. I appreciate the key characters motivation is based on a tragic event but constantly re-visiting this aspect of the back story, tends to drag the film down emotionally, throwing bucket after bucket of cold water, on what is supposed to be an action romp.

Action sequences are well done, fight scenes and gun play of the predictable John Woo style. Its far from boring once it gets under way.

In summary, watchable but for myself, a little too morose and sad, to really offer up a truly enjoyable action romp.