Camaraderie of cold-blooded scoundrels. Five guns for hire brought in to save an ageing Triad boss find themselves trusting each other in a way that transcends their job and blossoms into unshakeable brotherhood.
The danger of breathing their last breath looms over them for the entirety of The Mission, but not once does that grim uncertainty matter to them. Guns in hand and having each other's backs, they kill to live another day. For a film which sees the leads voluntarily thrust themselves into a matter of life and death, The Mission is not cynical in the least. It instead grows into a hangout film with immaculate vibes.
Pranking each other with sparkling cigarettes. Making amends by slicing open the throat of a friend's enemy. Risking it all just to save one of them. When loyalty grows in the most unexpected trade, smiles are bound to be contagious. Perhaps the coolest film that I've ever seen.