Running on Karma

I did not expect the depth that this film mines when buying tickets yesterday for "Running on Karma" starring Andy Lau. In fact, when it began, I cringed wondering how campy it could possibly be. This first impression quickly transformed as some special effects were artfully used to convey that I was in for fast and thought-provoking ride.

The violence in the film stops just short of being gratuitious. In fact, it is quite purposeful and well done. As a whole, the film has a little of everything that attracts me: the supernatural, special effects, humor, love story and surprise, surprise, an actual heartfelt message that provides the viewer with 'the big picture' on life. I wanted to give the flick an 8.5/10 but opted for the 8 since this system does not take half points.

By the way, seeing this film is Hong Kong has the added effect of illustrating one of the film's points: there are many layers to our day-to-day 'reality.' This may not have such a strong effect for the viewer who lives elsewhere.

I'm sitting her slack jawed and wondering what in the hell these people were smoking or ingesting when they made this off kilter little film. To say that this film is unique is an understatement.

A body building ex-monk who dances as a male stripper and who can see the future gets mixed up with a police woman going after a killer. Mix in some laughs, comic book villains, some very bloody deaths, some serious action, discussions of the nature of the universe and predestination; shake well and perhaps, just perhaps you may get an idea of what this film by Johnnie To is like. Then again you may not since this film operates in its own orbit, going from pillar to post on its own crazy course.

Its a flawed film, thats so incredibly quirky that it never really seems to pull it all together. Normally not pulling it all together will kill a film, but here you don't really mind simply because it simply being different than pretty much any other film ever made. Its not a bad thing, unless you're looking for a movie that you're going to want to watch more than once.

If you want to see a movie thats certainly unlike any other film out there this film is for you. But be warned its bumpy and imperfect and you may hate yourself for liking it in the morning.

I feel that the plot is excellent: A Buddhist monk who is able to "see" past choices that lead to present day Karma. This was an excellent plot but... They should have made it more of a love story, i.e. a strong attachment by the viewer between "Big" and the police woman. And somehow it should have had a clearer ending. the plot had a potential for a great movie. Also it would have been nice to have a good ending. There were some interesting things in the movie...For example, the director certainly understood something about karma as explained by buddhist. I recalled in the movie when the monk says that the Japanese soldier is a different person than the policewoman, but that she is carrying his karma. That is an interesting distinction from the Hindu explanation of karma.

About the movie, it's entertaining, wonderful story, fantastic make-up techniques and efforts, Cecilia Cheung has improved a lot in interpreting the young policewoman who is in search of a good life ending, good good good as a whole...

Yet, please tell me the names of the two Indians who have taken pains to act well at the beginning? Why no credits to them? I kept searching for their names both in Chinese translation or English romanization from the roller for three times but in vain. Discrimination against the Indians or Pakistani does exist in Hong Kong. But now even China is taking about something like "bridging with the international scene", please learn something from USA or Europe. On their film rollers, carpenters or people who has taken small part(s) got their names on it. That's international.

Hey, Lighten up angry folks. It's just a movie. Did you have fun enjoying it like me?

If you like martial arts, superheroes, and are intrigued by the power of mythology here's your ticket. Cecilia Cheung and Andy Lau shine like usual for you loyal fans. Loved the element of examining Karma which is lacking so much in the consequence ignoring messages of late. The gradually unraveling storyline and visual games will keep you thinking and will draw you back to examine the movie again and again.

The transitions are nice to take in as they travel from city to country and through past lives and the present. They hop along nicely from place to place to keep the story going. Andy Lau is funny as the beefcake parody and Cecelia Cheung is so herself as the unassuming pretty girl with the crush on the muscleman/superhero/monk.

I believe that people inclined to study Karma probably know more about it than the film covers so enough said on that. I'd recommend meditation, serious study and training with an expert over any film designed for entertainment.

The Asian aesthetic, over the top action, charismatic stars, creativity and a penchant for the fantastic are why I love so much of Hong Kong and Mainland Cinema and this is a fine example. More HK blockbusters please!!!