On the Run

'On The Run' is one of those great movies you see, never forget, and probably spend years of your life trying to convince your friends to watch. A tight and unpredictable thriller (don't worry, no spoilers here), it is one of the great unsung Hong Kong movies of the late 80's, boasting great performances from its leads (Yuen Biao and Pat Ha) and superbly restrained direction from Alfred Cheung. Yuen, fresh from excellent roles in Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan movies, shines bright as the put-upon hero, wearied by his life and ready to run. Guess what? He can't. There's none of Yuens trademark acrobatic fighting here, just harsh, bloody brawling, and the great stunts within are wonderfully under-shot. Director Cheung was better known for his comedies, and perhaps this gave him space to bring out the characters. Regardless, this is triumphant cinema on every level.

I genuinely can't believe I put this film off for so long! A darker-than-dark neo-noir thriller, On the Run, is exactly the kind of film I adore one that's raised to another level by an incredibly dark sense of humour and a knack for doing the unexpected. It takes you for a ride, managing to assault, frustrate and delight regularly never ceasing to be entertaining or compelling. It's far from uplifting, a constant overhanging anxiety plagues its characters from the then-upcoming Chinese takeover of Hong Kong, even in 1988 they were worried about the future, it gives the film a suitably grim atmosphere even in the face of its stunning visuals. It's so weird to think that Alfred Cheung was more well-known for his comedies because watching this you honestly wouldn't know it. He perfectly complements the gloomy theme with dark cinematography of the black, Hong Kong horizon dimly lit with the traditional glow of neon lights. It is almost impossible to not be utterly captivated by its mood. As much as this is one of Yuen Biao's finest performances, the film is absolutely stolen by Pat Ha; displaying an intense physical presence throughout as a cold-blooded hitwoman with a heart of gold that commands incredible respect and sympathy. Aside from an incredible pole-slide stunt performed midway through by Yuen Biao, all the action is played with a brutal realism that's nothing short of spectacular, especially that final fight. Featuring a brilliantly crafted script that moves at lightning speed and a truly unforgettable musical score by Violet Lam, I cannot find myself praising On the Run enough, it's simply terrific.

As I sat down in 2023 to watch the 1988 Hong Kong crime action thriller "Mong Ming Yuen Yeung" (aka "On the Run"), it was actually for the very first time ever. In fact, I had never heard about the movie prior to getting the chance to sit down and watch it. And given my fascination with the Hong Kong cinema, of course I opted to do so in a heartbeat.

Writers Alfred Cheung and Keith Wong put together a fair enough script and storyline for the movie. Sure, it wasn't really an outstanding movie, especially in comparison to some other Hong Kong movies from the late 1980s. But it was entertaining enough for what it was, and it was definitely a chance of pace for actor Biao Yuen.

There are some familiar faces on the cast list, with the likes of Biao Yuen, Wah Yuen and Lieh Lo. And I will say that this movie was definitely something else when you think of a Biao Yuen movie, as it was way more brutal and violent than his usual movies are.

There is a fair amount of action and shooting throughout the course of the 88 minutes that the movie ran for, but in comparison to other late 1980s Hong Kong action movies, then it wasn't really as intense. And there isn't any martial arts in this movie, even with it being a Biao Yuen movie.

"Mong Ming Yuen Yeung" is watchable a single time, but that is essentially it, because there isn't enough contents to the storyline to support more than just that first and only viewing.

My rating of director Alfred Cheung's 1988 movie "Mong Ming Yuen Yeung" lands on a five out of ten stars.

Alfred Cheung Kin-ting directs this feverishly paced crime noir that is one of the finest in the genre. Yuen Biao stars as Lo Huan, a Hong Kong police officer who unfoils a dangerous conspiracy that results in the assassination of his ex-wife. As it turns out, his ex-wife had an ongoing affair with his own corrupt superintendent, and when she learnt of his behind the scenes heroin ring, he simply arranged a hit and had her brushed off. The hired gun, Ah Chui, performs the job with the greatest of ease, but for various reasons, is next on the superiors hit list. Now on the run, Ah Chui accidentally confronts Lo Huan, who eventually sheds his grief and teams up with the woman to take down the corruption in the force. What follows is a high stakes cat and mouse game that leads to a brutally violent conclusion, leaving no one unscathed.

On the Run is perhaps known best for providing Yuen Biao with his finest performance to date. His portrayal as the troubled moralistic cop is dead on, combining both superb restraint and expressive emotions. Ah Biao's female counterpart, Pat Ha, gives a noteworthy acting job, and is completely believable as a cold and calculated hitwoman, only to have human feelings and emotions to get in the way of her career. Also appearing in supporting roles is veteran Taiwanese actor Charlie Chin, who co-stars as the corrupt superintendent, and fellow Peking Opera schoolmate Yuen Wah, who appears as one of his cronies.

Director Cheung doesn't disappont either, and perfectly complements the gloomy theme with dark cinematography which takes place in the black, Hong Kong horizon dimly litted with the traditional glow of neon lights. It is almost impossible to not be absorbed in the mood by the cinematography. The writing also plays a large part in setting the theme. The script is masterfully crafted, moving at lightning pace, providing the viewer with plenty of suspense and surprises to glue the them to the television for the 90 minute duration. All in all, you won't find pretentious, incomprehensible wannabe filmmaking crap in the tradition of Michael Bay, just pure talented directors and writers at full force.

Of course, novices to Hong Kong films will immediately typecast this as standard, martial arts action fare. Well, it's just pure ignorance on their part. Aside from an incredible pole-slide stunt performed by Yuen Biao, all of the action is played straight. The fight finale between Yuen Biao and Charlie Chin's henchmen is nothing but intense brutality and realism at play. Fluid, acrobatic choreography is the last thing you should expect. In the case of On the Run, that is a good thing. Any type of cartoon- like Jackie Chan action will just ruin every theme the film is trying to convey. Thankfully the filmmakers didn't bite to mass appeal just like so many others in this entertainment world today.

Overall, On the Run is a milestone achievement in Hong Kong filmmaking. Multiple viewings is absolutely required for this masterpiece, and of course, I highly recommend this overlooked gem to anybody itching to get out of the Jackie Chan/ John Woo mode.

This movie was OK, a little unrealistic, fairly violent, but when they are punching each other, the sound-effects were horrible. People kept getting shot in the chest, but they never die, they seem almost fine shortly afterwards. A lot of people seem to get shot in the eye. And I didn't understand why the bad guy wanted to get shot in the hand.