San ging hap lui

What an unexpected surprise when I took a chance on this wonderful little film from Hong Kong. I was anticipating another HK police/action procedural, but the story develops into much more than that.

Within the opening minutes, you come to realize that this film has a completely different tone and rhythm than most of the genre. It has the familiar mismatch pairing of the veteran male beat cop with the rookie female fresh out of the academy, but you can't help enjoying the relationship between these characters.

The script contains quite a bit of laughs but there is also plenty of heartfelt drama, a little social commentary, a bit of romance, even a few life lessons.

Somehow, it all works!

Eason Chan and pop princess Joey Yung deliver fine performances as the leads. Plenty of eye candy is on display as in addition to these two, director James Yuen has about six actresses playing different roles in the film, one more beautiful than the other. HK's own Francis Ng does a terrific turn as Shing, the "crazy" in the title.

Speaking of Yuen..he directed this, co-wrote it, and I can't wait to see his other work. Terrific, unique, breezy style. This film kept zipping along and you're never really sure just where it will go. Gorgeous cinematography! A real treat--this is why I love Asian cinema!

I watched this film because I love Francis Ng. However, after watching it, I felt that his character in the film is redundant. The heart of the movie lies in the two police officers and their backstory. I was also hoping for a little bit more of murder and whodunnit, but this movie does not go there. Instead, it weaves a story of very real people who hold real jobs, normal people who get discouraged in life, and people we meet everyday, and felt compassion for, yet turn a blind eye. It is an ok movie, but not something I would watch again. Not even for Francis Ng, lol!