Running on Karma

After the opening I was expecting something more comedic. But then it kept shifting. I was along for the ride but unable to nail down the mood until the last act, where it brilliantly cycles back around and reveals itself. A meditation on attachment as beautiful and affecting as I've ever seen

frequently derided as messy, this film employs chaos and frivolity as a strategic approach, its rubbery genrelasticity sourced, much like the ridiculous body suit, from andy lau's evasion of the natural order. cecilia cheung's arrival is the catalyst for a return to spiritual concern, and to follows suit by pivoting into meditation and naked compassion. the result is what the new star wars trilogy could be were it not so muddied by corporate interest; a lesson on how to be present in the world.

A parable of enlightenment that is delightfully bonkers at times, and rightfully so - the chaos of wild filmic ideas are nothing more than distractions there to reveal the fallacies of our perception, that the cacophony of life is a symphony guiding us towards a release of all these attachments. This is one of those rare films that builds and builds: a million ideas and genres explode into greatness and then, nothingness. It’s a singular feeling but it’s never wanting.

Also silly fun done with talent, but this embraces the silliness more, while also using the talent more effectively with the material. The result is great entertainment with great fight scenes and some strong down moments.

Viewed March 28, 2021.

Interesting, but be warned: despite the light-hearted beginning, the violence in the second half becomes extremely creepy. I'm not sure the quality of the film justifies it. Anyway, definitely not for the faint of heart.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

A loud recommendation for anybody missing the more free spirit of 80s and 90s HK movies, back in the days when genre or tonal consistency didn’t seem to matter. A fair warning to anybody else, a 60 year old in a Hulk bodysuit plays a 35 year old former monk that sees karmic backgrounds, there‘s Indian snake people, air walks, crass violence, cheap comedy, bad special effects, horror and drama within minutes. Personally I’m very glad Wai Ka-Fai is back but it sure as shit is not for everyone.

a mash-up with no focus

Great monk ass