A Crime Thriller That Breaks All Rules

Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Running On Karma (Dai zek lo) [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2003, 2025 Eureka Entertainment Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Johnnie To, Ka-Fai Wai
Writer(s): Ka-Fai Wai, Nai-Hoi Yau, Kin-Yee Au, Tin-Shing Yip
Cast: Andy Lau Tak-Wah, Cecilia Cheung, Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai, Karen Tong Bo-Yue, Chun Wong, Jimmy Wong Wa-Wo, Hon Kwok-Choi, Yuen Bun, Yu Wenzhong, Hou Lian-Sheng
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: This film plunges you into a world not confined by conventional storytelling; the genre mix, style mix, and overall experience are unlike anything I’ve seen. This innovative work, directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-Fai, combines crime drama, spiritual reflection, comedy, and surrealist aesthetics. With Andy Lau in the lead role as Big, it offers an unconventional story that balances spectacle with introspection, weaving a narrative that challenges and rewards its audience.

Big is at the heart of the story; he once walked the path of a Buddhist monk but left it behind after discovering his unsettling ability to see karmic ties between individuals’ past and future lives. This unique gift, more a curse than a blessing, propels him into a radically different existence as a bodybuilder. His life takes an unforeseen turn when he crosses paths with Lee Fung-yee (Cecilia Cheung,) a determined police officer embroiled in a murder investigation. As the pair’s relationship evolves, so do the stakes, with Big glimpsing haunting visions of Lee’s past lives, revealing a destiny that may be impossible to escape.

What stands out is how this film dances between genres, refusing to settle into one category. Its opening moments juxtapose a dazzling club performance with a tense crime scene investigation, setting the tone for a narrative that thrives on unpredictability. Action sequences that burst with energy coexist with quieter, more reflective moments that delve into profound philosophical questions. This seamless fluidity showcases To and Wai’s ability to push the boundaries of genre filmmaking. The film shouldn’t work, yet it does, and on so many levels!

Big’s physical transformation, brought to life through a muscle suit worn by Lau, is a visual spectacle and a metaphor. Initially jarring, the exaggerated physique quickly becomes emblematic of the character’s inner struggle—a man burdened by the weight of his abilities and the moral dilemmas they impose. This choice adds depth to Lau’s performance, oscillating between intensity and quiet vulnerability.

The secondary characters are just as compelling, particularly the eccentric criminals pursued by Big and Lee. From a contortionist with near-impossible flexibility to a martial artist defying the laws of physics, these antagonists add an element of the extraordinary to the narrative. While their physical feats may lean toward the fantastical, they fit seamlessly within the film’s world, adding tension and intrigue to the story.

At its core, the film grapples with karma as a force that transcends time and individuality. Big’s visions serve as a reminder of how actions ripple across lifetimes, challenging simplistic notions of morality and justice. A particularly poignant subplot connects Lee’s fate to events from a distant era, raising questions about collective responsibility and the lingering consequences of past deeds.

Andy Lau and Cecilia Cheung's chemistry stands out, bringing depth and humanity to their characters. Lau’s portrayal of Big is nuanced, capturing the character’s physical presence and internal conflicts with equal finesse. Cheung imbues Lee with resilience and determination, creating a character who complements and challenges Big equally. Their interplay forms the narrative's emotional core, grounding its more surreal elements.

As the film approaches its conclusion, it takes a darker and more contemplative turn. The stakes intensify as Big confronts the possibility of actively altering the world he inhabits, grappling with themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the limits of personal agency. Though the ending is open to interpretation, it leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to ponder the broader implications of the story’s karmic underpinnings.

For audiences willing to engage with its complexities, this film offers a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of its genre. It is a meditation on identity, fate, and the interconnectedness of human existence. It is brought to life through a bold, creative vision and compelling performances; it lingers in the mind, challenging perceptions and inspiring reflection.

Bonus Materials
Limited edition of 2000 copies
Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Time Tomorrow
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray
Original Cantonese stereo audio
Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
New audio commentary by East Asian film experts Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and F.J. DeSanto
Reap the Whirlwind – a new interview with Gary Bettinson, editor-in-chief of Asian Cinema journal
Archival “making of…” featurette
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A collector’s booklet featuring a new essay by David West of NEO magazine

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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