Running on Karma

When I first received this movie from Quynh, I thought it would be a typical Andy Lau comedy/drama movie. But then I found out that it won the Hong Kong Film Awards' Best Picture in 2003, so I was expecting something unexpected. What I found was nothing short of extraordinary.

The film is about an ex-Buddhist monk Biggie (Andy Lau), and his quest to save a police girl named Lee Fung-Yee, played by Cecilia Cheung. Doesn't sound too extraordinary does it? But Biggie has a secret, he can see the past life of anyone about to die, and Lee was unfortunate enough to be one of those people he happens to see. Lee's past life was filled with sin, so her punishment carried over to this life, but this movie is not about changing faith, but accepting it.

Both Biggie and Lee are on a journey to find their own inner peace and an end to this karma cycle. The film is very entertaining and very shocking near about the end. And once the audience reaches the final scene, they will feel both satisfied and longing to watch more. Johnnie To, the director, does not put out too many answers and forces the audience to acknowledge just what is right and wrong. The film is just very entertaining and it deserved the awards it has won.

Year: 2003
Director: Johnnie To, Wai Ka-Fai

9.2/10