|
Starring
:
Andy
Lau
Lau
Ching Wan
Yoyo
Mung
Waise
Lee
Hui
Shiu Hung
Producer
:
Johnnie
To
Director
:
Johnnie
To
|
RUNNING
OUT OF TIME (1999)
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Although
he ranks as one of the most popular actors in Hong Kong film
history, it's no secret that Andy Lau is far from appreciated
by local critics. While audiences flock to see his films -
even during the years when he churned out five or six a year -
the artistic fraternity have given him a wide berth. Even
outstanding performances like his superb showing as Wah Dee in
'A Moment Of Romance' have never really received the respect
they deserve. It's true that Lau made many mediocre and
uninspiring films during his late 80's early 90s period, but
his treatment has still been unusually harsh. 1999's 'Running
Out Of Time' finally silenced many of his opposers when Lau
not only notched up another box-office hit, but also bagged
the Best Actor trophy at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
When
Andy (Andy Lau) discovers he only has a few weeks to live, his
first inclination is to use the time to take the risks he
would normally have avoided. Using his intelligence and guile,
he robs a diamond trading company of their spoils and
disappears into thin air. This cooly handled crime arouses the
interest of police officer Sean (Lau Ching Wan) who sees the
culprit as much more than the average criminal. After he
finally meets Andy, Sean realises his hunch was correct and
the mysterious thief is testing his skills. What follows is an
advanced game of cat and mouse with the terminally ill master
thief involving his opponent in the elaborate plan to trick
one of Hong Kong's major triad bosses. During his
investigations though, Sean discovers Andy's condition and
subsequently agrees to play along with the bizarre game.
However, will the triads get to the pair before their game is
concluded?
It's
important to note that 'Running Out Of Time' is much more than
a straight-forward action flick or even the usual
psychological thriller. With Johnnie To at the helm, there was
never really much chance of this being one of the many average
productions that have utilised this narrative. This is as much
about relationships than anything else and by the end of the
film it develops into an unusual variant on the buddy genre.
Much of the film's success is down to the flawless central
pairing of Andy Lau and Lau Ching Wan. Whereas Andy has
received much of the praise, Lau Ching Wan is once again on
top form as the devoted Sean. Playing a slightly more laid
back police character than usual, Lau Ching Wan once again
shows why he's one of Hong Kong's top actors. No role seems to
be beyond him and every single new film by him is eagerly
anticipated by his growing legion of admirers. With such a
good chemistry between the two stars there is no doubt that
this is engrossing entertainment that is even rumoured to be
in line for a Hollywood remake. On a negative note though,
'Running Out Of Time' still proves to be below the five star
mark for a classic film. There are moments that tend to dilute
the well-developed tension and therefore make the overall
effect less powerful. It's also the case that style replaces
the need for substance in certain key situations; as a result
some of the action has a very detached feel to it.
Nevertheless this is a recommended film that will be
remembered as one of Andy Lau's best performances. Well worth
viewing despite some unfortunate weaknesses.
Rating:
 
|
