Eureka Video UK Blu-ray Synopsis: The tenth film co-directed by Johnnie To (Running Out of Time) and Wai Ka-fai (Peace Hotel) following a string of collaborations that included comedies, romances, action films and historical epics, Running on Karma is a crime thriller with a distinctly Buddhist flare starring a titan of Hong Kong cinema in Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs). Big (Lau) was once a devoutly religious man, but turned away from his vocation as a Buddhist monk when he could no longer bear the weight of his unusual gift: the ability to see people's past lives and predict the impact of karma upon their present and future. Having found anew life as a bodybuilder, he is drawn to use his sixth sense for good after meetingLee Fung-yee (Cecilia Cheung, The Legend of Zu), a cop investigating a homicide. But as the two grow closer and work together to catch a murderer, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Big can see Lee's past lives, too... A film that balances genre thrills with deep philosophical questions on the nature of spirituality and faith, Running on Karma stands with Mad Detective as one of the most interesting and unique collaborations between Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the film on Blu-ray for the first time outside Asia from a new 2K restoration. (94 Mins)

 

Zoke Chinese DVD Synopsis: Hong Kong superstars ANDY LAU (Infernal Affairs, House of Flying Daggers) and CECEILIA CHEUNG (One Nite in Mongkok, The Promise) give award-winning performances in this offbeat murder mystery helmed by acclaimed director JOHNNIE TO (Election, Throwdown). Biggie is a buffed up monk who is clairvoyant. When his friend is murdered, Biggie rejects his faith in search of a more colourful life. However, Biggie's unusual gift soon arouses the interest of his biggest fan, Policewoman Yee, who agrees to help Biggie find his friend's murderer. Winner of 3 Hong Kong Film Awards including Best Picture, RUNNING ON KARMA is a stylish action drama with a touch of zen. (94 Mins)

 

Views: Directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka Fai, Running On Karma is a lesson on Buddhist philosophy cleverly disguised in a commercial hit, using Fate as the main bloodline for it's highly original story that often comes across surprisingly violent for a Johnnie To film! If there was ever a film that wowed me on first viewing (and for many more after that), it was Running On Karma. Originally starting life as a comedy and possible sequel to their Love On A Diet (2001) with Andy Lau, the film is also known as An Intelligent Muscle Man in some Asian territories although is probably more suited to the former given the story and spiritual theme involved. Running On Karma is a multi-award nominated and winning film from the amazing Johnnie To – one of my all-time favourite directors – and his regular cohort and Milky Way partner Wai Ka Fai. And even though they have worked together for many years and brought fans countless amounts of highly acclaimed titles, I still believe that this is one of their finest works to date. It's clear to see why an amazing film such as this deserved so many of its awards and nominations! Offering something quite different to its audience during this period, and from To himself, Running On Karma just ever so slightly dips its toe into the fantastical world of the Heroic Trio movies – two earlier titles from Johnnie To which stand out from his more regular known style of works. I guess, in hindsight, Running On Karma does too. It's also worth noting that long before the MCU and Hollywood's obsession with comic book heroes, Hong Kong cinema had its own range of superheroes. These guy's and gal’s could fly, they could kick-ass without breaking a sweat, cut down trees with one chop, and do many amazing things that made my eyes pop right-out of my head. And with that in mind, I believe that writer Wai Ka Fai and director To had no intention to create a genuine superhero movie yet, with Running On Karma, have managed to bring to us one of the most touching and amazing movies of that genre – in the broadest sense...

 

Incredibly shot, with plenty of beautifully lit Hong Kong city night scenes, the film opens with a very happy and very hot Andy Lau (aptly named Biggy), gyrating on stage in a club while he strips down to his thong. As the notes build up around his waist and an overly excited Cecilia Cheung screams from the side-lines, he rips off the thong and tosses it aside as the police bust-in on a raid, with Miss Cheung revealing her true reason for being there. At the same time, just streets away, intense detective Eddie Cheung is leading his team in a fresh murder investigation. Arriving at a run-down apartment, the police find a mess of curry and blood that soon leads them to the body of an Indian man whose face has been pulverised. A police dog barks uncontrollably at a metal canister in a near-by room, attracting the attention of the law men, who slowly approach it. A detective carefully pops-off the lid to reveal a six-foot tall, contorting-Indian-man hiding inside – the killer they have been searching for. Guns at the ready, they force him out in what has got to be one of the creepiest scenes I've possibly ever witnessed. Once the prisoner is in the car, it doesn't take long for him to attack the policemen who have him chained in the back seat. This leads to one of the craziest escapes I've seen – even by Hong Kong standards – which results in some violent attacks, a destructive car crash, and amazing kung-fu skills. Back at the club, Lau has escaped his capture. As both men run through the streets – only one of which is clothed – their paths soon cross which leaves the naked stripper in handcuffs, and gives us a clear introduction to who this body-builder really is!

 

As the story progresses, Lau opts to help Cecilia Cheung crack-the-case and sets out to find the Indian murderer – using his mystical skills to show what may have happened at the crime scene. It all leads up to a climatic showdown as the detectives close-in, finding the murderer hiding in a bag at the local bus station. Its quite, the scene and almost horrific in its execution! As the murderer makes a bolt for it once again, its up to ex-monk Biggy to put a stop to him once and for all. Its a roller-coaster first half of the movie, with a great blend of dark violence, tense action and a sprinkle of humour – especially when Andy Lau attempts to give chase on a motorbike! The second half allows its audience to catch its breath for a moment, as it begins with the cops trying to capture a cat-burglar who has covered himself in grease. He also has the powers to leap from building to building and scurry along walls like a lizard, which is weird upon first viewing, yet oddly works . Played hilariously by the late-great Hon Gwok Choi, in what would be his last ever role, his attempted capture leads to the near-death of Cheung. Thankfully, Lau is on-hand to save her, in what is undoubtedly the most superhero moment of the film. Having seen Cecilia's karma and fate upon their initial meeting, the gentle giant is determined to save her soul no matter what the cost. And it is this relationship between Lau and Cheung that really holds your attention. Directors To and Wai, trick the audience into falling for a romantic sub-plot as the leads exchange glances over dinner and romantic walks before we are thrust back to the temple for a final act – an act that took a twist I could never have imagined was coming. But I'm not going to spoil it for you.

 

Of course, I can't forget just how incredible Andy Lau's muscle-suit looks. He absolutely pulls-off the buff bodybuilder look, and in terms of the artistry of the piece itself – just wow! Every pore and muscle looks amazing and is so artfully done, on view for all to see as we get to watch Andy in the nude many times. It's as impressive as the performance by Lau himself, strengthened by that of his co-star Cheung and a great supporting cast throughout. Saving the best fight for last, fight choreographer Yuen Bun sprinkles enough eye-popping and exciting action scenes through-out – almost bringing the feel of an early 90's wuxia classic to modern-day Hong Kong, yet somehow it works! While you could say it is one of a kind, Running On Karma is definitely one of those films that needs to be seen to be believed and has never looked better than its gorgeous new restoration on Blu-ray from Eureka Video which lets us see the film as it's directors wanted us to...

 

Overall: One of my all-time favourite Andy Lau movies, I can't recommend Running On Karma enough for fans of HK cinema or anyone wanting something a little different!

 

Eureka Video Blu-ray Extras: 2K Restoration, Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng & F.J. DeSanto, Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng, Interview with Gary Bettinson, Archival Making od Featurette, Theatrical Trailer

 

Zoke DVD Extras: Director Filmography, Synopsis, Cast Bio's.,Trailers, Making of Documentary

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Watch my unboxing video for the Eureka Video release HERE

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Watch my video retrospective on the film HERE