88 Films Deluxe Edition UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Directed by Alfred Cheung and starring the legendary Yuen Biao (THE PRODIGAL SON, RIGHTING WRONGS), noir crime drama ON THE RUN remains a classic staple of the thriller genre from Hong Kong. In the aftermath of his wife's brutal murder, struggling cop Heung Ming (Yuen Biao) is forced to go into hiding after discovering corruption in the ranks. His only ally is a deadly assassin Chui (Pat Ha) as they each try to avoid arrest, and even death. (88 Mins)

 

88 Films UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Directed by Alfred Cheung and starring the legendary Yuen Biao (THE PRODIGAL SON, RIGHTING WRONGS), noir crime drama ON THE RUN remains a classic staple of the thriller genre from Hong Kong. In the aftermath of his wife's brutal murder, struggling cop Heung Ming (Yuen Biao) is forced to go into hiding after discovering corruption in the ranks. His only ally is a deadly assassin Chui (Pat Ha) as they each try to avoid arrest, and even death. (88 Mins)

 

Deltamac HK DVD Synopsis: Crack policeman Bill (Yuen Biao) is having a talk with his separated wife when a bullet from hired killer Di kills the wife, an anti-drug policewoman. Bill goes after the killer but is told to keep off by senior officer Lui. In fact, Lui is head of a narcotics ring and lover of Bill's ex-wife. But the woman stumbles into the ugly, thus Lui hires Di to kill her. Then Lui sets about to kill everyone connected with crime – the go between tells Bill where to find Di. This Bill does. But Lui's men come kill both of them. Bill has to fight off the attackers... (88 Mins)

 

Made In Hong Kong UK VHS Synopsis: No-holds-barred five star noir action from director Alfred Cheung, 'On The Run' stars the incandescent Yuen Biao ('Zu: Warriors of The Magic Mountain'; 'Dreadnaught') opposite Pat Ha's ruthless femme fatale killer. A nightmare tale of deception, retribution and extreme violence, Cheung's film allows supreme acrobat Biao an uncharacteristically developed dramatic role as the haunted, hunted cop, desperate to stay alive long enough to avenge his wife's vicious murder. (81 Mins)

 

Views: After he is called away from a meeting with his ex-wife, Heung Ming returns to the restaurant to find her murdered, having been shot in the head at point-blank range by a hired assassin. But after he learns about some heavy corruption in the ranks and that his ex-wife had been investigating it, Heung is framed for her murder by his superior – the very same man who had been having an affair with the victim. At the same time, Heung has caught up with the assassin but a team of corrupt cops are hot on their tracks and determined to silence them both. Now, with his ex-wife's killer and his young daughter in his arms, Heung Ming must go on the run in a bid to stay alive and reveal the truth behind the murder!

​

I'm always stumped when people tell me they don't like On The Run. I mean, it genuinely confuses me! My only thought is that they went into this movie expecting another hardcore martial-arts flick like Righting Wrongs (1986), which is certainly not the case, and instead find an almost perfect noir thriller with solid performances from all involved. Disappointing it is not! Directed by the overlooked and talented Alfred Cheung; a Hong Kong born actor/writer/director who has starred in over 80 productions from his self directed Her Fatal Ways (1990) and it's sequels to Nocturnal Demon (1990), Twin Dragons (1992) to The Medallion (2003) and then some – and directed almost 30 since making his debut in 1982 with Monkey Business starring Kenny Bee and Anthony Chan. Of course, since then, he has proved quite diverse with his directorial projects, giving us films such as Sammo Hung's To Err Is Humane (1987) and Paper Marriage (1988), the highly popular aforementioned Her Fatal Ways (1990) series of films, All's Well Ends Well '97 (1997), Manhattan Midnight (2001) and this, On The Run, quite possibly his finest piece...

​

Here, Cheung casts against type in almost every role, putting the much-loved Yuen Biao right up there in a wholly dramatic role as Heung Ming. Sure, there are still moments of action throughout – the odd scuffle, plenty of gun-play, and some highly impressive stunt-work such as Biao's leap from a balcony onto a lamppost while being shot at, causing him to fall on top of a vehicle just below – but don't be expecting any martial-arts action from this legendary star (or anyone else for that matter). While it does seem strange considering the cast involved, or even a waste as I've seen many say, Yuen Biao and others still give such powerful performances that it doesn't actually matter if they fight or not. Likewise, we have Charlie Chin, best known for his comedic roles in films such as the Lucky Stars series and others, but here, Chin is as serious as he can get as the cold-hearted and corrupt inspector. Working for him is a trio of Hong Kong greats, again, well known for their martial-arts abilities although we don't see that put to use here. They are the wonderful Yuen Wah (who also doubles up duties as the action-director), prolific Philip Ko Fei, and Shaw Brothers legend Lo Lieh – all who give great performances as Chin's corrupt underlings that go to great lengths to put an end to Heung Ming. The wonderful Pat Ha stars as the deadly Miss Pai, assassin for hire that sticks by Ming's side and helps him through his journey – even though she killed his ex-wife. Dressed as if she just stepped out of a Wong Kar Wai flick, complete with a 60s style flipped-out and flipped-under hair style, Ha is emotionless and intense as the killer for hire, eventually finding herself as she grows closer to Heung Ming and his young daughter. As with her co-star, On The Run stands out as one of her best roles to date. Other familiar faces that support these stars throughout are Yung Kwan, Kam Kong Chow, Idy Chan, Lap Sam Lam, and Lau Shek Yin, as well as Doctor Vampire (1990), Hard Boiled (1992) and Lawyer Lawyer (1997) star Bowie Lam.

​

Produced by Sammo Hung through his BoHo film company, the film sees Underground Banker (1994), A Chinese Torture Chamber Story (1994) and Dream Lover (1995) director Bosco Lam, serve as the second unit director – a job he has done on many great titles including God of Gamblers (1989), A Moment of Romance (1990), and Last Hero In China (1993). But kudos must go to art director Dominique Lo and cinematographer Peter Ngor for delivering such a stunningly visual piece that challenges the very best art-house-noir films that Hollywood has to offer. Although he himself had directed films such as Erotic Ghost Story 2 (1991) and The Tragic Fantasy: Tiger of Wanchai (1994), as well as Girls Gang and Legendary Couple in 1995, Ngor has captured many classics as cinematographer over the years from Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) to Mr. Vampire (1985), Armour of God (1986) to Dragon from Russia (1990), Sex & Zen (1991) to Wolf Warrior 2 (2017) and so much more. But his delivery of visuals here in On The Run are by far some of his finest, putting the neon-lit streets of 90's Hong Kong to great use, framing every shot beautifully, and giving us a palette of colour so beautiful it keeps us glued to the screen. All in all, On The Run has very little on offer that disappoints and is a great example of Hong Kong cinema in it's prime.

​

The film was released a couple of years ago by 88 Films in a gorgeous rigid-box Deluxe Edition Blu-ray format with new 2K restoration, fantastic cover art by Kung Fu Bob which was carried over to a poster, and a jam packed collectors book. Recently, to kick off 2026, 88 Films have re-issued the release – mainly for it's North American market – which saw brand new stunning artwork by Sean Longmore grace the slip and cover, but the exact same contents on the disc from the original release. This includes a great audio commentary with Frank Djeng and F.J. DeSanto, and a second by Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon. There's a fantastic interview with director Alfred Cheung, delivered in English, where he discusses the film and his career in great depth that makes for an interesting watch. Likewise, author David West deep-dives into the Hong Kong classic, highlighting how the 1997 Handover was a key element to the characters drive and actions. A brief, but pointless, alternate ending is offered with the lengthy original theatrical trailer finishing things off. Of course, the Deluxe Edition makes more sense with it's extra bits on offer, but either are definitely worth picking up for the chance to see this film look the best it's ever done – because that's the most important part at the end of the day!

​

Overall: Beautifully shot and directed with intense performances from all involved, On The Run is a genuine classic of Hong Kong cinema and one of Yuen Biao's best works!

​

88 Films Deluxe Edition Blu-ray Extras: 2K Restoration, Audio Commentary with Frank Djeng & F.J. DeSanto, Audio Commentary with Kenneth Brorsson & Phil Gillon, Interview with Alfred Cheung, Interview with David West, Alternate Ending, Original Trailer

​

88 Films Blu-ray Extras: 2K Restoration, Audio Commentary with Frank Djeng & F.J. DeSanto, Audio Commentary with Kenneth Brorsson & Phil Gillon, Interview with Alfred Cheung, Interview with David West, Alternate Ending, Original Trailer

​

Deltamac DVD Extras: Trailers, Biographies

​

Watch my unboxing video for the 88 Films Deluxe Edition Blu-ray HERE

​

Watch my unboxing video for the second 88 Films Blu-ray release HERE

​

Support the site by getting your copy HERE