A movie about the fate. The opening is attractive as Lam is hoping to change the fate of a woman by burying her in the mud to pretend dead to cheat the god, however, the rain changed the plan and she was killed immediately when she back home. Lokman accidentally saw the incident and involved and Lam was there to help him to change the fate. The involvement between them and the killer became the plot. Another attractive character was the young gal who was willing to become rich but she was killed and killed the killer. At last Lam became crazy and Lokman became a good guy, so one can do anything just to keep trust yourself!
3 Reviews
Not quite a winner
alain-kapel57 March 2024
Pou-soi Cheang's follow-up to Limbo is a messy, slightly underwhelming thriller that dabbles in themes of fate and occultism. It's a curious piece as it just leaves almost no impression after watching it. Coming from a director whose films tend to be visceral and entertaining, that makes it a disappointment.
It begins promisingly, with Lam Ka-tung's manic character performing rituals to avert an upcoming calamity in a woman's life. Themes of fate and possible changing of it enter the film in style and in a slightly bonkers way. But then other characters get introduced, a serial killer and a young man on the path to become one himself. The film starts to get sidetracked and slowly loses focus, with most of the tension dissipating by the time it reaches its conclusion.
Without even mentioning terrible CGI (especially regarding a cat), this just can't keep up with Cheang's past films. Despite all the shortcomings, I wasn't bored, chiefly because its themes are interesting and Lam's character entertainingly unhinged. But it fades from memory fast and leaves an impression of unfulfilled potential.
It begins promisingly, with Lam Ka-tung's manic character performing rituals to avert an upcoming calamity in a woman's life. Themes of fate and possible changing of it enter the film in style and in a slightly bonkers way. But then other characters get introduced, a serial killer and a young man on the path to become one himself. The film starts to get sidetracked and slowly loses focus, with most of the tension dissipating by the time it reaches its conclusion.
Without even mentioning terrible CGI (especially regarding a cat), this just can't keep up with Cheang's past films. Despite all the shortcomings, I wasn't bored, chiefly because its themes are interesting and Lam's character entertainingly unhinged. But it fades from memory fast and leaves an impression of unfulfilled potential.
Is there sane fate?
kosmasp26 September 2023
I mean Mad Fate is already a great pun - so my summary line indeed falls into the category of no pun intended (if you even classify it as such). If you've seen Limbo ... well I don't think the previous movie of the director will be able to prepare you for what is going to happen here. Mayhem would be one way to describe it - the main actor is really good. The character he plays .. I sort of would find it great to have him as a friend in real life.
On the other hand ... maybe not! One thing is for sure, anyones life would be ... way more interesting with him in it. What a great powerhouse performance. The movie can be described as mad ... the structure .. same thing! I never was able to guess where it would lead me! Whom are we following, who is the main subject? And many other questions you may have .. really well made, well written and acted by everyone involved! Such great characters and visuals ... but also quite violent! So not for the sensitive people amongst us.
On the other hand ... maybe not! One thing is for sure, anyones life would be ... way more interesting with him in it. What a great powerhouse performance. The movie can be described as mad ... the structure .. same thing! I never was able to guess where it would lead me! Whom are we following, who is the main subject? And many other questions you may have .. really well made, well written and acted by everyone involved! Such great characters and visuals ... but also quite violent! So not for the sensitive people amongst us.
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