Great script, Excellent cinematography, Good directing, and Superb performances is what i have to say about this film. Before watching this film (even though i'm a fan of Aaron), i didn't expect too much out of this film because i gave up on HK cinema long time ago. However it surprise me, it's nothing i thought it will be. This film receive bad rating and comment from IMDb user, i can totally understand it. The people who will appreciate this film will not watch this film because they are expecting an usual hk action flick. The people who seen this film are people who enjoy hk action flick, which this one will disappoint them. I wouldn't consider this to be an action movie, it actually a drama. This story is not selling the cop and thief theme like the thousands of hk movie dose, it is about the connections of people with different backgrounds and occupations, and also the relationship of the main characters. Unlike all the hk movies, the characters in this film seem real. There are no true protagonist or antagonist, it depends on the viewer's judgment. Each character have their good side and bad side, and they are dynamic. Throughout the film we see the "Divergence" of the cop and the killer, the options they have and the path they chosen and it taken them to their destiny. It will take one of them to just to think before their action, the result would be totally different. The lawyer character was not explored as much as it should of, but there are good reason behind it. The script is well written with all questions answer at the end (some user said the question wouldn't answer, maybe if you actually see the film and think about it) with a little twist too. Also we see characters development in this film which is a rare in hk cinema. The direction wasn't at its best but is good enough to go with the story. It kept a good pace and intensity through out the film, but there are rooms for improvement. The cinematography is great, it create a theme/style with the greenish look. Some of the overhead shots look great and the chase scene is wonderful. The best scene is the roll back scene, great creativity, the first time i seen on screen. However, i think some of those cheesy CGI scenes are unnecessary, just use directing technique will make it look more real and stylish. And last, the performance. A great supporting cast, most of the great actors in hk are in the supporting cast. Ekin did a good job as the lawyer, even though their ain't much screen time for him but the ending he did great. Daniel's killer character have it's playful side and deliver that performance. Of course our golden horse winner Aaron, the cop character is the most difficult to play in this film and the script give a great challenge to who ever play the part. The character is not just a sorrow cop whose girl friend is missing for 10 years, for the ten years he come up to a "divergence" and he have the option to forget about it but he didn't. Which in this case it drives him to near insanity. Aaron's performance is dynamic, never overact the character to become an insane character, there is alway that ray of light at the end of the tunnel you can see in this eye, and it is that light that kept him sane. The viewers can relate the character's mind with the depth of the performance. Overall i give it a 9 out of 10, definitely the best hk film of the year and best performance in a male leading role.
Bure Li
Bure Li