Running on Karma (2003) User Reviews (21)

One of a Kind Muscleman Zen Comedy Police Thriller Comic Book

[dbborroughs · 7/10 · 11 March 2005]

I'm sitting her slack jawed and wondering what in the hell these people were smoking or ingesting when they made this off kilter little film. To say that this film is unique is an understatement.

A body building ex-monk who dances as a male stripper and who can see the future gets mixed up with a police woman going after a killer. Mix in some laughs, comic book villains, some very bloody deaths, some serious action, discussions of the nature of the universe and predestination; shake well and perhaps, just perhaps you may get an idea of what this film by Johnnie To is like. Then again you may not since this film operates in its own orbit, going from pillar to post on its own crazy course.

Its a flawed film, thats so incredibly quirky that it never really seems to pull it all together. Normally not pulling it all together will kill a film, but here you don't really mind simply because it simply being different than pretty much any other film ever made. Its not a bad thing, unless you're looking for a movie that you're going to want to watch more than once.

If you want to see a movie thats certainly unlike any other film out there this film is for you. But be warned its bumpy and imperfect and you may hate yourself for liking it in the morning.

Andy Lau's best.

[public_enemy · 8/10 · 28 September 2003]

So far this year for mine the contenders had been City of God[(Brazil), Infernal Affairs(Hong Kong) and Auto Focus] (United States). But on Saturday night a new film stepped up to the plate and made it's claim to the throne heard, (one may say it threw down the gaulent) the film was Running on Karma, (Hong Kong).

Some background to the cast and crew of R.O.K.. Directing duties were handled by Johnny To, a mainstream director known for smart scripts of intervening nature compounded with heavy bloodletting long before Tarantino had left that video store, and Wai Ka Fai, an art house director known for making beautiful looking films which usually had under-developed characters, (think Chow Yun-Fat's Peace Hotel).

The main actor is Andy Lau. Easily the biggest actor to never try to break into Amerikkkan mainstream from Asia, Lau is like a Tom Cruise type, young and fashionable (but now like Cruise is aging), and his films usually make a llllllloooooottttt of money, even if they aren't all that great. Oh and yes, on the side he's a bit of a popstar. I'd never actually liked Lau, but he had done a couple of decent films recently, the passable Fulltime Killer (another Johnny To/Wai Ka Fai film) and the excellent Infernal Affairs with the king on Wong Kar-Wai films Tony Leung Chui-Wai, (think John Woo's Bullet in the Head and Hard Boiled plus Wong Kar-Wai's Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love and Happy Together). The supporting actress is twenty-three year old Cecilia Cheung, (think Shoalin Soccer, Tokoyo Raiders and Tsui Hark's The Legend of Zu)who really has done anything of real note to a non-Hong Kong fanatic.

Ok now for the film. To label this in one genre would be the height of arrogance, because despite being advertised as an action film, it is far from it. In fact it's far from anything. I went with a seasoned Hong Kong film watcher, and a mainstream American orientated viewer. Not one of us could tell which way this film would go. None of us could predict what was going to happen next. The plot of this film is fantastic. However one must go into this film with no preconceptions, so to read anymore than I will lay out below would be foolish.

The opening scene shows Lau[ doing a strip act in a nightclub in believe or not, a huge rubber suit that's meant to make him look more buff than Vin Diesel. Ok, Hong Kong doesn't have the biggest budgets, this suit is here to stay and folds whenever Lau moves, (and funnily enough he's naked for about a quarter of the film). Nearby a C.I.D. investigation is proceeding and when the victim runs from the scene at the same time that Lau the stripper runs from an undercover cop (Cheung) the paths cross but the story doesn't come together as one might expect. What does happen? Get into the film and find out.

Now the film starts out as a sleazy comedy, moves to a crime thriller, moves to a martial arts flick, to a romantic comedy, to a supernatural thriller, to a ...it goes on and on, and it would seem to a mess, but except for a small flat spot about and hour and twenty in this film stays brilliant. Unlike P.T.U. Johnny To actually remembered to write a third act, and let me just say that the last act has some absolutely classic scenes, (and yes, I can see American cinema copying it in five years or less). Wirework is used how it should be done, as is what has always been Asian style cinema, but in the west has now been dubbed Matrix-like fights.

Some classic scenes I can mention without ruining the plot: about five or so tasteful but bloodily decapitations by a Japanese with a samurai sword. An almost vigilante like police-captain hitting a bag with a very flexible man inside it with the butt of his shotgun until the bag becomes bloodstained. An amazing fight in front of a huge statue of Budda. A classic scene that I can't describe due to spoilers involving a rock, a stick and a handy cam, (you'll known what I mean when you see it). And oh yes the one scene I can definitely see American copying involving a tissue, (yes that's right a tissue)!

Now how can you see this film? Well I saw it on a one-night only preview screening in Adelaide on Saturday the 27th of September, despite it being released in Hong Kong on October 1st, (this coming Wednesday). I've heard that it will be showing in Melbourne this week, if you can't catch it you may have to wait for dvd and vcd import. Hopefully Miracut won't touch this one.

Eight out of Ten.

Peace. Scott.

Weird... yet wonderful?!

[rmj1971 · 7/10 · 15 December 2005]

What do you want from your movies? A shaolin monk turned stripper/bodybuilder with psychic abilities? A young female Hong Kong cop cursed by her former life as a murderous WW2 Japanese soldier? A mysterious mountain-dwelling, serial-killing hermit who's evaded the authorities for five years? A karmic feud between two men dating back generations? A rage-filled police chief who thinks nothing of beating and/or killing suspects to get results? Well, look no further than Running on Karma! Co-Directors Johnny To and Wai Ka Fai throw all these ingredients into the mixer and come up with one original cinematic cocktail. By turns funny, tragic, romantic, horrific and action packed, Running on Karma is a film that could only have been made in Hong Kong. Great performances from Cecilia Cheung and Andy Lau make you care about the characters and their fates, despite the loopy/deep(?) storyline that will have your brain spinning. No description of this film is a match for actually seeing it, so what are you waiting for?

the muscle suit is not a gimmick

[kernelkonfusion · 18 November 2004]

A lot of comments have been made about the gimmick of Andy Lau's body suit but I think the director intentionally used it. Much of the film is metaphorical and symbolic. The movie artfully provides a story that is richer for its indirectness. Just as Daai Chek Liu fights the form of his would be self, and prevents the triggering of a new karmic thread through a potential revenge/ justifiable killing of Sun Ko, the body suit may in fact symbolize the effort that many people put into developing the unimportant/ ineffectual aspects of their lives. In the first part of the movie, none of his highly developed skills or extrasensory perception can avert the eventual course of karma; and only in the second part, when he forgives Sun Ko, is he successful in making any difference.

His shedding of his over-developed physique during this journey is perhaps symbolic of his return to simply pursuing "the only thing that Buddha taught" (per his soliloquy after he resolves the conflict with his alter ego). If you watch carefully, everything you need to understand the story is right there; but it's not obvious. There are many places where the director has only sown the seed for further inquiry. I could go on; but suffice to say it's not a movie that can be fully appreciated without at least some analysis on the part of the audience :) In the end, if your interpretation even makes you think about the laws of nature, the meaning and purpose of your life, that's what matters, and is perhaps what the director/ scriptwriter intended.

Johnnie To supernatural film

[jimniexperience · 7/10 · 3 April 2018]

Johnnie To supernatural film with some Buddhist elements. Two-part movie: first part they are catching Indian murderer, second-part reveals Big past and the secret behind Sun-Ko

First part 9/10 Second part 5/10

Muddled But Entertaining

[NIXFLIX-DOT-COM · 6/10 · 5 October 2003]

RUNNING ON KARMA is an odd little movie. The film features a gimmick where star Andy Lau wears a "muscle suit" throughout, but for the life of me I can't figure out why. It seems to be a gimmick, and really serves no purpose other than to have Cecilia Cheung's character call him "Big One" or "Big Guy" because his character, from what I can gather, has no name. The film gets extremely muddled and weak when it wanders into karma and destiny land. It might have been better had the film stuck to a more traditional method of storytelling. As it is, it's good to see Cecilia Cheung out of period costume or hanging out with Wong Jing. The film's first half, with its police cases and action, are its best. The second half reminds one of German filmmaker Tom Tywker, only less coherent and unfocused.

6 out of 10

(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this film)

Genius, Brilliant, along with other complimentary adjectives

[ko_hy · 10/10 · 9 April 2005]

I will list three major reasons why this film should rock your world: 1. (The action.) It is a mixture of Chinese-martial and superhero choreography. The protagonist and the various "villains" he encounters are over-the-top, their abilities are by all means supernatural, there's nothing believable about them. All this exists in a contemporary Hong Kong setting. The film isn't even about kung-fu or wild action sequences. This is brilliant.

2. (Andy Lau showing off his skills with a piece of tissue.) The most original way of demonstrating martial art skills of all time.

3. (Unconventional genre mixing.) It has action, it has comedy, and it has philosophical depth. It features Andy Lau in a goddamn body-suit. There's a love story. It's a tragic love story. There's a tragic love story involving Andy-freaking-Lau in a goddamn body-suit. He does kung fu. There are cops. There's mystery. There's a detective story. This is very brilliant.

I find this film brilliant. There's no other adjective I find more fitting. Every word of that screenplay and every movement captured by the director (Johnnie To), is goddamn brilliant.

Along with One Nite In Mongkok, this was my favourite HK film of 2004.

What is karma?

[ryanmo-35178 · 7/10 · 28 July 2022]

Watched 10 years ago and remembered this one is a great one. The muscular suits is also great and the action scenes are good. What u did before will sure affect you in this life or next life. Cheung is acting great and she's brave to rescue the bad guy even it would cost her life. Great movie~~

An underrated film with Strong Impact

[henhelena · 10/10 · 2 November 2017]

it has been a long time watching film doesn't leave any strong feelings to me... I left feeling conflicted, yet enlightened.. Perhaps one of the best Andy Lau's best performance in his acting career. Cecilia Cheung did a good job as well. There were some good action and a bit romantic scenes, there were some "strong' scenes that makes me freaked out as well,but I think it i necessary. The script and plot is great. Please make sure you watch the HK version not the Chinese cut. Go and watch for the experiences.

An insult to my intelligence

[Karfoo · 1/10 · 12 October 2003]

Running on Karma

I am once again disappointed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka Fai. What happened to the talent that shown so brightly in their macho cop and robber films? Perhaps, and it is an easy conclusion to reach, that is the only type of films they know how to make well.

The gimmick of this film was that Andy Lau wore a muscle suit. Except, other than its being a gimmick, it in fact served no purpose whatsoever in the film! Almost all the publicity for the film beforehand was based on this, and it is rather shocking to find that it was just that, and the ploy played no part in the film.

Where do I begin? The story, to start with, was so muddled that it left me wondering who gave the green light to its being released. I can see what the film was trying to say, about reincarnation, about the Bhuddist idea of karma, of planting the seeds of good and helping it germinate, about how that alone is no guarantee that things will turn out better. But the plot line was so confused (not confusing, but confused, though it was the former as well), the presentation so plain and directionless, that the entire experience left a sour taste in my mouth as I left the theatre.

I would not even bother to give a plot summary, since I do not recommend anyone see this anyway. There are other bad films one can waste his/her time with.

For all those who say this was a good, or even excellent film, I am glad for them. Blessed are those easily satisfied, though not understanding something (whether by its being truly complicated or merely by atrocious presentation) does not make it deep.

Near Perfect...but

[buffylover1985 · 9/10 · 4 October 2003]

No doubt about it, Running On Karma is an excellent film. It diverts into every conceivable genre and gets them perfect while retaining an excellent mood. However their is one "BIG" problem with the movie, Andy Lau's fake muscles. They look horrible and distracting and detract from the mood of the film. However the movie is so good it is hard to dwell on this. 9 out of 10

Worst movie this year!

[kwanpang · 1/10 · 10 October 2003]

3 types of people in this world: 1st, try to explain this world, and got the good/right/bad/wrong answer. 2nd, not trying to explain this world, just live in it. The first type, we call them intellectuals, they use their intelligence and logic to explain this world, maybe they got a totally wrong answer, but at least they used the right way(reason) to explain it. The second type of people are common humans, are most of us, maybe they know their abilities, so they don't try to, or they just don't eager to explain it. AND... there is the third type of people, who have no much wisdom, but still wanna show their "wisdom" to others, try to explain the world with their stupid way... These kind of people made this movie: Running On Karma

I thought this is a Kung fu/Comedy. I was totally wrong, it's nothing, it gots no laughing( or got some cheap ones), no real actions, fake romance, and a lot of disgusting scenes(with only commercial purpose)... And, all of these are ok, i've seen too many movie got these elements, and i still enjoyed them. (I never expect too much on movies, any kind of cheap movies, if it has any kind of spark, i will still watch it to the end). But, Running on Karma, it got more than these...

The movie tried to tell you a truth about the world... a Buddhism concept: Karma. I really love to listen to a philosopher talking about it, but I really really hate to hear it from a crazy writer/director who knows nothing or little about it then filmed a movie tell their nonsense "idea" and "truth"... Please, show some respect to human intelligence, not only others, your own too!

Sorry, maybe i used too much bad words, but i think any modern educated human will feel what i felt when they watched this movie. Sick, disordered, stupid...

Worst movie this year.

1/10...

Comic Book Style Adventure with some Karma Thrown in.

[dennisyoon · 1 August 2004]

Hey, Lighten up angry folks. It's just a movie. Did you have fun enjoying it like me?

If you like martial arts, superheroes, and are intrigued by the power of mythology here's your ticket. Cecilia Cheung and Andy Lau shine like usual for you loyal fans. Loved the element of examining Karma which is lacking so much in the consequence ignoring messages of late. The gradually unraveling storyline and visual games will keep you thinking and will draw you back to examine the movie again and again.

The transitions are nice to take in as they travel from city to country and through past lives and the present. They hop along nicely from place to place to keep the story going. Andy Lau is funny as the beefcake parody and Cecelia Cheung is so herself as the unassuming pretty girl with the crush on the muscleman/superhero/monk.

I believe that people inclined to study Karma probably know more about it than the film covers so enough said on that. I'd recommend meditation, serious study and training with an expert over any film designed for entertainment.

The Asian aesthetic, over the top action, charismatic stars, creativity and a penchant for the fantastic are why I love so much of Hong Kong and Mainland Cinema and this is a fine example. More HK blockbusters please!!!

A pleasant surprise!

[metamerc · 8/10 · 28 September 2003]

I did not expect the depth that this film mines when buying tickets yesterday for "Running on Karma" starring Andy Lau. In fact, when it began, I cringed wondering how campy it could possibly be. This first impression quickly transformed as some special effects were artfully used to convey that I was in for fast and thought-provoking ride.

The violence in the film stops just short of being gratuitious. In fact, it is quite purposeful and well done. As a whole, the film has a little of everything that attracts me: the supernatural, special effects, humor, love story and surprise, surprise, an actual heartfelt message that provides the viewer with 'the big picture' on life. I wanted to give the flick an 8.5/10 but opted for the 8 since this system does not take half points.

By the way, seeing this film is Hong Kong has the added effect of illustrating one of the film's points: there are many layers to our day-to-day 'reality.' This may not have such a strong effect for the viewer who lives elsewhere.

Love this Movie, you fools

[TheWrench · 8/10 · 16 April 2004]

Some people's distaste for this movie reminds me of the same distaste Last Action Hero received, except this movie is Chinese. I suppose people go in to this movie expecting something else. This movie is about an ex-martial arts monk who has strayed from his path to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh. But deeper within the character is his ability to see Karma, or the good/bad aura of life. In this movie it is represented in bits of each person's past life, and what evil or good they have done. Though it's true that Andy Lau's muscle suit really plays no part in the plot of the movie, it does give his character his unique personality. The movie almost plays like a television marathon with each different part of the movie starting some sort of danger. And then Biggie/Brawny (Andy Lau) having to save someone or intervene due to his knowledge of the coming events. I suggest anyone who is going to see this movie not go in to it expecting anything. I didn't, and I was surprised I liked it. It was entertaining and visually pleasing to the eye, and I think that was the main point of the movie.

I don't think this is a movie

[leprutz13-1 · 1/10 · 4 October 2008]

Ia m trying g to watch the movie at the same time I am writing this comment. To be honest with all of you, I know there are man different kind of tastes but this sis simply too much for me.

Johnnie To is one of the greatest directors ever in this century, but with this movie he showed me at what kind of a level a good director has to drop down so you get at least good money income in theaters. How is it possible that the people are so dumb to go watch rubbish like that and wanted for example. And the worst case scenario is that the actors don't even seem to think about what kind of movie they are acting in.

Bad special effects, a plot with no sense at all, bad directions from Ka Fai and to and I think, the worst acting ever in a chines movie.

I really wish people start to change and to go to cinema to see some good and interesting movies so the directors with talents can go back to their former passion of doing a movie.

A spiritual journey into darkness and forgiveness

[alex_with_a_P · 8/10 · 24 March 2022]

This movie is definitely not for everyone. Even for people that are familiar with HK movies. There's a jarring shift in tones and genres won't be everyones cup of tea, it almost has more in common with Bollywood movies, thankfully it doesn't have any musical numbers though.

The movie basically starts as a comedy, goes into cop drama, then dabbles briefly in martial arts, before it goes back to romantic comedy and hard melodrama.

And all that in a running time of 93minutes. It's quite an acomplishment, but I wish the movie would have been a t least fivty minutes longer to let those parts breathe more.

Because some of it works realy, really well and other bits liket the romatic sub-plot feels way under-cooked. There's a big leap around the third act, and it almost feels like part of the movie is missing.

Nonetheless. The reason why I still give this movie a high rating, is that it has possible one of the best endings in a HK movie. And although I didn't like this movie too much the first time I saw it in 2007, that ending and the haunting music stayed with me for years. It is truly profound and makes one think about the impact we have on people.

Excellent Plot But did not need to be that complex

[julio-41 · 28 June 2004]

I feel that the plot is excellent: A Buddhist monk who is able to "see" past choices that lead to present day Karma. This was an excellent plot but... They should have made it more of a love story, i.e. a strong attachment by the viewer between "Big" and the police woman. And somehow it should have had a clearer ending. the plot had a potential for a great movie. Also it would have been nice to have a good ending. There were some interesting things in the movie...For example, the director certainly understood something about karma as explained by buddhist. I recalled in the movie when the monk says that the Japanese soldier is a different person than the policewoman, but that she is carrying his karma. That is an interesting distinction from the Hindu explanation of karma.

One Of My Favourite Hong Kong Films!!

[Movie-Misfit · 10/10 · 1 April 2020]

I absolutely adore this film!

If there was ever a film that wowed me on fist viewing (and still after that), it was this one. More widely known as, Running On Karma, which is probably he more suited title given the story involved, An Intelligent Muscle Man is a multi-award nominated and winning film from the amazing Johnnie To - one of my all-time favourite directors. Joining him in the directors seat is regular cohort and producer, Wai Ka Fai.

I don't know where to start with this...

Long before the MCU and DCEU, Hong Kong cinema had its own range of superheroes!

These guys and gals could fly, they could kick ass, cut down trees with one chop, and do many amazing things that made my eyes pop right out of my head from I was no age. I think, in the broadest sense, that writer Wai Ka Fai and director To didn't intend to create a genuine superhero movie, yet have brought to us one of the most touching, and amazing movies of that genre. From Andy's build and martial arts skills, to his power of being able to see peoples karma - which is a scary thing - to the range of skilled opponents, Lau is an all round superhero who just happens to be a retired monk.

Incredibly shot, with beautifully lit Hong Kong night scenes, the film opens with a very happy, and very hot Andy Lau on stage in a strip-club, gyrating as he strips down to his thong. As the notes build up around his waste and an overly excited Ceceilia Cheung screams from the sidelines, he rips off the thong - tossing it aside as the police bust in on a raid. Of course, Miss Cheung is one of them! Andy Lau's muscle suit in this film is just incredible. He absolutely suits the buff look, and in terms of the artistry of the piece itself - holy crap! Every pore, every muscle, it just looks amazing and is not wasted at all as we get to see Andy in the nude many times, as well as seeing him take part in (the aforementioned stripping), a boxing match and body-building championship...

So, opening 5 - 10 minutes, strip-club bust! But just streets away, cop Eddie Cheung Siu Fai is leading his team in a fresh murder investigation, which completely opens a whole can of worms on an incredible 40 minutes of insanity, done in the mos beautiful way you could imagine. A six-foot tall, contorting Indian guy is the prime suspect, and he does not want to come quietly leading to the craziest escape, violent attacks, and amazing kung fu action - courtesy of the great Yuen Bun (who also co-stars).

Its dark, its fun, its action packed, violent and tense, yet still beautiful at the same time!

The second half begins with the cops trying to capture a cat-burglar who has covered himself in grease, but has the powers to leap from building to building, and scurry around like a lizard on the walls. He is played by the great Hon Gwok Choi, in what would be his last ever role...

The last act took a twist I never could have guessed, but I'm not going to spoil it for you. I could watch this over and over without getting bored. An amazing film deserved of its many awards and nominations, and offering something quite different - even by Hong Kong standards!

Overall: One of my all-time favourite Hong Kong films, and just incredible...

Credits oh, credits please.

[shu-fen · 21 March 2004]

About the movie, it's entertaining, wonderful story, fantastic make-up techniques and efforts, Cecilia Cheung has improved a lot in interpreting the young policewoman who is in search of a good life ending, good good good as a whole...

Yet, please tell me the names of the two Indians who have taken pains to act well at the beginning? Why no credits to them? I kept searching for their names both in Chinese translation or English romanization from the roller for three times but in vain. Discrimination against the Indians or Pakistani does exist in Hong Kong. But now even China is taking about something like "bridging with the international scene", please learn something from USA or Europe. On their film rollers, carpenters or people who has taken small part(s) got their names on it. That's international.

Smorgasboard, fusion style

[harry_tk_yung · 12 October 2003]

Spoilers

`Karma' is not only a smorgasbord, but also a fusion. Gathered from Hollywood are the Hulk, Spiderman, Sleepy Hollow and The Blair Witch Project. Mix these with Hong Kong style brutal police action, traditional Chinese Shaolin martial art and sprinkle it with a pinch of the bizarre such as contortions, you have this rather interesting flick. As to the Buddhism to which the movie appears to be steering towards, the Karma talk is about as meaningful as the mumbo-jumbo on cause and effect in Matrix Reloaded, both of which, happy for the movie producers, will attract the likes of who that believe, against all common sense, that they can become instant philosophers after watching a movie. Don't get me wrong though; there's nothing wrong with Karma as an entertaining flick, and the smorgasbord approach does have some appeal. And I do enjoy watching both Andy Lau and Cecelia Cheung. Let me complete the karma of these brief comments by going back to the beginning: the timpani that starts the movie is one of the best sounds I've ever heard in a movie.