Running on Karma encapsulates what is so appealing about Hong Kong cinema, full of ideas, visual treats and funny moments. For exponents of western cinema, it might appear jarring, but it’s this willingness to blend genres that makes the film mad but magical.
The tenth film to be co-directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai – the duo later became famous in Europe for the award-winning Mad Detective (2007) – it stars industry legend Andy Lau as Big, a bodybuilder (complete with muscle suit), former Buddhist monk, and martial arts expert who can ‘see’ people’s karma. This is manifested as projected images of past lives and can indicate if that person will die soon.
After helping with a murder case, Big decides to save the soul of rookie detective Lee Fung-yee (Cecilia Cheung). As mentioned, the film jams in so many ideas, from tracking down an Indian fakir, a hilarious scene with Big attempting and failing to ride a moped, and the nature of past lives. Both of the leads are fantastic and manage to create good chemistry among the madness.
The presentation of the film on the new Blu-ray release from Eureka looks great. As well as commentary by Frank Djeng and F.J. Desanto, the disc features an interesting interview with Gary Bettinson from Asian Cinema Journal, who puts the film into context and provides some interesting background. There is also an archival making-of feature, which provides some insight from the talent involved.
The mash-up of genres won’t be for everyone, but if you are looking for something truly unique, Running on Karma provides this in abundance. Perhaps you are destined to watch it…
