User reviews

Not high art, not even exceptionally innovative, but a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Funny, fresh, intelligent - there are still people out there who don't need millions of dollars to hide that they're out of ideas.

When you compare this to your average Hollywood action flick, you're comparing a homemade meal with a big mac.

Andy Lau and Lau Ching-Wan are both superb in Johnny To's tautly directed crime thriller which puts most Western efforts to shame. Think of it as the Hong Kong 'Heat', only better! Everything about the film screams class; from the performances to the soundtrack, the cinematography to the script. The tone remains serious throughout, but the film has a nice line in black-humour, friendship and romance at it's heart. Sure, it gets a little preposterous later on, but it would be a hard-hearted viewer who didn't find something to love about this movie. Thank God, Hollywood hasn't (yet) re-made and ruined a classic. Do yourself a favour and see this film!

I've recently seen An zhan. Not because it was a Hong Kong film, but because I was looking for a change from the films being produced here in the US. In my humble opinion, I believe the film could easily compete against the action thrillers being produced here, except for the traditional idiocyncracies of Hong Kong film. The one that still bothers me was the chief inspector character. I still don't understand why there has to be a complete-idiot-comic-relief-type character even in the serious films that come out of Hong Kong, but I can live with it when the movie is this good. The characters are believable even if the situations they are in are not. The story is fast paced and really sucks you in to it. The real cincher scenes for me were the two bus rides that the thief character takes. Overall, a really solid film.

This film was recommended to me by a friend. I don't know much about Hong Kong cinema, but having seen Aau Chin, I definately want to find out more. I really enjoyed it, and found it was surprisingly different from what I was expecting. I had prepared myself for lots of big fights, lots of blood and gore, and more than a little machismo. What I got was a sad, sensitive and suprisingly funny bit of cinema. Ok, so there are gunfights, car chases and bombs a plenty, but there is also something else - a heart. I really liked the interaction between the two leads, I think it worked really well, and I loved the fact that the criminal and the cop were working together. The love story was terribly romantic, and even the 'purely for laughs' role of the chief inspector was done quite nicely. As an introduction to Hong Kong cinema, I'd say this was perfect.

This film is a refreshing change of pace from the mindless Hong Kong triad movies I have grown so tired of. There are no spectacular gun fights. No car chases. And practically minimal action to speak of. The audience is kept in suspense for the most part, though certain aspects of the so called "ploy" by Andy Lau are quite obvious.

The film has been hailed as a departure from the genre of violent triad films, and as an "intelligent" crime film. To an extent, it is. But, to some extent, it still fails the "believability" test. One can hardly picture any triad member to be dumb enough to not see through the female disguise of Andy Lau in a second. It also seemed to have fallen for the "if someone was seriously ill, the said someone will be coughing up copious amounts of blood regularly" thing Chinese films seem to go for all the time.

The subtle relationship between the two lead characters is a refreshing change.

All in all an enjoyable film, even though the concept is not new and there are few surprises. >

Terrific, deeply moving crime thriller starring Andy Lau and Lau Ching Wan.

From the dizzying opening sequence to the extremely satisfying conclusion, this cat and mouser hardly misses a beat.

Johnny To, again working with ace composer Arthur Wong, constructs another operatic actioner that grots in the face of its contemporaries.

To's images are strong and moving. His cutting, combined with the extraordinary music cues, is exemplary. You are in the hands of a master cinematician.

The two sequences in which Andy Lau "hides" from the cops on a bus by pretending to accompany a lithe beauty (Ruby Wong) are testament to To's unique directorial skills.

Lau Ching Wan is strong and commanding as the harassed cop while Andy Lau is dynamic as a dying man avenging his father's death.

This is superb movie-making, only mildly compromised by some bad English dubbing in one scene with criminal Waise Lee.

The one thing that can be said about RUNNING OUT OF TIME is that it's an immensely clever film. It's interesting to note that the film's writers are French, which may explain the movie's "out of the norm" vibe, as it doesn't really fit in with what is commonly called "Hong Kong Cinema".

The movie concerns a thief who plans revenge on some criminal types using the assistance of an equally clever cop. But first he has to convince the cop to join his personal crusade, and so begins a series of games where the thief manuevers the cop into his plan.

Quite a clever movie.

7 out of 10

(go to www.nixflix.com for a more detailed review of this movie or full-length reviews of other foreign films)

I just purchased An Zhan (Running out of time) on DVD and it was an excellent film I must say. Not really action-packed, in terms of gun play, but definitely exciting and witty. I do not think I have seen Andy Lau in better form. And the editing on this film was very well executed. Go watch this now if you are a fan of Lau or HK thiller/action film!

If you're familiar with the work of auteur Johnny To and his band of filmmaking cronies over at Milky Way, you know what to expect with this latest production. All the familiar elements are in place: the strong camaraderie between two characters: usually a cop and a baddie, the coincidences and chances that turn on a dime and pay off handsomely in the end, and the humor that arises even in the most dire of situations.

Andy Lau plays a man who has 72 hours to live and decides to rob an insurance company. Lau Ching-Wan (also brilliant in other Milky Way films like "Longest Nite," "A Hero Never Dies," and "Where A Good Man Goes") portrays a hostage negotiator/cop who is on the robber's tail, even as the robber sets up a series of tricks and clues that he must follow in order to get his man.

Funny, poignant, and cool while being subtle, "Running" is actually one of the most entertaining Milky Way films to date. Don't miss the performances by the two leads, esp. Andy Lau, usually considered an average actor who has rarely been this natural and fun to watch. This film is one to go out of your way to see.

Having seen 'only' about 200 Hong Kong films in my time, I have to say this film is among my very top favorites. Not only is the plot engaging (and in some ways surprising, which these days is rare for any movie), but the chemistry between the two lead actors is superb. Top notch casting! And while often even the most serious HK films tend to insert quite a bit of humor in between all the drama and action, often spoiling the mood a bit, here the jokes are kept subtle and woven into the plot, even improving character relations. The music is also very well done, and the two main themes are very beautiful. With the release of the HK special Edition, they've even cleaned the picture (first release was grainy) and the subtitles, even if the quality of the translation is still lacking (nothing new there). All in all, if you have to see a HK film that isn't directed by John Woo or have Chow Yun Fat in it, this should be at least on your short list! A truly fascinating and entertaining watch!

With Hong Kong heart-throb Andy Lau and veteran star Ching Wan Lau, "Aau Chin" has everything going for it for the beginning part of the movie, unfortunately, the movie falls apart at the end.

Andy Lau plays a sophisticated thief who only has 4 weeks to live, but still has one thing unfinished... He pulls an elaborated scheme tricking the police into helping him... However, the police is hot on his tail.... Can he pull it off before being caught?

The build up of the movie is good. Bits of pieces of clues are left behind for the audiences to try to guess at the real intention. Unfortunately, the build up leads to a disappointed final showdown. It feels as if in the middle of the script, the writer has changed and that all the build-up becomes disconnected.

A 3/10 ....

Lifeline, A Hero Never Dies, and you think he couldn't top himself off. This film manages to be one of the most intelligent action films ever made and still fits in a compelling love story told in three scenes better than most films can tell a love story in the entire film. The gag premise, a man with 4 weeks to live takes on the Hong Kong police is only part of the brilliance of the film. I have to thanks the script writer for a constantly innovative script, as much as Johnny and I await their next collaboration with much anticipation.

Although the plot is not without it's faults, the execution of the simple material is near perfect. This is expected from Johnnie To, as once again he brings a certain finesse to the cinematography and character development which never cease to provoke intrigue. Andy Lau plays a dying man plagued with stage 3 cancer, and in his last days wishes to seek revenge on on an old foe. Ching Wan Lau is a police negotiator, who inadvertently becomes involved in Andy Lau's plot for revenge. Many twists and turns become evident as the audience is pulled alongside Ching Wan Lau in the fast-paced investigation to nab Andy Lau. The two bounce quips really well off of each other, due to the dialogue being edgy and gratifying. There are a few silly moments along the way, but when the ride's over you'll be glad you hopped on board. The tension and mystery resolve in a perfect bow, and all questions are cleared at the end, the way a good thriller should. 8/10

The second of Johnnie To's three homages to John Woo's "The Killer" is also one of his most memorable films, with a terrific script full of witty and clever writing, and a well developed relationship between the two leads, making you actually care about their fate. To kept his camera moving rapidly throughout, and that combined with the strong editing and pace made for a gripping film that simply refused to lose my attention. The score by Raymond Wong was effective and fit every scene like a glove, especially during the rather poetic ending, which managed to surpass my expectations. Instead of ending with a generic shootout, the movie goes for a more unique approach that benefits it in the long run. Andy Lau and Ching Wan Lau were quite frankly perfect in their roles; charismatic, subtle, subdued, and entertaining to watch. Although listed as an action movie, this is really a drama of loyalty, friendship, and honor, much like Woo's masterpiece being alluded to here. Unlike Woo's film, however, it never once steeps into melodrama or becomes overbearing with emotion. It's played mostly straight, with some genuine laughs here and there, and it deals with the issue of cancer in surprisingly good taste. Fans of Hong Kong cinema owe it to themselves to give this a watch if they haven't already.

No pun intended - actually there are a few things that are of essence ... especially the two main actors/characters! Andy Lau ... who got this role and it apparently changed the idea the two french co-screenwriters had. And I had no idea two french men were co-responsible for this masterpiece (imho). Amazing that To reached out to them, after another project fell through.

But step by step, because it had been a while since I last saw this. But it did not lose any of its touch or momentum. The movie really knows how to grip you and get you going. Actually the rather brutal beginning sets a tone, that the rest of the movie is changing a bit. But if you want to call this a flaw (changing moods) .. then the movie gives you a lot of fodder ... I love this despite or even because of the things that do not entirely fit ... because it makes the movie better.

Also Andy Lau and Lau Ching Wan ... I mean what a pair ... they play off each other brillantly. This has not aged or does not seem to have. Some things like the chemistry has a few bumps ... like the car crash ... but like the shootout before it - it doesn't always have to make sense or be based in reality. Music and editing are top notch ... the script is quite good all things considering (the small time frame they had to work things out) ... if you like Johnnie To I do not have to convince you. If this is your first of his ... you are in for a ride ... a great one at that ...

A man diagnosed with only a short time to live plans an elaborate game of cat and mouse with one of the best hostage negotiators in hong kong. While being far from a great film, both Andy Lau and Ching Wan Lau are good in this movie and help the film to transcend it's mediocre standard plot... to a point. The problem isn't with the acting per say, but rather with the ending which didn't really feel to be true in keeping with the film, to me at least.Johnny To does seem to be an OK director, but having seen this and "Beyond Hyperthermia", it leads me to believe him to be a slightly over-rated one.

My Grade: C

Tei Seng DVD Extras: 3 theatrical trailers; Trailers for "Xin Long men Ke Zahn" (Dragon Inn) and "Tin Dei Hung sam" (Armageddon)

These are my thoughts after re-watching Aau Chin on a VCD recently bought at HK$15 (definitely NOT a pirated version). I still found it quite enjoyable.

The "setup", while not brilliant, is carefully done, with attention to details. No doubt the audience will find the total incompetence of the villiant "Baudy" quite unbelievable. But he only serves as something on which the duel between the two heroes is built.

Here's is where this film differs from many others in this genre (most notably John Woo's), in which the two heroes usually start off in sharp confrontations, although they may end up appreciating each other. Not here. Right from the beginning, Lau Ching-wan and Andy Lau give you the impression that they are engaged in no more than a friendly game of chess. I, for one, like this arrangement, as a refreshing change.

Lau Ching-wan delivers his usual easy style that is well liked by his audience. He is the mouse in this cat-and-mouse game, a dignified mouse, for that matter. Andy Lau is the cool cat, actually too cool. Hong Kong movie stars who are also Canto pop stars (and that accounts for some 90% of them) often have to watch the role they play in movies to ensure that they wouldn't tarnish their image as a singer. Andy Lau, however, is so popular that I don't think he needs that caution. He just like to look cool in this movie. Didn't hurt either, as it won him his first Hong Kong Oscar.

Finally, while this is a good movie from director Johnny To, my top favorite of his is The Mission, in which style is king.

you know I've seen a lot of crappy hong kong movies in terms of production and were good. But Running out of TIme was great.

i guess what made it so good was the fact that Andy Lau and Ching Wang, have such great chemistry. The film at first is really fast paced but slows down not enough to even notice which is also good, we don't want to have a heart attack,lol. In terms of plot their is enough of other things going on to keep you interested. Lau has some pretty good moments as he uses make up to impersonate people from the underworld. Also the movie has the best oriental supporting cast since "house of Flying Daggers".

The movie is great because its so unpredictable and leaves you wondering at every corner. Definitely a good rental with tons of comedy, action and thrills pact in to one, 8 out of 10

The story is smart and they paint it with a smart storyboard. Not much martial arts, just like cat and mouse playing their tricks to each other. A bit of romance but still cute enough. Not many dialogue, you need to pay attention while watching or you won't get it. Kinda fresh if you compared it with another Johnnie To's films.

(1999) Running Out of Time (In Chinese with English subtitles) CRIME/ DRAMA

When director Johnny To was given a limited amount of money, he was expected to make the most of what he had and as a result made this self- explanatory masterpiece!! Another ingenious, simplistic story line never seen before about a dying assassin Cheung (Andy Lau) matching wits and playing cat-and-mouse with Inspector Ho played by Lau Ching Wan- somewhat has a similar style to monster hit "Infernal Affairs" but the difference is that this one has heart and a satisfying conclusion!! The action sequences is somewhat unnoticeable because three of the characters is what stands out the most. This was a hit in Hong Kong resulting to making a poor copycat made sequel!!