Philip Yung	...	(Director)
Philip Yung	...	(Writer)
Aaron Kwok	...	Chong Sir
Elaine Jin	...	Jiameis Mother
Jessie LI	...	Jiamei Wang
Michael Ning	...	The Murderer Chi-chung Ting
Christopher Doyle	...	Cinematographer

Comments: This film, based on a real life grisly murder, has three very strong elements: newcomer Michael Ning as the murderer; newcomer Jessie LI as the murdered; and Christopher Doyle's photography. Ning is simply frightening every moment he's on film; Li is so atypical of everything she's awesome; Doyle is Doyle and gives all the schlock here a good look.

The film, winner of many awards, has three very weak elements: pretty boy who can't act Aaron Kwok; writer/director Philip Yung; and everything else. Kwok looks stupid in frumpy clothes, oversized glasses, and a I-wish-I-was-still-twenty haircut, albeit graying, while trying to act like he's important to the proceedings ; Yung may be full of edgy ideas but I don't think he has any idea how to tell a story. Doyle's photography aside, the film is ugly and dirty. Yung thinks this is contemporary edgy. The film is sprinkled with wonderfully, atmospherically, icky scenes, but that's Doyle.

Yung's previous film May We Chat Mei Gaau Siu Nui (2014) struck me the same way. Instead of inviting you into the seedy world he depicts contempo-Hong Kong as, he splatters it against the wall and expects you to Mapplethorpe it.

I watched the 100 minute cut version. If you think a graphic depiction of dismembering the girl's body and flushing it down the toilet would improve the film, hold out for the 120 minute version.

Summary: Human nature begins where truth ends Welcome to the murder without a body