Shifting from a tobacco scandal in Integrity, director Alan Mak returns with Under Current. This film isn’t a direct sequel but explores similar themes. Instead of anti-corruption agents, we meet Aaron Kwok as Ma Ying-Fung, a barrister tangled in a gripping case.
The plot thickens with the mysterious death of Yeung To, the chief financial officer of the charity Tsai Bat Tong. He was found hanging during a gala while the organization’s president, played by Alex Fong, was speaking. The shock is palpable, especially since Yeung’s death is tied to HK$200 million in missing charity funds.
Ma’s firm is linked to the case, and Or Ting-Pong (Francis Ng), who leads the investigation, needs Ma’s expertise. Initially hesitant due to past guilt over a failed case, Ma gradually agrees to help. This internal struggle reveals layers to his character; a flashback sheds light on his commitment to justice, despite the heavy weight of failure from a previous case.
The storytelling intertwines the past and present, keeping viewers engaged. However, some scenes meander, interrupting the story’s flow. Mak could have tightened the pacing to enhance momentum. Elements that seemed extra, like a character played by Peter Chan, felt unnecessary and dragged the plot.
As with Integrity, unexpected twists arise, but they can be convoluted when considering the broader story. Action scenes provide thrills, particularly a confrontation with an assassin, choreographed well, though some fight sequences rely too heavily on wires, which detracts from realism. Interestingly, Ma is a taekwondo master, adding a unique twist to the fight scenes.
Despite its serious nature, the film injects humor, though not every joke lands. The dynamic between characters offers some memorable moments—like interactions that draw laughter, balancing the film’s somberness.
Aaron Kwok does a commendable job as the determined barrister. Francis Ng, as the relaxed police officer, serves as comic relief, bringing a different energy to the film. The supporting cast, including Felix Lok and David Chiang, adds depth to the narrative.
In recent years, Hong Kong cinema has seen a shift, with crime dramas exploring moral complexity. Statistics show a growing interest in local stories, highlighting the importance of cultural context in today’s narratives. As global audiences connect with such themes, Under Current stands out by blending drama and humor while examining justice and guilt.
In contrast to Integrity, which was the highest-grossing local film in 2019, Under Current offers a different flavor, proving that storytelling can be just as impactful without being heavy-handed.
For more on trends in Hong Kong cinema, check out the insightful report by Hong Kong Economic Journal.
