Reviewed by: jfierro Date: 12/21/1999 It moves really, really slow. You will probably be really boredafter the first half hour. But stick with it, it's worth the effort. Andy Lau plays a hotshot news reporter who discovers he has a terminal disease. Rather than die quietly, Andy decides to pursue a big story in Singapore, where a rogue trader (Kenny Bee) has single-handedly brought down a bank (much like the Nicholas Leeson/Barings Bank fiasco). Since he knows he is dying, Andy volunteers as a hostage when Kenny Bee is trapped, and the two go on the run together. From there, it inevitably turns into a learning-to-appreciate life movie. But it is by no means standard. The surprise of the movie is newcomer Theresa Lee Yi-Hung. If you aren't careful, she will steal your heart. Her performance as the hooker with a unique view of life rivals other memorable roles from the likes of Anita Yuen in C'EST LA VIE, MON CHERIE and Marisa Tomei in MY COUSIN VINNY. She alone is worth the price of admission. But this being a film by the extremely talented Samson Chiu, you can bet there are moving scenes and lessons to be learned all throughout the movie. Andy Lau continues to be back in fine form. He definitely seems to be concentrating on his acting again. You could wait for the movie to come out on video where the slow pace might not be so noticeable, but if you see it on the big screen, you will enjoy the fantastic cinematography and breathtaking natural landscapes. After all, this is a movie about the joy of living.

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 Despite its noble intention, this film wasn't Samson Chiu's best effort. The cast work hard at their roles but most were somewhat let down by their character makeup in the film. For example, it's a bit difficult to believe a rogue trader would behave the way like the Kenny Bee character (would you have invested your money with him the first place?) Lau and Lee acquired themselves better (Theresa really shine in several scenes). However the philosophy and story do not appear to more enlighten than the norm. The Peninsular Malaysia/Singapore scenery is well photographed but the "wild jungle" scenes are laughable. I would liken this movie to "Rojak", a popular dish in Malaysia/Singapore. Once I met a traveler who professed that it is the "best food he has ever tried" in his travels. Perhaps, but although tasty, "Rojak" is never gourmet food. Likewise this film. (6/10) [Reviewed by Christopher Fu]