The Odd One Dies (1997)
Reviewed by: Beat TG on 2008-09-07
Summary: Quirky & artsy in a great way
A bit slow-paced and very thin in storyline, basically about an underworld rookie (played by Kaneshiro) who takes on a hit job but pulls off at the last minute giving the task to a woman who in turn wants the rookie's help to finish off her own little objective, but the style is very appreciative and pleasing as well as visually stunning. Cinematography, direction, and acting all give the storytelling itself life in one or many ways which I'd say would be classified more as a stylistic effort. But the emphasis lies rather on the style (Wong Kar Wai-esqued at times, dark comedy that occur from nowhere, repentance of certain scenes, a catchy music score; all quirky and showy to look at) and not on the story so for people who want their movies substantiated (or whatever you want to call it) will be advised to stay away from the movie. Takeshi Kaneshiro does a good acting job (I started taking note of him after this movie actually) but the highlight is Carman Lee as the revenge-seeking hit woman and gives it her best, it's perhaps her best performance she's done in her whole career in my opinion and might not have other movies that are as great and deep.
Reviewer Score: 10