Like many HK films of recent years, this film COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER. Instead we got a film feeling less than what it should be. Lead actress Ling Jing's look is almost completely wrong for the part, as her look isn't innocent or pretty enough for the role. Leslie has never been more masculine in a role almost short enough to be listed as a guest starring role, which may be for the better as 1. he is following Chow Yun Fat's footstep and 2. the film is going nowhere with his part being a political statement for Tsui Hark. I will admit the first chapter of the film which Andy's character Ting Lik narrates the story is quite enjoyable, but the rest just become dark, dreary and drab. It might have been a better film if the film was done with one smooth storytelling style instead of the dragging three narrative style. At least it would have been quicker and less painful to watch. I agree, though, that Leslie and ESPECIALLY Andy play their parts better than I expected them to.