In his directorial debut, Francis Ng Chun-Yu brings us 'Smash Head', an emotionally bankrupt cop who began his downward spiral when he accidentally killed a hostage during a shootout. Saved from Internal Affairs by his Captain (Mo Chun-Fai), Smash Head exists on an eternal edge. He has few compunctions, and willingly does his captain’s dirty work for money. Smash Head is corrupt out of self loathing; he doesn’t actually enjoy sullying the badge.

Smash Head's redemption arrives in the form of Carmen (Christine Ng), a recently-repatriated HK resident who ends up a witness at one of Smash Head’s busts. She’s a psychiatrist, who takes it upon herself to heal Smash Head’s wounds. Nearly beyond help, Smash Head only rediscovers his moral center when his dead partner’s gun turns up with the serial numbers 9413 scratched off.

This is an engrossing story that works thanks to Francis Ng’s stylish direction. He manages a surprising instinct for his material, resorting to freeze frames and step-printing at appropriate moments, and static long takes at others. Ng’s performance works, too. It’s over-the-top (his speciality), but its appropriate for his burnt-out character.

Faring just as well is Amanda Lee as Smash Head’s occasional girlfriend. Christine Ng has always been a welcome presence, but she falters slightly here. It may be a fault of the material, which sometimes resorts to platitudes and clichés to achieve its end.

Far from a solid movie, but for a new guy, his effort is surprisingly good. Worth a watch, but don't expect to be fully entertained.