Wong Jing has written, produced and directed a stunningly entertaining movie in "Colour of the Truth." Wong's latest is a synthesis of thematic elements from such works as "So Close," "Infernal Affairs," "The Killer" and a myriad of other films. Wong Jing has always been able to adapt topical fads and rework them in his own image, so to speak. When comedies were the craze, he'd dash off a few. Now that serious crime drama has returned, Wong has done the same with this genre. What sets "Colour of the Truth" apart from other Wong Jing films is the complete lack of Wong Jong-like slap-dash production values. With the help of Marco Mak, Wong has done the unthinkable; he's made an excellent film that may be his best effort to date.

"Colour of the Truth" follows Raymond Wong's journey, from childhood to the present day, to avenge the murder of his father. Anthony Wong becomes Raymond's supervisor on the police force. Along the way, many paths are trod in the ever-winding road to what really happened on the fateful night that took Raymond's father, and his triad-associate's life (cameos played by Lau Ching Wan and Francis Ng as 7Up and Blind, respectively). The police force is on the trail of Patrick Tse and his Vietnamese dealer connections. They are forced to guard Tse as a leading witness. Blind's own son, in the form of Jordan Chan, pops up as the monkey wrench in the plot. Whatever you may surmise is thrown for a loop as each character undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts in the denouement.

The story is well crafted in its maze-like way of keeping the viewer guessing or put in dismay as nothing is what it seems. Wong Jing and Marco Mak's direction is fluid. They do a great job with the entire cast, with special emphasis on the manic Chapman To, who underplays his role to great effect. There are many fresh young faces along with the veteran actors. The blend is very refreshing. Having Lau and Ng appear at the onset set the serious tone needed for the movie. The only sag was Raymond Wong's lack of range. He held his own but was overshadowed by compelling performances of Anthony Wong and Patrick Tse.

Lee Tat Chiu, as the action choreographer, did a great job with the action set pieces. They were a joy to behold, flowing hand-in-hand with the drama to form one fine and dandy flick. You may be shocked into disbelief that this engaging and highly entertaining movie was from the crass mind of one of Hong Kong's most notorious filmmakers. "Colour of the Truth" will make you take notice of Wong Jing in a new and exciting light.