SIFF 2012: Overheard 2 (Spoilers)

     Overheard 2

     From the pedigree and trailers, one would easily mistake Overheard 2 for a white knuckle Hong Kong thrill ride ala Election, Mad Detective, the one with Chow-Yun Fat fighting a guy with a chainsaw.  Despite the opening (and very good) car chase, this film is really the most nerve-wracking movie about stock trading ever created.  It is a prototypical revenge plot with a Wall Street twist.  It involves manipulation of market prices, insider trading, secret business cabals, and surveillance equipment. 

     I know, it doesn't seem extremely appealing at first glance, but it holds up well.  It can be hard to follow with the translation and my lack of knowledge of the Hong Kong Exchange.  However, the movie plays it smart and, unfortunately, doesn't dumb down the content.  Unfortunately, the movie hits its snags when it tries to shoehorn in a romantic aspect to the police officer and his wife.  I am guessing to ramp up the emotional investment when she is kidnapped for the duration of the final act.  Though, it ultimately fails to illicit any response as the kidnapper is a good guy and there isn't even a veiled threat to the kidnap victim.   The fact that she is found unscathed and without any fuss underscores this point. 

     The performances are entertaining in the sort of way that Hong Kong cinema is allowed to be.  I always contend that if western actors played western roles in this way it would look corny and tired.  But in Hong Kong cinema (and East Asia as a whole), overacting seems fitting, and while subtlety is used , broad strokes rule the day.  This is not to suggest any kind of discontent with the way this film handles emotion.  I, actually, love this aspect of Asian movies, and it reminds me of movies of Hollywood's past.   

     So, how can staring at computer screens with stock prices, shares,  and market predictions  be in any way intense or interesting.  It starts with having three likable main characters each with a strong presence.  The stock broker, played by Ching Wan Lau is the least intimidating except within the business environment where he thrives.  The cop is played by Louis Koo.  Impeccably dressed, smart, and confident, Koo makes an indelible impression with his looks and calm demeanor.  Daniel Wu plays the crook with sketchy violent demeanor hiding a heart of gold.  Wu's  bubbling anger seethes below the surface and provides a great contrast to Koo. 

     Overheard 2 works best in its simple but outstanding chase sequences whether on foot or vehicle.  With the creators of Infernal Affairs at the helm, Overheard 2  makes use of tension with old fashioned chase scenes.  There are no flashy crashes or spectacular CGI aided stunts (with the exception of the trashing a Ferrari).  The film makes great use of camera angles to give a real view of what is happening.  The modern annoyance of the steadycam is no where to be found.

     Overheard 2 is a good film.  It does what Hong Kong cinema does best.  The story is a strange and original take on the usual revenge plot, and it ratchets up the tension and drama to the nth degree.  It is the most exciting movie about stock trading I have ever seen.