Starring: Andy Lau, Xiao Yang, Wan Qian, Cheng Yi, Huang Xiaolei, Guo Fan, Lu Yang, Zhang Ning Director: Rao Xiaozhi

“ENDGAME” illustrates a comical twist of fate between an unsuccessful and hopeless actor Chen Xiaomeng (Xiao Yang) and a professional assassin Zhou Quan (Andy Lau). One day, Chen accidentally causes Zhou to slip and fall, thus losing his memory. Thinking this is a chance for him to start over, Chen switches identity with the amnesiac Zhou, only to be impeded by his complicated assassin duties.

On the other hand, Zhou believes that he is the failed actor and begins to fix his life with the help of a single mother Li Xiang (Wan Qian). As the bond between the two deepens, Zhou gradually regains his memories. At the same time, Zhou’s client is getting infuriated with an undone job.

A remake of Japanese film “Key of Life,” which stars Masato Sakai and Teruyuki Kagawa, “Endgame” similarly features hotshots Lau and Xiao. Lau’s portrayals of an assassin and an innocent-looking actor are the highlights of the movie. The assassin is suave, speaks with a firmer tone and has a sharp look in his eyes. The actor, though, has a softer appearance with puppy-like eyes and speaks gently with a tinge of gloominess. “Endgame” presents a rare opportunity to see Lau’s nuanced acting, a contrast between a helpless character and a cool-looking one.

Although “Endgame” is a comedy drama, it is not as hilarious and light-hearted as expected. Rather, it has a slow-moving plot sewed together with some funny episodes. The best joke is perhaps when Li asks the amnesiac Zhou how old he is, and while referencing Chen’s belongings, he replies 32 — Lau is turning 60 this year.

Much screen time is given to build the relationship between Zhou and Li. In one scene, Zhou jots down in his notebook — as a way to help him remember his past — that Li is a friend-turned-someone-he-likes. Even though it is apparent they have mutual feelings, it becomes confusing when the two have an air of awkwardness after Li kisses Zhou. It feels as if this relationship conflict is forcefully added in, which does not help the plot, but instead makes it worse.

In addition, it takes quite some time before Zhou regains his memories, which is also the tipping point where the story progresses faster. At this point, the plot becomes nonsensical with major incidents happening due to trivial misunderstandings. Perhaps this part of the story is meant to be a comedic plot twist, but it is not well executed.

The ending could have made the character of Chen more dynamic too. However, he remains as a useless failure throughout the movie. The scene where Chen pretends to be a murderer is so compelling, but the story just has to ruin it. It would be so encouraging to see a supposed good-for-nothing finally succeeding at something.

Although “Endgame” is not the best movie to watch this Chinese New Year, Lau’s performance still does not disappoint.

The movie is now being screened in Shenzhen. (SD-Agencies)