Listen up Hollywood. Over the past few years we have had to endure some of the most ill advised, money grabbing, logic defying, tiresome, pointless and downright shoddy remakes ever committed to film. Isn’t it about time you gave us something back? From Soi Cheang, the director of Shamo and Dog Bite Dog, comes the new suspense thriller, Accident. Louis Koo (Overheard) takes on lead duties as a paranoid hitman who designs his hits to look like freak accidents. The film co-stars Michelle Yip, Lam Suet and Stanley Fung, with Johnnie To acting as producer. It’s a sombre affair, measured and moody. A courtly approach, intricate and contemplative. Soi Cheang sets his dominoes up in methodical fashion and Accident is blessed with some memorable set pieces, set-ups enhanced by the director’s laboured approach. As with the Final Destination series, guessing how events will play out is half the fun.
- 9/4/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
Directed by: Soi Cheang
Written by: Kam-Yuen Szeto, Lik-Kei Tang
Starring: Louis Koo, Richi Ren, Shui-Fan Fung, Michelle Ye, Suet Lam
Ho, a.k.a. the Brain (a haunting Louis Koo), is part of a professional hit organization with a diabolical modus operandi. Ho and his team create intricately crafted Rube Goldberg-like occurrences that end up killing their targeted victims. It’s the perfect crime as their hits appear on the surface to be unfortunate accidents. His motley crew consists of a beautiful unnamed woman (Michelle Ye), the lackadaisical Fatty (Suet Lam) and the aged Uncle (Shui-Fan Fung).
Though their personal connections are vague, it appears that the older and heavily medicated Uncle may be related to Brain. Even though his poor memory and cigarette addiction nearly compromise one of their “accidents,” Uncle remains an integral part of the group. They form a somewhat dysfunctional family, but one that...
Written by: Kam-Yuen Szeto, Lik-Kei Tang
Starring: Louis Koo, Richi Ren, Shui-Fan Fung, Michelle Ye, Suet Lam
Ho, a.k.a. the Brain (a haunting Louis Koo), is part of a professional hit organization with a diabolical modus operandi. Ho and his team create intricately crafted Rube Goldberg-like occurrences that end up killing their targeted victims. It’s the perfect crime as their hits appear on the surface to be unfortunate accidents. His motley crew consists of a beautiful unnamed woman (Michelle Ye), the lackadaisical Fatty (Suet Lam) and the aged Uncle (Shui-Fan Fung).
Though their personal connections are vague, it appears that the older and heavily medicated Uncle may be related to Brain. Even though his poor memory and cigarette addiction nearly compromise one of their “accidents,” Uncle remains an integral part of the group. They form a somewhat dysfunctional family, but one that...
- 6/30/2012
- by Bradley Harding
- Planet Fury
Accident Directed by: Pou-Soi Cheang Written by: Kam-Yuen Szeto and Lik-Kei Tang Starring: Louis Koo, Richie Ren, Shui-Fan Fung If you wanted to get away with murder, then wouldn't it make sense to make the person's death seem like a bizarre accident? And if you could get away with murder, then wouldn't being a high paid assassin seem like a reasonable lifestyle? This is the intriguing premise for the movie Accident. This movie goes further though by depicting what could happen if you were almost killed in an accident, and began suspecting someone was out to get you! In 2009, "Accident" was selected to be shown at both the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals. I understand that the director, Soi Cheang, is acquiring a solid reputation for his directorial style with ample backing from this film's producer, Johnnie To, who has a directing reputation of his own. Despite these credentials,...
- 6/19/2012
- by Reed
- FilmJunk
Thanks to our friends at Dream Movie Australia, we have Five double passes for the new Hong Kong film Motorway to give away to our Australian readers! This is the much anticipated new film from producer Johnnie To and director Soi Cheang (Accident, Dog Bite Dog, Shamo) that stars Shawn Yue (Love in the Buff, Reign of Assassins) and Anthony Wong (Infernal Affairs trilogy, The Mission). How to win: It's really simple. All you have to do is to tell us the title of the other film Soi Cheang is directing that is due for cinema release in 2012/13. (Hint: It stars Donnie Yen.) You can email your answer, together with your name and postal address (in case you win!) to me at: hugo@twitchfilm.net. The competition...
- 6/11/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Soi Cheang first came to most film fans' attention with his film, Dog Bite Dog, which got rave reviews from all over. In the years since that film, he's been plugging away at the Hong Kong film scene with films like Shamo and 2009's Accident, starring Louis Koo and Richie Jen. The film showed at Tiff 2009 to a great response, and is truly one of the finest features out of Hk in the last few years. Crime thrillers are nothing new, but Accident puts a new spin on an old story and does it with class, I only wish that I could say the same about this Blu-ray release of the film.When an assassin who plots elaborate murders to look like accidents fears...
- 6/8/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Above: Director Cheang Soi. Photo © Robert Newald.
One of the most pleasant experiences of the movie year was the Viennale tribute to Cheang Soi (Zeng6 Bou2 Seoi6), and not just because it was long overdue—during the last decade, Cheang has established himself as the last (so far) addition to Hong Kong cinemas's key genre auteurs. What's more, the director proved himself an easygoing, merry presence, visibly delighted to attend his first retrospective, despite being occupied with two major releases lined up for 2012: The Monkey King (Dà nào tiān gōng), a new big-budget version of the Chinese classic, and the racing film Motorway (Ce1 sau2), his second production by Johnnie To's (Dou6 Kei4 Fung1) Milky Way Company after Accident (Ji3 ngoi6, 2009) brought Cheang Venice competition recognition. He gladly sat down for a chat with the Ferroni Brigade, discussing the upcoming features as well as his promising career, which...
One of the most pleasant experiences of the movie year was the Viennale tribute to Cheang Soi (Zeng6 Bou2 Seoi6), and not just because it was long overdue—during the last decade, Cheang has established himself as the last (so far) addition to Hong Kong cinemas's key genre auteurs. What's more, the director proved himself an easygoing, merry presence, visibly delighted to attend his first retrospective, despite being occupied with two major releases lined up for 2012: The Monkey King (Dà nào tiān gōng), a new big-budget version of the Chinese classic, and the racing film Motorway (Ce1 sau2), his second production by Johnnie To's (Dou6 Kei4 Fung1) Milky Way Company after Accident (Ji3 ngoi6, 2009) brought Cheang Venice competition recognition. He gladly sat down for a chat with the Ferroni Brigade, discussing the upcoming features as well as his promising career, which...
- 12/19/2011
- MUBI
Alongside several ostensibly historical retrospectives at Vienna are a few contemporary ones—that is, retrospectives of relatively newly active filmmakers, and in this specific case, of the Hong Kong genre master Soi Cheang, who has only been working for a decade but has already carved out a place for his uniquely tenacious, desperate cinema. With Cheang brought to my attention by a Film Comment column by Olaf Müller several years ago, fortuitiously timed with one of the director's first Us screenings at the New York Asian Film Festival, the relatively easy availability of his films on DVD, and his increased exposure due to an alliance with Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai's Milkyway production company—which produced Cheang's last film, Accident, and where Cheang briefly served as Ad to To and Wai—I hope the Vienna retro will only increase the exposure of a decidedly brilliant but "low art" talent.
- 10/28/2011
- MUBI
That’s what the poster claims, so it must be true. Right? Whether or not this car-centric actioner follows through with its lofty promise is beyond me at this point, but I’ll certainly put it to the test. After all, Soi Cheang’s “Dog Bite Dog” and “Shamo” were decent enough, so I’m confident that the action come fast and furious. Did you see what I did there? Anyway, “Motorway” looks promising, though I must say do have a soft spot for motion pictures with extended car chases. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Need a lengthy synopsis? Here you go: Sean is an overconfident rookie in Stealth Riders, a secret police unit consisting of the best drivers in the force that targets against underworld racing and fugitives on the run. Jensen is a legendary escape driver for criminals, who had never been caught before his retirement 15 years ago.
- 5/20/2011
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
Production on “Shamo” director Soi Cheang’s big-budget fantasy epic “The Monkey King” already started last month with an impressive cast that included Donnie Yen, Aaron Kwok, and Chow Yun-Fat. The film has now added three lovely lasses to the roster: Cecilia Cheung (left), Gigi Leung and Kelly Chen. “Monkey King”, as you might have guessed, is yet another iteration of the vastly popular Chinese tome “Journey to the West”. In the film, Yen is playing the Monkey King, while Kwok is Bull Demon King. Chow Yun-Fat, meanwhile, will co-star as the Jade Emperor of Heaven. Also joining the cast: Taiwan actors Peter Ho and Joe Chen, and mainland actor Liu Ye. “The Monkey King” is clocking in with an estimated $57 million dollar budget, which may seem “modest” by Hollywood standards, but is a whopper in Chinese movie industry terms. The film is scheduled for release in 2012 in 3D.
- 11/9/2010
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
[While Todd liked this one a lot better than I did, nobody can argue about the tour de force set-pieces on display here. Its playing at Fantasia and best seen on the big screen. Here is Todd's review from the archives.]
He has shown flashes of great promise throughout his career and now, with Johnnie To produced thriller Accident, that promise has been fully realized. Soi Cheang has just moved to the absolute upper level of Hong Kong directors, putting his own unique and icily precise spin on the crime thriller.
Louis Koo stars as Brain, the leader of a four-person crew of paid assassins with a novel approach to evading capture. They are not captured because they are not chased. They are not chased because nobody ever realizes any crime has been committed. The use no guns. They use no knives. Their victims - not to mention their clients - never even see them. No, rather than using conventional means this group stages their executions as elaborate, tightly controlled 'accidents'.
Though all the members of the group have their unique skills and roles to fill it is clear that Brain...
He has shown flashes of great promise throughout his career and now, with Johnnie To produced thriller Accident, that promise has been fully realized. Soi Cheang has just moved to the absolute upper level of Hong Kong directors, putting his own unique and icily precise spin on the crime thriller.
Louis Koo stars as Brain, the leader of a four-person crew of paid assassins with a novel approach to evading capture. They are not captured because they are not chased. They are not chased because nobody ever realizes any crime has been committed. The use no guns. They use no knives. Their victims - not to mention their clients - never even see them. No, rather than using conventional means this group stages their executions as elaborate, tightly controlled 'accidents'.
Though all the members of the group have their unique skills and roles to fill it is clear that Brain...
- 7/18/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Director: Soi Cheang. Review: Adam Wing. Listen up Hollywood. Over the past few years, we have had to endure some of the most ill advised, money grabbing, logic defying, tiresome, pointless and downright shoddy remakes ever committed to film. Isn’t it about time you gave us something back? From Soi Cheang, the director of Shamo and Dog Bite Dog, comes the new suspense thriller Accident. Louis Koo (Overheard) takes on lead duties as a paranoid hitman who designs his hits to look like freak accidents. The film co-stars Michelle Yip, Lam Suet and Stanley Fung, with Johnnie To acting as producer. Hitman Fai (Louis Koo) engineers the perfect murders, carefully choreographing his killings in a similar style to the death designs from the Final Destination series. One failed mission however, leaves a member dead and the team in disarray. Was it an accident, or has someone beat them at their own game?...
- 2/11/2010
- 24framespersecond.net
Does Herman Yau take holidays? Does he take weekends? Does he even sleep? On the evidence for 2009, it seems not, as he managed to churn out no less than 4 films, “Split Second Murders”, “Turning Point”, “The First 7th Night”, and finally, “Rebellion”, which now arrives on DVD. Although as a cat III rated triad thriller the film sees him returning to familiar territory, as usual Yau offers something a little different, whilst still managing to deliver interesting characters, grounded genre action, and even a little social commentary. The film boasts an impressive cast, headlined by the equally hard working Shawn Yue (“Shamo”) and including top television actress Ada Choi, comedian Chapman To (who previously had a taste of triad drama in the “Infernal Affairs” trilogy), and pop idols Elanne Kong (Happy Funeral) and Ella Koon (Look for a Star). The film takes place over a single night on the crime ridden streets of Eastern Kowloon,...
- 1/21/2010
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
If you've been keeping track of Twitch you might remember Pou-Soi Cheang from his previous films Shamo, Dog Bite Dog or maybe even Love Battlefield. He's slowly establishing himself as one of my favorite directors, so with much anticipation I was looking forward to Accident, his latest. Cheang was nice enough not to disappoint.
Accident was made under the caring wings of Johnny To. Not only did he produce, but the film was also co-released by his very own Milkyway. Lately To's doing a really good job of turning his production company's logo into a true seal of quality. With his own recent output and a quality selection of films like Eye In The Sky I'm more and more drawn to films coming from the Milkyway stables.
With Accident Cheang leaves his more cult-oriented background and takes on a sub genre that's been gaining popularity in recent years. The Brain...
Accident was made under the caring wings of Johnny To. Not only did he produce, but the film was also co-released by his very own Milkyway. Lately To's doing a really good job of turning his production company's logo into a true seal of quality. With his own recent output and a quality selection of films like Eye In The Sky I'm more and more drawn to films coming from the Milkyway stables.
With Accident Cheang leaves his more cult-oriented background and takes on a sub genre that's been gaining popularity in recent years. The Brain...
- 12/9/2009
- Screen Anarchy
Accident is the latest film from director Pou-Soi Cheang (Shamo, Dog Bit Dog, and Love Battlefield) and producer Johnnie To (Mad Detective, Election, Ptu) via To’s Milkyway Images production. It tells the story of a crack team of assassins led by Brains (Louis Koo) who instead of forcefully killing their foe, instead come up with elaborate plans to make the murders look like every day accidents. Each ‘accident’ is painstakingly put together with every minor detail taking care of. It’s this attention to detail which quickly grabs the viewers’ attention from the very opening scene.
- 11/15/2009
- by Tiger33
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong director Soi Cheang’s (better known for his ultra violent cult films ‘Dog Bite Dog’ and ‘Shamo’) latest work, the psychologically thriller Accident, is up to order on English subtitled DVD. Produced by Johnnie To - and hailed as one of the best dramas to come out of Hk this year- Accident stars Louis Koo, and Richie Ren, in a Cat and Mouse battle for survival. Synopsis: A self-styled “accident choreographer,” the Brain is a professional hitman who kills his victims by trapping them in well crafted “accidents” that look like unfortunate mishaps but are in fact perfectly staged acts of crime. Perennially plagued with guilt, he is also suspicious and morbid by nature. The recent avalanche of memories of his lost wife does not make things any easier. After one mission accidentally goes wrong, causing the life of one of his men, the Brain is convinced that...
- 11/3/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Yahoo Hk has released a clip showing the first six minutes of Accident, a new Hk thriller produced by Johnnie To and directed by Pou-Soi Cheang (Love Battlefield, Shamo). There are no English subtitles, but I don’t think they are necessary in this scene…
[See post to watch Flash video] Synopsis via IMDb:
A self-styled accident choreographer, the Brain is a professional hitman who kills his victims by trapping them in well crafted accidents that look like unfortunate mishaps but are in fact perfectly staged acts of crime. Perennially plagued with guilt, he is also suspicious and morbid by nature. The recent avalanche of memories of his lost wife does not make things any easier.
After one mission accidentally goes wrong, causing the life of one of his men, the Brain is convinced that this accident has been choreographed: someone is out there plotting to terminate him and his team. He becomes increasingly paranoid, walking...
[See post to watch Flash video] Synopsis via IMDb:
A self-styled accident choreographer, the Brain is a professional hitman who kills his victims by trapping them in well crafted accidents that look like unfortunate mishaps but are in fact perfectly staged acts of crime. Perennially plagued with guilt, he is also suspicious and morbid by nature. The recent avalanche of memories of his lost wife does not make things any easier.
After one mission accidentally goes wrong, causing the life of one of his men, the Brain is convinced that this accident has been choreographed: someone is out there plotting to terminate him and his team. He becomes increasingly paranoid, walking...
- 8/31/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Now here’s a handy bit of timing: Just over a week away from the film taking its bow at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival, the first six minutes of Soi Cheang’s Johnnie To-produced crime thriller Accident has been posted online. There are no English subtitles, unfortunately, but they’re not particularly necessary to understand what’s happening. Verdict? I think it looks stellar and the inside word from those few who have seen it is that Accident is absolutely stellar, the film that should push its director to widespread international recognition. Here’s how Tiff describes it:
It is no hyperbole to say that Accident is one of the finest Hong Kong crime dramas since Infernal Affairs. Director Soi Cheang, known more for his gritty and violent cult films such as Dog Bite Dog and Shamo, has graduated to the master class with this gripping, smartly constructed and psychologically fascinating thriller.
It is no hyperbole to say that Accident is one of the finest Hong Kong crime dramas since Infernal Affairs. Director Soi Cheang, known more for his gritty and violent cult films such as Dog Bite Dog and Shamo, has graduated to the master class with this gripping, smartly constructed and psychologically fascinating thriller.
- 8/31/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
An English subtitled trailer has just hit the web for ‘Dog bite Dog,’ ‘Shamo’ director Soi Cheang’s latest thriller, Accident. Produced by Johnnie To, the film was originally titled (the catchier) Assassins but was later re branded to the new title. Cheang at the helm, To producing and stocked to the rafters with an A-list cast including Louis Koo, Richie Jen, Michelle Yip. It doesn’t get much better than that. Depending on which Hong Kong Cinema chains website you look at, Accident is due for release late September, early October. Synopsis: A self-styled “accident choreographer,” the Brain is a professional hitman who kills his victims by trapping them in well crafted “accidents” that look like unfortunate mishaps but are in fact perfectly staged acts of crime. Perennially plagued with guilt, he is also suspicious and morbid by nature. The recent avalanche of memories of his lost wife does not make things any easier.
- 8/14/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
A second trailer for Jen Hao Chien's gangland thriller The Button Man is now available to see on the pics official sub site. Unlike the first clip we found its not English subtitled, but considering the content (not work safe) is mainly action that doesnt really matter. Francis Ng (Shamo, It's a Wonderful Life) heads up the cast of what looks like one hell of a bloody ride.
- 11/13/2008
- 24framespersecond.net
A second trailer for Jen Hao Chien's gangland thriller The Button Man is now available to see on the pics official sub site. Unlike the first clip we found its not English subtitled, but considering the content (not work safe) is mainly action that doesnt really matter. Francis Ng (Shamo, It's a Wonderful Life) heads up the cast of what looks like one hell of a bloody ride.
- 11/13/2008
- 24framespersecond.net
Hong Kong director Soi Cheang won a lot of fans in these parts with 2006’s Dog Bite Dog, a bleak and brutal film that would have marked a major career turning point for star Edison Chen had he not subsequently destroyed said career with the now infamous leaked sex-photo incident. The director followed that up with the less successful Shamo - equally bleak but not nearly as emotionally involving - and we’ve been anxious to see what would come next for Cheang.
Well, what came next was initially announced as Assassin, a film that would mark a return to the fold of sorts for the director, who started his career working as Johnnie To’s Ad and would shoot this one under To’s Milkyway banner with To himself on board as a producer. Well, the film has since been retitled Accident and the first artwork from the picture...
Well, what came next was initially announced as Assassin, a film that would mark a return to the fold of sorts for the director, who started his career working as Johnnie To’s Ad and would shoot this one under To’s Milkyway banner with To himself on board as a producer. Well, the film has since been retitled Accident and the first artwork from the picture...
- 11/12/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
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