167. Integrity (Lian zheng feng yun); movie review

INTEGRITY (LIAN ZHENG FENG YUN)
Cert 12A
114 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, implied strong language

I will always remember Hong Kong as one of the most exciting cities I have visited - thanks to its clash of cultures, incredible buildings and bustling vibrancy.
We didn't experience its darker side which comes with being an autonomous territory on the very edge of China.
I have seen enough factual and fictional movies to know that this manifests itself in smuggling across the border.
Thus, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, established under British rule, is still part of policing in Hong Kong.
In Alan Mak's Integrity, Sean Lau plays the commission's chief investigator whose operation is sideswiped when a vital trial witness (Nick Cheung) does a runner to Australia.
He sends colleague (Karena Lam), who happens to be his estranged wife, in pursuit while he examines other options for getting the case back on track.
Lau's character is flawed, looking for shortcuts in an operation which relies on clear rules and regulations to complete successful prosecutions
He is also up against an unseen 'puppetmaster' who is prepared to forsake some of those who have joined with him in a major smuggling operation.
The problem with Integrity is that there is that parts of the investigation are too intricate. I found my mind wandering off when computer readings were being analysed and during the scenes of long dialogue.
In addition, new characters are introduced at an incredible speed. It took me long enough to invest in Lau and Lam but I struggled to follow the various criminals who come and go.
On the plus side, it looks good. It seems highly unlikely that all of Hong Kong's anti-corruption squad and their suspects are really so attractive.
Meanwhile, there are a number of surprises which keep the audience on its toes.
Therefore, overall, I would say Mak's film is intriguing but is a filler watch rather than a must-see.

Reasons to watch: Intriguing crime drama
Reasons to avoid: A tad too complex for its own good

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? The cost of crime in Hong Kong cost taxpayers at least HK$380bn (£37bn) from 2012 to 2016, according to a study funded by the Correctional Services Department.

The final word. Nick Cheung: "Of all the movies I played in, this one has the most dialogues. My lines in this film are more than the lines in my previous three films combined together!"

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