Film Review: I Did it My Way 潛行 (2023) Hong Kong / China 🇭🇰 🇨🇳
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia 🇦🇺)
The key problem with Jason Kwan directed “I Did It My Way” lies in the ridiculous script and plot holes so huge that will likely leave the audience with a “so bad it is funny” reaction rather than the intense cyber crime thriller that it actually should be. This is sad predicament considering when you have one of the biggest star in Asia with Andy Lau and character actor Gordon Lam in the mix and suitably wasting their presence. Cyber heist films need to be at the edge of technological revolution with cutting edge CGI effects and story telling, but here we are presented with an 80s story shot in 90s style of filmmaking and techniques which will not help the ultimate outcome.
Andy Lau is suitably intense as usual and this time plays the ultimate kingpin cyber criminal and mastermind. This departs from his normal cop or ICAC role, but unfortunately, the character lacks motivation and he feels like the same good guy persona. Take note of Tony Leung Chiu Wai when he plays the super villain in “Goldfinger”, he simply owns the character by going all out, Lau on the other hand remains reserved and the result is clearly not translated to the big screen. Gordon Lam goes better, but providing a deep insight into a paper thin character as the undercover cop. Eddie Peng and Simon Yam are wasted as one dimensional cops and don’t even get me started in Cya Liu, flower vase role as Lau’s wife.
All in all, “I Did it My Way” is a critical failure as it fails to deliver as a cyber crime thriller and the lack of character depth in key roles made the film impossible to care about. The mundane ending adds insult to the audience intelligence and the numerous plot holes cannot be forgotten easily. Jason Kwan is an excellent cinematographer, but as a storyteller and director, there is still much to be desired. We are in the AI era and audience expects a more modern film.
I rated it 5/10