There are moments in life when you're faced with two paths. The one that you choose could come to determine your fate, for either better or worse. How might your actions on this chosen path affect the outcome? Director Wai Ka-fai examines these life-defining moments to comical ends in the Johnnie To produced “Too Many Ways to Be No. 1”. An unruly and energetic effort, Wai's film tells a thrilling triad tale that's presented in an engaging fashion.
“Too Many Ways to Be No. 1” is screening at New Waves, New Shores: Busan International Film Festival
Kau (Lau Ching-wan) is a low-level gangster who's been riding with the triads since he was fourteen. He is faced with the choice of two jobs that will lead to either fame and wealth or ruin and death. The first is the straightforward delivery of several stolen cars, while the second is a far trickier assassination ploy. We see the violent and chaotic results of both of these tasks as Kau encounters dangerous triad leaders, beautiful women, and dangerously incompetent rascals.
You'd be forgiven for being slightly lost after the chaotic and violent close to the first act of Wai's film. A jarring and unexpected conclusion to a botched job leaves you confounded as to what could possibly happen next. However, it is from this point on where “Too Many Ways to Be No. 1” reveals its trump card, that being its unique presentation. Through being shown the two ways in which Kau's life could go, depending on a few fairly minor decisions, we're treated to a clever narrative structure that makes the gangster's endeavours far more engrossing. There's an uncertainty to Kau's fate, as it's made plain to us that anything could happen, depending on his chosen path.
Wai helms the hectic narrative with frenzied camerawork that see the frame spun around from a variety of angles. This kinetic approach adds to the intensity of the already frantic plot that sees our primary group of feckless gangsters rushing around like headless chickens. There's a lack of order that runs throughout the film, in and amongst the various betrayals and mix-ups, the latter often being portrayed comically. In fact, there's a lot of humour running through the film, with even some of the more violent instances being played off in a light-hearted manner. Such a tone makes Wai's movie a far more relaxed crime thriller than some of its contemporaries.
Tying the film together nicely is a series of animated performances, the most noteworthy of which being from leading man, Lau Ching-wan. The veteran actor's demeanour ranges from crazed to dazed as he's drawn deeper into an increasingly escalating series of wacky triad high-jinks. Accompanying him is a jumped-up ensemble of so-called rascals, the stand-out of which is Francis Ng, who plays Kau's closest comrade, at least by default, Matt.
“Too Many Ways to Be No. 1” leans on cliché narrative developments but still shines through its creative presentation. Wai's frantic direction gives the film a wild energy that gives even minor encounters a sense of real urgency. Topped with intense performances and some hilarious carnage, the film remains a true triad treat.
