Accident

In this clever and stylish Hong Kong thriller/puzzler Louis Koo stars as a hit man known as the Brain. With the help of a team of actors/stage managers, the Brain engineers deaths out of Rube Goldberg-esque events that appear to be accidents but are in fact carefully staged works of theater. While there's a hint of Final Destination in the opening scene, the story soon shifts to psychodrama when the team's new assignment ends with a wildly improbable accident that kills one of their own members. The Brain is convinced they have been targeted by someone using their own methods. Director Soi Cheang directs with an austere style, creating an atmosphere of mystery and paranoia as the obsessive, meticulous hit man turns detective in order to find out who is after him. Unfortunately, the narrative also becomes quite confusing; there is very little expository dialogue and the story moves forward by means of enigmatic clues, suggestions of connections, and silent surveillance. Still, while this might frustrate viewers used to more conventional Hong Kong action films, Accident remains compelling (despite the confusion), at least for viewers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries (by the end of the film, the word "accident" takes on a whole range of ominous meanings). A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “making-of” featurette (13 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for a solid thriller.] (S. Axmaker)