A high-energy Hong Kong thriller set in Thailand, Paradox stars crime drama stalwart Louis Koo in his most action-oriented role to date as Lee Chung-chi, a Hong Kong cop who teams up with local police officer Chui Kit (Yue Wu) to find Lee’s missing daughter but ends up in the middle of a much larger conspiracy. The two officers follow separate investigations that converge on a black market organ-trafficking ring tied to powerful people in the government and police department. Lee goes rogue and beats information out of thugs while Chui’s involvement becomes personal when his pregnant wife is kidnapped. Paradox is directed by Wilson Yip (who made the hit Ip Man movies with Donnie Yen) as a pseudo-sequel in the popular SPL series, featuring the same star and a similar culture of corruption, but with new characters and story. The legendary Sammo Hung choreographs with his trademark style of incorporating locations and props into his fights and Thai action star Tony Jaa has a small role as a cop sidekick with a standout death scene involving amazing stuntwork. The buddy story between the two dedicated cops who share both a moral code and personal investment in the case anchors the narrative, but the flamboyant action choreography, impressive stunt work, and driving momentum are the real draw. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Paradox
Well Go USA, 100 min., in Cantonese w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $29.99 Volume 33, Issue 4
Paradox
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