Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
A gangster ends up making a mistake that causes every gun on both sides of the law to point at him. While on the run, he comes across a mysterious woman who might get him out of trouble or make things worse.
Diao Yinan's neo-noir is visually stunning — neon-soaked lakeside tableaux and rain-drenched nocturnal compositions make the cinematography a genuine standout. The film builds a hypnotic atmosphere that distinguishes it from genre peers. However, the plot mechanics are somewhat convoluted and the characters remain at an emotional distance, limiting dramatic investment. Acting is competent and atmospheric rather than revelatory. The ending is fittingly bleak and poetic but not wholly surprising for the genre. Overall a visually arresting work that earns its reputation primarily through its striking aesthetic sensibility.