Cupid One: Quick Takes

While some may consider Ringo Lam's initial output to be no indication of what was to come through the On Fire films, knowing what we know, I think it's definitely easy to see the filmmaker early on looking for an outlet to explore cracks and darkness in humanity. It surfaces little by little through his work, more so in this, the last his fluff films if you will. Cupid One more or less seems to represent an attempt to remake Swept Away (not the Guy Ritchie remake obviously) and Ringo, re-teaming with Cinema City, showcases a confidence in working his actors (Mark Cheng and Sally Yeh, the latter still in slight Shanghai Blues mode to fine effect) that are to perform this largely two man show. The plot goes through the motions you expect but Lam subtly infuses an edgy atmosphere during brief moments. We're not quite sure what destruction will manifest itself or if it will at all but by the end, for a romantic comedy in essence, there's some fairly deep character psychology on display, even if it's in hysteria mode. It's even distressing watching the final reel. Joe Chan's attractive indoor- and outdoor cinematography is an asset as well.