I’m not really into Chinese movies (at all) but I saw Mad Detective (directed by Johnny To and Wai Ka Fai) this weekend and it completely blew my mind.

It’s essentially about a detective who can see the true intentions and inner demons of everyone he encounters (in the form of actual people). He has a completely unorthodox way of solving cases and is perceived as crazy by many, but is able to solve seemingly hopeless cases. Enter a honest young detective who (breaking all protocol) desperately seeks his help in solving a case,  blur the line of reality and imagination, add some drama, throw in some crime, build an intense plot, and a beautiful story is made.

I don’t know if it’s the psychological undertones (which completely appeals to the psych nut in me), the beautiful cinematography, or the complex story and the way it unfolds that gets me – but it’s honestly one of the best films I have seen in a while. It even screened at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.

 A review from CBC British Columbia has this to say about it:

A quirky movie that is very unlikely to ever show again in this city “Mad Detective” is a highly original piece of film making. The film navigates a delicate line between comedy and police drama, always dark and always entertaining. What is so refreshing is that in the age of digital effects, this film uses the old standard devices of choreography, editing and art direction to represent the mind of someone who is delusional or clairvoyant or both.  

Definitely recommended! (Don’t worry, there are English subtitles!) 

Have any great movies to recommend? Let me know!