Yuen Biao was one of the beloved “Three Dragons,” alongside Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. He was always the most nimble and acrobatic, so fans always waited to see what he would come up with next. All three performers have now branched out and tested their skills as actors, not martial artists, but Biao was the first one to break the mold when he starred in On the Run (1988) for director Alfred Cheung, who was predominantly known for directing comedies.
What they achieved together was a film that took both men into uncharted territory in their careers, delivering a gut punch, as opposed to a high-octane actioner. 88 Films brings it to North American audiences for the first time in a special edition Blu-ray packed with bonus features.
Reeling from the brutal murder of his wife, disgraced cop Heung Ming (Yuen Biao) is driven into hiding after uncovering deep-rooted corruption within the force. Branded a fugitive and hunted from all sides, his only ally is Chui (Patricia Ha), a cold and lethal assassin with enemies of her own. As the net tightens, the unlikely pair form a fragile alliance, fighting to stay one step ahead of the law and the killers determined to silence them forever.
On the Run is a dark thriller that slaps you across the face and leaves you standing there trying to figure out why. Yuen Biao exceptionally slips deep into the role, not the usual babyface he’s known for, but truly becoming Heung Ming. He’s not the limber fighter here; he’s a man who is truly haunted and not your traditional hero. The same can be said for Pat Ha, who plays the assassin.
Their relationship is truly unique, and the chemistry between Biao and Ha is fantastic. There’s never anything romantic between them, but I appreciated how, after teaming up out of necessity, they eventually begin to reveal their vulnerabilities. Not everyone will be satisfied with the finale, even though it delivers (at least for me) in a way that will rip you apart.
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88 Films delivers a special edition Blu-ray that comes housed in an O-ring slipcase featuring killer new artwork by Sean Longmore and presents a 2K restoration sourced from the original negative. The original Cantonese mono soundtrack has been fully remastered and is accompanied by newly translated English subtitles. Bonus features include two audio commentaries, one with Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, and another with Asian cinema experts Frank Djeng and FJ DeSanto.
Additional extras include Running Away, an interview with Alfred Cheung, Predicting the Future, an interview with David West, an alternate ending, the original Hong Kong trailer, and a reversible sleeve showcasing the film’s original Hong Kong poster artwork.
On the Run is an unconventional thriller with striking performances by the leads and a noir-style story that resonates in your mind long after the credits roll.
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