I Did It My Way (2023) Movie Review

I Did It My Way Movie Review

In the Hong Kong cop movie "I Did It My Way," the story revolves around intense Hong Kong police officers facing off against a seemingly respectable criminal and his large organization. Andy Lau takes on the role of George Lam, a quiet lawyer suspected of dealing drugs on the "dark web." Officer Fong Hing, played by Eddie Peng, is determined to stop the illegal activities and has a secret weapon in the form of a double agent, Sau Ho, portrayed by Gordon Lam.

The director, Jason Kwan, often follows a standard cops-and-crooks storyline, but when he highlights the performances of Lau and Lam, the movie rises to a higher level. Gordon Lam impressively conveys a lot through his intense physicality as Sau Ho, while Lau steals the show with his dynamic presence, whether flashing a broad smile, brooding quietly, or sending text messages to eliminate enemies.

Despite the formulaic plot, "I Did It My Way" becomes more engaging when the focus shifts to the exceptional work of Lau and Lam. In particular, a standout moment occurs when Lau, behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce, challenges Lam, setting the stage for a gripping confrontation.

The standout moment in "I Did It My Way" surprisingly doesn't involve Andy Lau. Instead, Eddie Peng's determined superintendent takes center stage in a gripping scene where he heroically rescues Gordon Lam's Sau Ho from a dangerous young killer. Peng impressively navigates through a private wine cellar, smashing through glass and shelves of bottles, making it one of the best action scenes of the year. Although anyone could have played the role, Peng brings the necessary commitment to match the high-energy requirements of the scene.

However, even with this thrilling scene, "I Did It My Way" might still leave you wanting more if you're not willing to adjust your expectations. The movie features a talented supporting cast, including Simon Yam, who, despite his previous collaborations, doesn't get enough screen time. Questions arise about certain elements in the film, such as the character Super Molly, a potent synthetic drug that is briefly explored in a cutaway scene. Regardless, the movie might not leave a lasting impression, as it struggles to offer much beyond dark web hacking and shoot-outs during police raids.

Andy Lau steals the spotlight in "I Did It My Way," and while that might seem expected, it's still a bit surprising. When I signed up for this review, I thought the standout performance would come from the actor playing the movie's villain, as seen in Jason Kwan's previous works like "Chasing the Dragon." In that film, Donnie Yen delivered a stellar performance. Lau, however, takes the lead in "I Did It My Way," defying expectations, as he has done throughout his impressive career, especially in collaborations with esteemed Hong Kong filmmakers like Ann Hui and Johnnie To.

As a genuine star, Lau knows how to make a big impact with minimal effort. Whether he's calmly smiling at his enemies or confidently challenging Eddie Peng's character with a line like, "nail me if you have the evidence," Lau's ability to convey a lot with just a few words or expressions shines through. In one intense moment, you might even find yourself feeling anxious for Gordon Lam's character, Sau Ho, when Lau, fully immersed in his role, gives him a stern look and declares, "You've seen something that you shouldn't have." Now, that's some impressive acting, right there.