Review of Overheard (2009) by Robbie T — 10 Nov 2009

Well-paced, stylish thriller with a great cast and an hilariously villainous turn from Michael Wong. As the title suggests, it is largely about surveillance technology. But rather than the techno-voyeurism that seems so prevalent, this takes some time to show intimacy between the protagonists themselves, and with their families. Some of the setups are all too predictable, but they do at least pay off in the end.

Fans of Michael Wong's classic(?) gweilo baddie roles will get a huge kick out of him in this. He doesn't really show up until a good hour in, but is cast in a largely English-speaking role shot in sync sound. So, you get Wong's naturally high-pitched tone of voice conveying menacing anecdotes and giving hypocritical shareholder speeches.

Wu, Koo and Lau Ching Wan have great chemistry as cops working together on a surveillance team investigating high-level corruption and stock manipulation. Their domestic/romantic troubles lead into some questionable ethical behavior, and a slight element of class critique which probably plays well with the Mainland audience. ICAC investigators get involved, Michael Wong gets pissed, and it all escalates smoothly to a satisfying conclusion. The filmmakers aren't pushing any boundaries here, but it is all well made, superbly cast, and enjoyable.