When a murder happens it’s always important for the police to have a witness. However, there’s not always one just hanging around. Whole films have been dedicated to the search for someone who can identify a killer or corroborate an alibi. I’m sure most detectives would love to find one with an uncheckered past and clean record, but sometimes you have to take what you can get. Even if, like in Andrew Fung’s new film, it’s a parrot.
Sean Wong (Louis Koo) leads a successful jewel heist but 3 months later one of his gang (Deep Ng) is found dead and he becomes the prime suspect. With the Chief Inspector (Philip Keung) out for his blood, he must try and solve the crime and clear his name. His only help is from a bumbling police officer Lam (Louis Cheong) who believes there’s more to the murder than meets the eye. And his only witness is a parrot.
A Witness Out of the Blue is a complex crime drama which keeps a lot of plates spinning as it moves towards its denouement. Whilst it’s far too convoluted for its own good at times, Fung’s film is entertaining and immersive. With a rapid-fire plot progression, it seems to fly by, but quite a lot seems lost in translation. As long as you go with the flow and take it for what it is, A Witness Out of the Blue is a fun diversion and a decent thriller.
A Witness Out of the Blue screens at Fantasia Festival.
