Review: ‘Mad Fate,’ starring Gordon Lam and Lokman Yeung

August 22, 2023

by Carla Hay

Lokman Yeung and Gordon Lam in “Mad Fate” (Photo courtesy of Illume Films)

“Mad Fate”

Directed by Cheang Pou-soi

Cantonese with subtitles

Culture Representation: Taking place in Hong Kong, the dramatic film “Mad Fate” has an all-Asian cast of characters representing the working-class, middle-class and wealthy.

Culture Clash: A fortune teller becomes obsessed with tracking a young man who is a serial killer.

Culture Audience: “Mad Fate” will appeal primarily to people who are interested in watching an artsy pyschological thriller.

Gordon Lam in “Mad Fate” (Photo courtesy of Illume Films)

“Mad Fate” is about a cat-and-mouse chase between a fortune teller and a serial killer. This frequently bizarre and psychedelic-looking murder mystery isn’t for everyone, but there’s enough to hold viewer interest until the very end. It’s the type of movie that requires a viewer’s full attention because some important details might be missed if a viewer is distracted by other things while watching the movie.

Directed by Cheang Pou-soi and written by Yau Nai-hoi and Melvin Li, “Mad Fate” had its world premiere at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival. The movie begins by showing a fortune teller called The Master (played by Gordon Lam) doing a ritual in a graveyard. The Master’s specialty is telling his customers that he can help change their destiny. It’s implied that The Master dabbles in the dark arts.

The Master soon finds out about a man in his 20s named Siu-tung (played by Lokman Yeung), who has developed a fascination for becoming a serial killer. The majority of the film s about The Master trying to track down Siu-tung before any killings happen to see if he can change the destiny of the intended victims.

“Mad Fate” has a lot of suspense but the movie also touches on serious issues such as mental illness and criminal justice. Is The Master a vigilante, or is he a well-meaning citizen? If Siu-tung is captured, should be be in prison or a psychiatric facility? “Mad Fate,” through riveting but somewhat convoluted direction, leaves it up to viewers to decide.

Illume Films released “Mad Fate” in select U.S. cinemas on August 11, 2023.

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