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Rob N Roll is a character-driven crime drama that combines dark comedy with melodramatic flair. Led by a talented trio of actors, the film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the criss-crossing paths of several robbers and robbers-to-be.
Rob N Roll: A Darkly Comic Hong Kong Crime Drama with Ambitious Twists
Rob N Roll is a character-driven crime drama that combines dark comedy with melodramatic flair. Led by a talented trio of actors – Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, Lam Ka-tung, and Richie Jen Hsien-chi – the film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the criss-crossing paths of several robbers and robbers-to-be. Directed by Albert Mak Kai-kwong, this ambitious and convoluted story aims to entertain audiences with its misfortunes, coincidences, and eccentric characters.
( Credit to: Scmp )
Plot Overview: Robby’s Desperate Choices and the Tangled Web of Robberies
The film centers around Robby (Lam Ka-tung), a downtrodden taxi driver whose life is in disarray due to conflicts at home caused by his elderly mother. With a pregnant wife dreaming of a better life and a father staying in a nursing home without paying, Robby is desperate to improve their situation. Alongside his friend Fai (Richie Jen), who runs the nursing home and also struggles to make ends meet, they contemplate committing a robbery.
( Credit to: Scmp )
However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they become entangled in the aftermath of an armed robbery orchestrated by Mui (Aaron Kwok), a former pro wrestler from a fictional rural town. Mui presents himself as a ‘tough bandit, not a killer’ with a complex personality that oscillates between politeness and instability. As the story progresses, multiple heists occur, leading to a series of ironic and chaotic events.
Analysis: Complexities and Stellar Performances
Rob N Roll, reminiscent of Johnnie To Kei-fung’s twisty capers, confidently tells its story and presents an intriguing premise. However, the convoluted nature of the film can make it challenging for viewers to fully engage with the constantly shifting plotlines. The frequent swapping, misplacement, and theft of the stolen money can hinder sustained interest.
Nevertheless, the film showcases the talents of its lead actors. Aaron Kwok shines in his portrayal of Mui, embracing the character’s eccentricities with gusto. Veteran actors David Chiang Da-wei, Lam Suet, and Michael Wong Man-tak leave a lasting impression in their gangster roles. However, the police characters played by Maggie Cheung Ho-yee and Leung Chung-hang feel somewhat perfunctory.
Director Albert Mak successfully creates a world filled with believably human characters, emphasizing their flaws and idiosyncrasies. While the audience may not remember every twist and turn in the characters’ journeys, they can certainly relate to their authentic dialogue and behavior.
Conclusion: Offbeat Tragicomedy with Human Touch
Rob N Roll offers an offbeat tragicomedy experience, driven by its darkly comic premise and a talented ensemble cast. While the film’s convoluted nature may hinder its ability to captivate audiences fully, it still manages to entertain with its misfortunes, coincidences, and eccentric characters. Despite the challenges faced by its criminal protagonists, Rob N Roll presents an engaging tale that showcases the human side of its characters.
Written by Reddit Manga
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