Why “Endgame” (人潮汹涌) Redefines Andy Lau’s Legend Through a Mirror of Life and Cinema
If you think identity-swap stories are just comedic gimmicks, Endgame (2021) — titled 人潮汹涌 in Chinese — will shatter your expectations. Directed by Rao Xiaozhi and starring Andy Lau (Liu Dehua), this darkly comedic thriller isn’t just a film; it’s a meta-commentary on fame, fate, and the relentless pursuit of self-reinvention. Here’s why it’s a cinematic gem for global audiences.
- Andy Lau: Playing a Role That Mirrors His Own Legacy
In Endgame, Lau portrays Zhou Quan, a ruthless hitman who loses his memory and swaps lives with a struggling actor, Chen Xiaomeng (Xiao Yang). The irony? Zhou’s journey from perfectionist killer to a penniless yet disciplined underdog mirrors Lau’s real-life ethos. At 60, Lau performs his own stunts and embodies Zhou’s meticulous habits — cleaning a squalid apartment, taking notes to rebuild his identity, and relentlessly pursuing small acting gigs. This isn’t just acting; it’s Lau channeling his 40-year career of perseverance.
The role demands physicality (Lau even recreated his iconic motorcycle scene from A Moment of Romance.
- Scenes parody Infernal Affairs (police confrontations) and The Killer (stylized violence).
- A meta-joke about the The Wandering Earth script on set, where Lau plays an extra in a spacesuit — a humble callback to his early days as a background actor.
These references aren’t mere fan service; they bridge Hong Kong’s cinematic past with its evolving present, inviting global viewers to explore its rich history.
- Philosophy in a Soap Opera: Can Life Be Reset?
The film’s Chinese title, 人潮汹涌 (“Life in a Crowd”), hints at its deeper themes. When Zhou and Chen switch lives, the story asks: Does environment define us, or can discipline override circumstance?
Zhou, even as a broke amnesiac, thrives through structure — cleaning, budgeting, and treating minor roles with professionalism. Meanwhile, Chen, despite inheriting wealth, nearly ruins his new life with laziness and impulsivity. The message is clear: Success isn’t about luck; it’s about habits.
This duality resonates in today’s world of social media reinvention and “fake it till you make it” culture. Endgame challenges viewers: If given a blank slate, would you rise or repeat your mistakes?
- Subverting Genre: When Dark Comedy Meets Existential Thriller
Unlike its Japanese predecessor Key of Life, Endgame leans into moral ambiguity. The plot twists — a botched assassination, a gangster (Huang Xiaolei) seeking revenge with dark humor — keep audiences guessing. One scene hilariously juxtaposes a bloody shootout with a theater performance of Beckett’s Endgame, symbolizing life’s absurdity.
Yet, beneath the chaos lies tenderness. Wan Qian’s character, Li Xiang, a single mother drawn to Zhou’s vulnerability, adds emotional weight. Their relationship isn’t a clichéd romance but a quiet alliance of two lost souls.
- A Box Office Underdog Story Mirroring Its Plot
Ironically, Endgame’s release mirrored its themes of resilience. Initially buried in China’s 2021 New Year档 by blockbusters like Hi, Mom, it clawed back through word-of-mouth, securing a 36-day extended run and earning over $93 million. Fans rallied online, demanding fair screenings — proof that substance can triumph over hype.
Final Take
-Endgame* is more than a movie; it’s a reflection on how we navigate life’s chaos. For international audiences, it offers a gateway to Hong Kong’s cinematic evolution and Andy Lau’s timeless appeal. As Zhou scribbles in his notebook: “Life’s a crowded tide — swim with purpose, or drown.”
Where to Watch: Stream with subtitles on platforms like Netflix or Prime. Prepare for a ride that’s as thought-provoking as it is explosive.