Andy Lau in Endgame. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)

Rating: PG13Length: 119 minutesDirector: Rao Xiaozhi

Cast: Andy Lau, Xiao Yang, Wan QianLanguage: Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles

Release date: 12 February 2021 (Singapore)

3 out of 5 stars

Endgame illustrates a comical twist of fate between an unsuccessful and hopeless actor Chen Xiaomeng (Xiao Yang) and a professional assassin Zhou Quan (Andy Lau). One day, Xiaomeng accidentally causes Zhou Quan to slip and fall, thus losing his memory. Thinking this is a chance for him to start over, Xiaomeng switches identity with the amnesiac Zhou Quan, only to be impeded by his complicated assassin duties.

On the other hand, Zhou Quan believes that he is the failed actor and begins to fix his life with the help of a single mother Li Xiang (Wan Qian). As the bond between the two deepens, Zhou Quan gradually regains his memories. At the same time, Zhou Quan’s client is getting infuriated with an undone job.

Andy Lau (left) and Xiao Yang in Endgame. (Photo: Golden Village Pictures)

A remake of Japanese film Key Of Life, which stars Masato Sakai and Teruyuki Kagawa, Endgame similarly features hotshots Andy Lau and Xiao Yang. Andy Lau’s portrayals of an assassin and an innocent-looking actor are the highlights of the movie. The assassin is suave, speaks with a firmer tone and has a sharp look in his eyes. The actor, though, has a softer appearance with puppy-like eyes and speaks gently with a tinge of gloominess. Endgame presents a rare opportunity to see Andy Lau’s nuanced acting, a contrast between a helpless character and a cool-looking one.