“Death Notice”: Herman Yau’s Intense Whodunit Dive

Herman Yau Lai-to, the prodigious Hong Kong director, is acclaimed for his diverse cinematic tapestry spanning medium-budgeted productions to high-octane action blockbusters. Notably, the cinephile community fondly recalls his directorial prowess in mega-hits like “Shock Wave 1 and 2” and “The White Storm 2 and 3.” In his latest venture, “Death Notice,” Yau revisits the toned-down scale and fervently thrilling ambiance reminiscent of his 2018 masterclass, “The Leakers.”

“Death Notice,” a cinematic adaptation of Zhou Haohui’s 2009 enigmatic novel “Death Notice: The Darker,” is brought to life by screenwriter Shum Sek-yin, known for his exceptional work in “Deception of the Novelist.” The film boasts a stellar ensemble, many of whom, including Julian Cheung Chi-lam, Francis Ng Chun-yu, Chrissie Chau Sau-na, and Charmaine Sheh Sze-man, previously graced the frames of “The Leakers.”

The narrative of “Death Notice” embarks on a haunting journey, opening a decade earlier with a gut-wrenching incident involving police inspector Lo Fei, portrayed by Cheung. The plot unfolds as Lo Fei is devastated by his inability to prevent a cataclysmic explosion masterminded by the notorious serial killer known as “Darker.” This explosion claims the lives of his beloved fiancée and a fellow officer.

Fast forward to the present, and Darker, the elusive murderer, re-surfaces, casting shadows of terror and paranoia by announcing the individuals he intends to “punish,” challenging the police and the judiciary’s competence. Consequently, Lo Fei finds himself reinstated into a special police task force, led by the indomitable chief superintendent Hon Ho (Ng), to capture the elusive killer. Despite their concerted efforts, Darker’s victims tragically meet their fate, as meticulously orchestrated by the antagonist.

Yau’s signature touch for intense genre storytelling seamlessly aligns with the convoluted narrative of “Death Notice,” which weaves a complex tapestry of revenge, relationship dynamics, and unresolved police cases. The narrative’s fervent pace and intricate plot, at times, overshadow character depth, occasionally leading to logical oversights.

However, Louis Koo Tin-lok’s portrayal of the sole survivor of Darker’s initial act of terror is an exception. Koo, transformed into a homeless individual with scars of the past explosion, delivers a performance replete with raw emotion and unpredictability, providing both comic relief and the unexpected.

In quintessential Yau fashion, “Death Notice” intertwines pertinent social issues within its pulp fiction narrative, from highlighting the dangers of vigilante justice to the dark underbelly of the triad-controlled real estate dominance in Hong Kong’s countryside. Nevertheless, the essence of a murder mystery lies in its climactic revelations. Regrettably, “Death Notice” slightly falters in its concluding moments, making the overall cinematic experience feel somewhat unfulfilled.

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