''Switch'' is a 2013

action film The action film is a film genre that predominantly features chase sequences, fights, shootouts, explosions, and stunt work. The specifics of what constitutes an action film has been in scholarly debate since the 1980s. While some scholars such as D ...

written and directed by Jay Sun and starring

Andy Lau Andy Lau Tak-wah ( zh, order=t,j, t=劉德華, j=Lau4 Dak1 Waa4; born Lau Fook-wing; 27 September 1961), is a Hong Kong actor, singer-songwriter and film producer. He was named the "Fourth Tiger" among the Five Tiger Generals of TVB in the 1 ...

, Tong Dawei, Zhang Jingchu and Lin Chi-ling. A Chinese-Hong Kong co-production, the film was released on 9 and 12 June 2013 in mainland China and Hong Kong respectively.

Synopsis

A famous Chinese Yuan Dynasty painting known as " Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" was stolen and being sold on the black market, led by a mysterious business magnate ( Tong Dawei). Special agent Jinhan (

) is tasked to recover the painting. Meanwhile, Jinhan and his wife ( Zhang Jingchu) have drifted apart, due to the secret nature of his work, unaware that his wife also works as a special agent tasked with protecting the painting.

Cast

as Special Agent Xiao Jinhan * Tong Dawei as Yamamoto Toshio * Zhang Jingchu as Lin Yuyan * Lin Chi-ling as Lisa * Siqin Gaowa as The Empress * Ariel Aisin-Gioro as The Princess *

Guan Xiaotong Guan Xiaotong (; born 17 September 1997) is a Chinese actress and singer of Manchu descent. She is known for her roles in films '' The Left Ear'' and ''Shadow''; and the television series '' To Be a Better Man''. From an early age, her family e ...

as Xiao Yueyue * Siqin Gaowa as Old Dowager Empress * Tan Songyun as Pisces Demon

Release

''Switch'' was originally set to be released in 2012, but was delayed partially due to the decision to convert the film to 3-D. The film was released in China on 9 June 2013 and in Hong Kong on 12 June, where its running time was trimmed by 9 minutes with several scenes cut out. In China, the film grossed RMB 49 million (US$8 million) in its opening day, the third-biggest opening day revenue for a domestic film in China.

Reception

Maggie Lee of '' Variety'' stated the film "epitomizes ..o-bad-it’s-good kitsch", pointing to a lack of plot continuity, ostentatious visuals and exaggerated, exploitation-like characterizations. Elizabeth Kerr of ''

The Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Cinema of the United States, Hollywood film industry, film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade pap ...

'' similarly criticized the film for its confusing structure and lack of impact, likening Sun to "a film school drop-out with too much cash".

References

External links

* Chinese 3D films Films set in 2011 2013 films 2013 3D films 2013 action films Hong Kong 3D films Hong Kong action films Chinese action films Media Asia films Funimation Films set in Hong Kong Films set in Hangzhou Films set in Dubai Films shot in Dubai 2013 directorial debut films 2010s Mandarin-language films 2010s Hong Kong films {{2010s-action-film-stub