Director Wi Ding Ho intriguingly uses a reverse chronological triptych to explore the harsh and painful life of a Taipei cop. Beginning with his dramatic suicide in a morbid, dystopian future, Part One shows the cop as an unhappy senior citizen intent on revenge killings, played with a concise film noir scowl by actor Jack Kao. Part Two reveals the traumatic event that ruined his marriage and caused him to be booted from the police force. Part Three ends at the beginning, illuminating the deepest mystery of the cop’s sorrow in a surprisingly tender boyhood scene that melts quickly into chaos and violence. Though moody, dark, and alienating in tone, comic moments arise unpredictably, and the somber score is peppered with cheesy Asian lounge songs. Creative and compelling cinematography by Jean-Louis Vialard enhances the noir ambiance, and actress Ning Ding steals Part Three as mob boss Big Sister Wang, who imparts the film’s darkest secret in a haze of cigarette smoke.

In competition for the Ricky Jay Magic of Cinema Award.