Cunning Tendency

About This Movie

Cunning Tendency is this relatively obscure Hong Kong film from '78, and it really carries a unique vibe. The storytelling is layered, weaving in themes of deception and betrayal that play out with a kind of slow-burning tension. The pacing might feel a bit off for modern audiences, but it works to draw you into its world. There's a certain rawness to the practical effects that adds to its charm – you can tell they were working with limited resources, but they made the most of it. Performances are often understated, yet they convey a lot of emotional depth. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill fare, which makes it distinctively interesting for any serious collector.

Cunning Tendency has had a bit of a rocky journey in terms of format availability, with only a few VHS and rare DVD editions floating around. It’s not widely circulated, which has led to a somewhat niche collector interest, especially for those keen on exploring underrepresented cinema from Hong Kong. As a result, copies can be quite scarce, and if you come across one at a reasonable price, it's worth considering adding to your collection.