Switch (2013 film)

Switch is a 2013 Chinese-Hong Kong action film written and directed by Jay Sun and starring Andy Lau, Tong Dawei, Zhang Jingchu and Lin Chi-ling.

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 (Andy Lau) 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

 * Andy Lau 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 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[...]so-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 similarly criticized the film for its confusing structure and lack of impact, likening Sun to "a film school drop-out with too much cash".