Man on the Run sounds like it is going to be a salacious true crime documentary involving A-list celebrities, billions of dollars, and corruption at the highest levels. Joh Low is a mysterious businessman who partied with the biggest stars in the world. The “Asian Great Gatsby” was part of a multibillion dollar scheme that funded his lavish lifestyle. The ensuing scandal affected the core of an entire nation.
Things get off to the quick start that this type of story would dictate. Even after the customary true crime opening filled with quick cuts, talking heads, and archival footage, Man on Fire moves quickly. There is so much going on that it is almost impossible to keep up with it all. It paints a perfect picture of what Joh Low’s life must have been like.
The switch to a more patient and explanatory pace comes suddenly. Man on the Run grinds to a halt as it goes through painstaking detail unraveling the fraud. While the numbers are eye popping, it does not change the face that the majority of the documentary is dry talk about finances. The worst part is a shocking interview with one of the perpetrators. It is way too long and surprisingly boring.
Man on the Run is saved by the work of the journalists that worked tirelessly at exposing the corruption. The media is often (rightfully) maligned, but the film represents the rare case where they were a help instead of a hindrance. Naturally, there is a “me first” attitude with some of them, but the film does an excellent job of showcasing the work that was done by asking the right questions and putting in the work.
Still, it often seems like filmmaker Cassius Michael Kim is unsure of what type of story he wants to tell. Man on the Run starts with a fast paced look at the uber rich before settling down into a paint by the numbers true crime doc. The last act seems to want to tie together big money and corrupt politics. It all works to varying degrees, but the combined effort often comes off as a disjointed mess.
Man on the Run comes to Netflix January 5
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