Critic Reviews

Although its final act is brutal, this Chinese crime drama also has elements of farce and romance.

“Hot Pot” loses focus with sloppy sentimentality and heavy-duty violence that dilutes the story’s early charm. The end result is entertaining enough if not particularly memorable.

The twisty plot mostly comes together via flashbacks, following an opening armed robbery. Too often though, Yang opts for brute force over brains, defaulting to violent fights that don't quite fit with the film's overall lightness.

The trouble with Chongqing Hot Pot is that despite its brief running time, it takes too long to bring its various threads together.