BLACK humor (reflecting the unpleasant aspects of life) is quite rare in China. It may be visible in our lives, but few people in the past could capture it and turn it into an art form.

　　Then, along came Ning Hao. Now you could say that Ning actually had an apprenticeship: His first hit, Crazy Stone (《疯狂的石头》)， has Guy Ritchie written all over it. Ritchie is the Brit director of several violent comedies known for their dark sense of humor。

　　Still, as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and it's probably the best way to learn. But, Ning isn't just an imitator, as can be seen from Crazy Stone. In that film, everything has a Ning Hao touch。

　　Then there's Crazy Racer (《疯狂的赛车》)， his latest work, which only confirms his genius. The narrative complexity of the story is astounding for a Chinese movie: It's actually four stories woven into one. The plot seems far-fetched at first, but more convincing on second look. You know the bad guys will pay for their crimes, but you can't guess what will happen right up to the end. In fact, the plot is so convoluted that you need a guide to unpack all the relationships and incidents。

　　Before Ning Hao, Chinese film comedies, except for those from Hong Kong, focused on verbal aspects, especially the use of the northern dialect. But Ning Hao uses broader brush strokes, so much so that his work now has all kinds of jokes and gags that the Feng Xiaogang school never possessed。

　　There is one gag that both of Ning's films share with Feng's If You're the One (《非诚勿扰》)： someone trying to sell a grave site to the protagonist. In Feng's version, the joke is delivered by a comedienne with dialogue. In Ning's version, Xu Zheng does an excellent job as the salesman, but the funniest part is the bit about turning the grave into a luxury apartment, something every homeowner can relate to。

　　Unlike Feng's world, Ning's is populated by gangsters played by no-name actors. But each is in top form. I should perhaps point out that Crazy Racer is not social commentary, in itself. Ning treats the gangsters more as of a nuisance and a target for mockery. He's funny when it comes to the darkest corners of society. That's why he's a member of a rare species, the dark humorist, especially when today's young people are easily angered by social injustices but still don 't know how to cope with the humorous aspects。

　　In fact, I was amazed that this movie, given its dark theme, could be released, and I wouldn't be surprised if not many people enjoy it. It takes a certain sense and some understanding to enjoy black humor