A Star Overseas production. Executive producer, Yeung Kwok-fai.
Directed by Li Lik-chi, Stephen Chiau. Screenplay, Erica Li, Chiau, Tsang Kan-cheong, Fung Min-hang.
With: Stephen Chiau, Karen Mok, Cecilia Cheung, Ng Mang-tat, Jackie Chan.
Broadly inspired by, rather than a remake of, Scorsese's pic of the same name, Stephen Chiau's Chinese New Year B.O. topper, "King of Comedy," is a potentially perfect vehicle for the deadpan star but runs out of gas with an undeveloped script. Despite some classic moments, especially in the first half, and a cute romantic angle, movie about a know-it-all amateur actor is mainly of local interest.
Wan Tin-sau (Chiau) has studied the theory of his craft but can't even cut it as a film extra, spectacularly ruining an elaborate set piece in the latest movie by action queen Cuckoo To (an underused Karen Mok). While trying to stage a two-bit production of legit classic "Thunderstorm," Wan gives private acting lessons to bar girl Piu-piu (Cecilia Cheung) to help her please clients, and they fall for each other. Scenes between Chiau and the versatile Cheung are the funniest and most touching in the movie, which suddenly veers off into a gangster spoof before returning to the main plot for a rapid wrap-up. Jackie Chan cameos briefly as an extra, in a trade-off for Chiau's bit in Chan's "Gorgeous."
Camera (color), Wong Wing-hang; editors, Kai Kit-wai, Yau Chi-wai; music, Daisuke Hinata, Wong Ying-wah; production designer, James Leung; art director, Chong Kwok-wing; costumes, Choi Yin-man; action director, Bruce Law. Reviewed on videodisc, London, July 16, 1999. Original Cantonese title: Heikek chi wong. (Cantonese dialogue.) Running time: 85 MIN.
Contact Derek Elley at
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