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Cast:
Lau
Ching Wan
Louis
Koo
Cecilia
Cheung
Francis
Ng
Jordan
Chan
Charlene
Choi
Gillian
Chung
Christy
Chung
Action:
Yuen
Bun
Producer:
Wai
Ka Fai
Director:
Wai
Ka Fai
Score:
 
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FANTASIA
AKA:
N/A
Year:
2004 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
After
reading a short synopsis of this film during its Chinese New
Year release, I immediately knew that I had to see this
production as soon as possible. Then, after reading a
particularly glowing review from the irrepressible YTSL of
'View From Brooklyn Bridge' fame, my anticipation grew greater
and greater. Though its honest-hearted love of the great
Michael Hui touched a nerve with me, it seemed to have an even
more impressive effect on a local level, grossing an
impressive HK$30million at the box-office. Does it live up to
the hype - I'm pleased to say it does and offers much more
besides.
Hong
Kong 1969. A local detective agency peopled by churlish boss
'The Director' (Lau Ching Wan), slick charmer Sam (Koo) and
oppressed assistant Fugu (Jordan Chan) is put in charge of
protecting the valuable curios of a local antique shop. After
a particularly hectic evening that sees them foil an attempted
robbery, the trio return to the office with the broken
remnants of antiques and try to piece them together. Fugu
childishly rubs a lamp imagining that a genie lives inside,
but eventually throws the artefact aside when Director mocks
him. Remarkably though, the lamp does contain a genie by the
name of Harmy Bobo (Cecilia Cheung) who confronts the team
with the offer of three wishes. As Fugu is away, the two
disregard the crazed rantings of Bobo and decide to go about
their daily lives. However, when their initial wishes seem to
come true, Director and Sam decide to ingratiate themselves
towards Bobo. As this episode continues, Bobo's loyal
'Chopstick Sisters' (Twins) accidentally join the hardened
gang of posturing triad Kin (Ng) and soon become his trusted
assistants. As the two sides meet up though, it soon becomes
apparent that every wish that Bobo grants is tinged with an
unfortunate twist.
While
I don't expect my plot description to have readers lining up
to buy 'Fantasia', I would say that anyone with the slightest
admiration for Michael Hui and his brothers would be advised
to watch this immediately. Wai Ka Fai has crafted a comedy
with so much energy and such a buoyant spirit that you
remember once again why you love Hong Kong cinema. As with
'Anna In Kung-Fu Land', 'Fantasia' opens with a superlative
animated credit sequence that raises expectations yet further
- unlike the Miriam Yeung feature though, this doesn't
disappoint. The sparks created by the flawless cast will have
many viewers smiling for days afterwards.
To
fully appreciate this addictive spectacle, some familiarity
with Michael Hui is essential. Lau Ching Wan is magnificent as
Director, a wonderful homage to Michael Hui and the various
characters he plays. Sporting the crew-cut that Michael had in
'Games
Gamblers Play' and the outfit that many will recognise
from 'The
Private Eyes', Lau manages to mimic all of Hui's
mannerisms and twitches. The sarcastic, dry delivery and the
vain, self-absorbed characterisation are all present here;
writers Wai Ka Fai and Au Kin Yee give Lau Ching Wan plenty of
ammunition for his hilarious impression. Then there's Louis
Koo in Samuel Hui mode, handsome and happy-go-lucky, and a
sublime turn by Jordan Chan as Fugu aka Ricky Hui; Jordan
imitates Ricky's stuttering, bashful delivery with significant
aplomb while the legendary neck-brace he wore in 'The Private
Eyes' returns. Francis Ng, fresh from a masterful performance
in 'Infernal Affairs 2', clearly enjoys the chance to parody
Shek Kien's appearance in 'The Private Eyes', relishing
the strutting arrogance of thast master villain. Added to this
marvellous cast is Cecilia Cheung who plays Harmy Bobo;
starting off as a Harry Potter mickey-take, she thankfully
adopts the style of Josephine Siao in the iconic 'Plain
Jane To The Rescue'. Finally there's 'Twins' who don
outrageous bee-hives and similar fashions with gusto. This, as
you can tell from my gushing praise, is a film that has an
obvious admiration and affection for the films that inspired
it.
Though
even the merest sight of these performers mimicking Hong
Kong's screen legends is one strength, the allusions to some
of the great Hong Kong comedy moments is what makes this such
a joy. While pastiches of various films has long been used by
local film-makers, - often with a varying degree of success -
'Fantasia' perfectly replicates such moments with loving
attention to detail. From the pre-credit nod to 'Security
Unlimited' to the re-creation of the famous food fight
scene from 'The Private Eyes', 'Fantasia' is packed with
accurate nods towards Michael Hui's films and even includes
moments lifted from 'Jurassic Park' and 'Aces
Go Places'. Director Wai Kai Fai, who has carved out a
reputation for himself away from his regular collaborations
with Johnny To, keeps the momentum going throughout its
course. Kudos goes to him for his work on the script and
behind the lens.
If
there was one aspect that does slightly grate it is the
inclusion of the computer-generated 'Cousin Bug' who tends to
dilute the power of the humour. Having said that, he is only
briefly used and his awkward appearance can be partially
forgiven for this reason. The closing parody of Harry Potter
is also a weak link; the film operates much more successfully
when its target is distinctly localised, the Western
references seem somewhat lazy in comparison. These are minor
gripes though as 'Fantasia' is still a film I would heartily
recommend. With cameos from Cheung Tat Ming, Eric Kot, Andy
Lau (in a way) and even the great Michael Hui himself, this is
most infectiously cheerful film I've seen in a long time - and
its blessed with a Samuel Hui style ditty that you'll hum for
days afterwards. 4 stars, though it could gain another half
star after repeat viewings.
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