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Cast:
Stephen
Chow
Sing Chi
Carina
Lau
Carmen
Lee
Cheung
Tat Ming
Law
Kar Ying
Action:
Poon
Kin Gwan
Producer:
Wong
Jing
Director:
Vincent
Kok
Score:
 
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FORBIDDEN
CITY COP
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1996 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Following
the enormous popularity of his James Bond lampoon 'From
Beijing With Love', Chow Sing Chi returned with a few
films that were certainly disappointing in comparison. 'Out Of
The Dark' and especially the very-ordinary '60
Million Dollar Man' gave no indication of the star's comic
abilities, lacking coherent plots and any sustained humour as
they did. After this brief yet aimless period, Chow returned
to his '008' persona with 'Forbidden City Cop' and once again
regained audience appreciation. The film transports this
eccentric character-type to ancient China, but the spoofs of
Hollywood and even domestic cinema remains intact.
Chow
Sing Chi plays a happily married doctor who administers
medicinal aid to local villagers. By night though, this doctor
reverts to his secret identity - one of the Emperor's trusted
bodyguards. Whereas his fellow bodyguards utilise extreme
martial arts skills to protect their master, Chow concentrates
on his penchant for wacky inventions but finds them all to be
without much use. Taking advantage of a fortunate accident,
the failed inventor manages to save the Emperor's life one
night and soon finds himself accepted into the royal circle.
When word reaches the court that there is a group of assassins
in the kingdom, it is only natural that this accidental hero
is asked to rise to the occasion and live up to his royal
assignment. Unfortunately the killers are more than a match
for the royal protectors and the Emperor is almost at the
mercy of the villains. Alongside this is the appearance of the
mysterious, yet beautiful Kim (Lee) who claims to have a
friendly interest in both the ruler and his trusty employee.
In the farce-driven finale, it's down to the humble defender
come innovator to save the day.
It's
been commented on that one positive point of 'Forbidden City
Cop' that is immediately apparent is the excellent chemistry
between Chow Sing Chi and Carina Lau in the husband and wife
roles. This charming relationship gives the production an
extra edge over many of Chow's other works; here he is playing
a character that the viewer can really care about. By the time
the film reaches its concluding ten minutes, the heroic lead
becomes a truly empathetic player. Avid fans of Chow Sing
Chi's humour can also rest assured as this is one of his
sharpest films. The editing cuts away most of the weaker
humour (even though the ending does ramble slightly) and
leaves the well-timed comic interludes to take centre stage.
This is not to say that this is perfect; there are still
scenes that will leave western fans bewildered and perhaps
disappointed. Nevertheless, for the Canto-comedy novices, this
is an easy-to-appreciate and entertaining hit.
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