|
Cast:
Ricky
Hui
Johnny
Koo
JoJo
Chan
Yik
Ga
Lam
Ching Ying
Melvin
Wong
Writer:
John
Woo
Action:
Lam
Ching Ying
Billy
Chan
Producer:
Raymond
Chan
Director:
John
Woo
Score:
 
|
FROM
RICHES TO RAGS
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1980 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Ricky
(Hui) and his loyal friend Fatso (Koo) are two of Hong Kong's
hardworking underclass who, like everyone in the same
position, dream about being rich. Unfortunately, the chance of
achieving his goal is some considerable way from Ricky and he
instead earns a meagre crust at a bottling plant with Fatso by
his side. Also in his thoughts is his unrequited love for elegant
film star JoJo, another unobtainable dream to
distract him. An impulse visit to a fortune teller offers
Ricky some excellent news: he will soon be a wealthy man and
achieve all of the numerous daydreams that occupy his mind.
Unfortunately he is also told that he will not enjoy his
fortune for long and faces an untimely death shortly after
hitting the jackpot. As predicted, Ricky wins the Hong Kong
lottery and throws his money around in the manner of those he
previously envied, enjoying the lifestyle of the rich and
famous. However, his own mortality continues to hound him and
a trip to the doctor following a bout of stomach cramps
reveals his worst fears. Ricky contemplates suicide after
hearing this news, though before he can complete the attempt
he manages to befriend another distraught victim who agrees to
organise a hitman to solve Ricky's problems. Now he just sits
and waits for the hitman to make his move and put the
unfortunate loser out of his misery. A further complication is
added to the blend when Ricky's doctor phones him to apologise
for a mistake - his earlier diagnosis was wrong and Ricky is
in fact perfectly healthy. Now he has to avoid the killers who
are determined to complete their assignment and live to savour
the remainder of his wealth.
No
matter what films John Woo has in store for us in the future,
'From Riches To Rags' will almost certainly be among the most
bizarre he's made. What starts off as a standard 80s Hong Kong
comedy takes a much darker turn in its final half hour and
turns what was initially light-hearted humour on its head. The
final scene, which takes place in a eerie mental institution,
is strangely unsettling and an out-of-place 'Deer Hunter'
pastiche. The reasons for these sequences is partially
explained by an overall message against greed and materialism
that is reasonably successful. Nevertheless the sheer
awkwardness of the film's two extreme tones is perhaps a good
indication of John Woo's lack of patience with comedy; it was
already clear where his heart really was. Whereas a Michael
Hui or even a Clifton Ko manages to direct these zany comedies
with a needed measure of consistency, Woo struggles to keep
the storyline interesting throughout the duration. Therefore,
this 100 minute film drags considerably after the hour mark,
losing most of its momentum.
The
greatest asset of 'From Riches To Rags' is undoubtedly Ricky
Hui and it is his presence that lifts the film in its lesser
moments. Hui was always the underrated Hui brother, the
innocent butt of most of the jokes who tended to be forgotten
by many viewers. However, just as he was such a vital part of
the Hui brothers team, here he keeps the film together even
when director Woo loses control. Ricky is always a pleasure to
watch especially when he's playing the oppressed loser
stumbling from one misfortune to another. Ricky Hui therefore
ensures that this is entertaining despite its very
unpredictable nature making it an acquired taste.
|
