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THE
GAMBLING GHOST
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1991 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
In
an attempt to recreate the artistic highs of the 80's, Sammo
Hung combined a few of the popular trends that were finding
their way into local cinema. Firstly there was the immensely
popular gambling sub-genre that had proven so successful in 'God Of
Gamblers' and 'All
For The Winner' - elements from these found their way into
this production. Then there was the oft-used ghost hijinks
that had been seen from the very founding of Hong Kong
film-making. 'Gambling Ghost' also offered the chance for
audiences to see Sammo Hung in a triple role as grandfather,
father and son of the same family. The sum of these parts
proves to be another good action comedy from the incomparable
Sammo.
Sammo
stars as an unfortunate gambler who, along with his close
associate (Hoi), longs to be rich like the many socialites he
sees in Hong Kong. Instead of using his energy in normal
day-to-day work, Sammo finds himself drawn to the
get-rich-quick world of gambling where he squanders endless
time. His father (Sammo no.2) bemoans his son's activities and
sees nothing but trouble for this hapless chancer. He also
remembers what happened to his own father (Sammo no.3) who was
killed by gangsters who ran one of the gambling dens. One
night though, the grandfather's ghost appears and tries to
strike a deal with his confused grandson which will make him
immensely wealthy. The condition for this is that the grandson
must also try to avenge his death and get back the money that
was stolen during his murder. With Sammo constantly winning at
the casino due to his grandfather's intervention, the killers
soon make themselves visible to this unusual team. Therefore
the three generations of the family hatch a plot to get back
what belongs to them and administer their own justice.
What
makes 'Gambling Ghost' an above-average feature is undoubtedly
the superb performance by the film's main star. Sammo manages
to put different mannerisms into each of his parts and makes
the grandfather, father and son very unique characters within
the film. Out of the shadows of this towering presence is the
diminutive Meng Hoi who once again gives his real-life friend
very capable support.
The
storyline doesn't really hold the interest as it tends to
start drawn out and then rush the important details at the end
of the duration. There's also an issue with the sub-plots that
are seemingly pushed in to the film to keep the viewer's
attention; they unfortunately have the opposite effect.
Thankfully though there is some sparkling fight action from
the Big Guy and the usual amount of admirable inventiveness.
Importantly from the current standpoint, 'Gambling Ghost' has
that special charm that made ordinary features so watchable.
That charm was in constant display during the 80's and early
90's, but is something that has since dwindled considerably.
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