Cast:

Stephen Chow Sing Chi

Cecilia Cheung

Karen Mok

Ng Man Tat

Action:

Bruce Law

Producer:

Yeung Kwok Fai

Director:

Lee Lik Chee

Score:  

KING OF COMEDY

AKA:  N/A

Year: 1999    Reviewer: Phil Mills

Wan Tin Sau (Chow) is an aspiring actor who visits the local film set every day in the hope that he will one day be noticed by the executives.  Sadly, when that moment finally arrives in the form of a few roles as an extra he makes such calamitous mistakes that he is banished by all known directors.  Down but not out he comes up with the idea of staging a play at the youth centre to raise his reputation but when even that begins to go badly wrong, nothing can bring him round from his depression.  That is until the beautiful Piu Piu (Cheung) arrives, seeking acting lessons to help her further her own career as a "Nightclub Girl".  With a new found meaning in his life, Tin Sau moves from strength to strength and is even offered a part in an upcoming film alongside superstar Sister Cuckoo (Mok).  Ultimately though, this comes at a price and Tin Sau must forego his life with Piu Piu to sit on the arm of Sister Cuckoo but can he give up the simple things in search of his dream?

In recent times, Chow Sing Chi has given audiences several films that will leave them crying with laughter rather than tears of sympathy but  'King Of Comedy' offers a refreshing change of pace.  Utilising the heartfelt storylines perfected in earlier hits like 'God Of Cookery', Chow minimises the all-too-familiar slapstick routines in preference of maximising the human relationships. Gone are the days of winning the girl via a huge comedic showdown and they are replaced by real interaction between the characters that provides the story with new depth and meaning.  This is not to say that it is completely without humour though as a Chow Sing Chi film without his distinct brand of comedy would surely be naked but it's just that it is well integrated into the story.  This allows the jokes to work alongside the drama rather than dominate it.

If there is one minor gripe that people have noted about this film then it is probably the bizarre change of genres that occurs during the finale.  One second you are watching a romantic comedy and the next a spoof of 'Reservoir Dogs' with all guns blazing.  It's not necessarily bad and it all produces an amusing parody but it can appear slightly out of place.  Despite this though, 'King of Comedy' is still a highly recommended movie, especially as a slower introduction to the more comical works of Chow.  It's a welcome move away from the norm that shows Chow Sing Chi is not just a funny face.

Distributor:  Universe

Region:  0 (NTSC)

Running Time:  92 mins

Video: 

Letterboxed at 1.85:1.  This is an excellent transfer with an accurate representation of the bold colours used throughout the film and no signs of wear.

Audio:

Cantonese and Mandarin DD 5.1 surround sound with Chinese (traditional & simplified), English, Japanese, Bahasa (Malaysia), Thai, Korean and Vietnamese removable subtitles.

Extras:  

- Interviews with Chow Sing Chi, Cecilia Cheung, Karen Mok and Lee Lik Chee

- Footage from the movie premiere and press conference

- A local television show preview for the film

- Talent Files for Chow Sing Chi, Cecilia Cheung, Karen Mok, Ng Man Tat and Lee Lik Chee

- Trailers for 'King Of Comedy', 'Gorgeous', 'Hot War', and 'Rush Hour'

Sadly all of these are provided without English subtitles.