Ying qian zhuan jia

April 2021

No review for this one so far, i have seen it 3 or 4 times, but unfortunately i have not found a version with english subs, if i could i would probably be rating it even higher.

Its a Wong JIng comedy mainly about gambling with a large dollop of comedy and a bit of ghosty stuff too, so you should know what to expect.

Typically filled with wonderful actors such as, Sandra Ng, Nat Chan, Lam Ching Ying and Wong Jing himself.

Well worth watching even without the subs.

At least 8 out of 10, with subs i am sure it would be a 9.

Gambling Queen (Sandra Ng) obtains a briefcase containing $500,000 cash and some incriminating evidence against the Thai Gambling King (James Tien). After the Gambling Queen is killed in a face-off against the Thai King's thugs, her ghost enlists two hapless, bumbling gamblers (Wong Jing and Ng Man-Tat) to help protect her sister (Chingmy Yau) who is now in possession of the suitcase.

As usual for a Wong Jing film, Money Maker is a mash up of multiple genres - in this case ghost/comedy/gambling with a dash of kung fu. Not everything works but there's certainly enough here for a few chuckles. Admittedly, I found Sandra Ng's OTT antics quite amusing in this and a funny Charlie Chin cameo early on in the film gets things off to a good start. There are a few neat visual effects too - especially the card animations and a flying head gag. There's also the mandatory Taoist vs Black Magic battle during the climatic card game with Lam Ching-Ying putting in one of his usual turns as a priest.

The film drags slightly in spots and the ending could've been better but recommended if you're a fan of HK comedy or any of the lead actors.

(Review source: Taiwan VHS (Mandarin with English subs) & HK LD (Cantonese only))

3 out of 5.