jaedelen

An excellent parody into the workings of the Canto-pop industry for those familiar AND unfamiliar with it. Especially interesting that Leslie Cheung, a real life Canto-pop legend, plays the producer "Sam," to Carina Lau's singer-superstar "Rose." There are plenty of scenes involving music and songwriting, the best being the scene where the film's theme song "Chase" is "written" and performed by Cheung himself. Hilarious audition moments in the beginning of the film parody Chinese pop music, as well as equally funny portrayals of fan obsession. Poignant scenes between Lau and Yuen as "sisters," as well as for Cheung and Yuen while stuck in a darkened elevator. Carina Lau is perfect as the diva and Anita Yuen is truly phenomenal in her HKFilm award-winning turn as the gender-turned "Wing." Leslie Cheung is at the top of his form as straight man (no pun intended!). Laugh-out-loud comedy and great acting all around.

Being a recent fan of Tony Leung Chiu Wai ("Little Tony") led me to rent this at an obscure video store that specializes in Hong Kong film. As usual, he is adept at comedy in this particular feature, playing the materialistic Yuen. Tony Leung Kar Fai (whose acting I find overrated) was adequate as Yuen's father, as was Carina Lau ("Little Tony"'s real life girlfriend) as Yuen's mother. Although the time-travel element was a little contrived and there is no complex Oedipal issues as with "Back to the Future," I was content to suspend my disbelief and concentrate on the humor and the acting. It's a simple story of the struggle to understand the older generation and it's very heartwarming. There's a couple of musical-inspired 50's dance scenes as well as a farcical moment where both Tonys disguise themselves as female servants. If you are familiar with Tony Leung Chiu Wai's work - and wish for something lighthearted (after viewing "Cyclo" and "Ashes of Time") this is a delight to watch.