Luk ding gei

I know ROYAL TRAMP is a popular title in Stephen Chow's filmography, but I found it oddly lacking as a movie. I think the problem might be the combination of director Wong Jing and star Chow, as the two never seem to gel as well together as they really should. I like a lot of Jing's movies as well as Chow's movies, but putting them together like this doesn't work all that well. The plot is some nonsensical scattershot silliness about an evil emperor and Chow's undercover mission to spy on him. The wirework-heavy action scenes, packaged as they are with outlandish cheesy gore effects, are the hightlights here, but the mugging, puerile humour becomes quickly wearisome.

Slapstick Stephen Chow / Wong Jing comedy, which follows the exploits of hapless but well-meaning Wai Xiao Bao (or, er, Wilson Bond) as he manages to land himself in the middle of a power struggle between warring dynasties.

The bawdy humour is purely physical enough for the movie to be enjoyed even if you have to rely on the somewhat flaky subtitles (I was watching the Deltamac version). Naturally, Chow's more verbal comedy doesn't translate well to English, but there's still plenty to enjoy in this lively spoof, including some surprisingly good kung fu, Chingamy Yau as a cheeky princess, and a cameo by Brigitte Lin to set up the sequel. Good fun.

"Royal Tramp" (aka "Luk ting kei") is a fairly straight forward, if not archetypical, Stephen Chow movie, for better or worse. If you are a fan of his movies, then you will definitely like "Royal Tramp", no doubt about it. However, if you are not overly keen on his work, I suppose this 1992 movie might be somewhat of a bitter pill to swallow.

The storyline in "Royal Tramp" is one that combines drama, action and, of course, comedy, in the usual Stephen Chow way. And that is what works for the movie, that is definitely something that I enjoy. However, these historical periodic dramas come a dime a dozen and tend to be a bit too trivial. Such is the thing with "Royal Tramp" as well, were it not for the injected elements of comedy.

Something that definitely works well in favor of "Royal Tramp" is the cast ensemble. Of course you have the always likeable Stephen Chow in the lead role. And he is joined by the likes of Chingmy Yau, Sandra Kwan Yue Ng and Man Cheung, just to mention some of the more recognizable of faces for those slightly familiar with the Hong Kong cinema. And I will say that people in the movie definitely performed quite well here. Sure, it was somewhat typical performances for a movie of this caliber, so it is not something new or innovative.

This is a watchable movie, although it is not one that is readily one you sit down to watch soon thereafter. I have seen the movie three times since 1992, so a fair amount of time needs to lapse between each viewing.

While "Royal Tramp" is not the best of action comedy that the Hong Kong cinema has to offer, it is definitely one that could prove worth your time and effort to watch. My rating of "Royal Tramp" from writer and director Jing Wong lands on a six out of ten stars.

The Royal Tramp (1992) was an epic film that was split into two volumes. The Wong Jing period action/comedy stars Stephen Chow in this all-star cast. Chow stars as Wilson Bond, an employee in a brother where her sister works. His job is to keep the johns entertained before they're serviced. One day, he's caught up in a web of political intrigue when a member of the Heaven and Earth Society (Damian Lau) sneaks into the brothel seeking refuge. In awe of this secret society member, he agrees to help him out. Sneak into the Empress' chambers and steal a book. An easy job, but Wilson Bond get's more than he bargains for. Will Wilson get the job done? Who's pulling the strings behind closed doors? Can Chow help the society achieve it's goals? To find out you have to watch this funny film THE ROYAL TRAMP VOLUME ONE.

This odd comedy co-stars Nat Chan, Chingmy Yau, Sandra Ng, Ng Man Tat, Elvis Tsui, Paul (Chiang) Chu and Fennie Yuen. Featuring a guest spot by Brigette Lin. Directed and written by Wong Jing. Fight direction by Ching Siu-Tung. Immediately followed by VOLUME TWO.

Highly recommended.

Laughing was the only action (besides watching) I did throughout the entire movie. Wilson Bond, played by Cantonese comedian (Stephen) Chow Sing Chi, works with his sister {(Sandra) Ning Kwan Yue} at a local brothel. The poor lad experience several unexpected events all in one day, like being forced to steal Empress Dowager's book of 42 chapters and almost had his "thing" chopped off because he was mistaken for an eunuch at the royal palace. Really funny and worth watching the entire length of the movie.