Gam gai

In the mildly amusing "Golden Chicken," Sandra Ng, the tough lesbian Sister Thirteen from the "Young and Dangerous" series, plays the hooker with the heart of gold. Her life story is a metaphor for Hong Kong, which acts the eager courtesan with her different masters, but should not be judged harshly because it suffers many privations and is doing the best it can. The newsreel clips interspersed throughout the film try to keep the parallel going, but it wears thin and the ending is maudlin. Tony Leung briefly turns this entertainment into a real film during the short time he is on camera. The smarmy Andy Lau is a self parody as the fairy godfather. "Golden Chicken" provides insight as to how Hong Kong views itself, and is therefore interesting viewing if one cares to know the answer.

This movie was really funny, not only was it about Kam's life as a hooker but the hardships,the ups and downs Hong Kong went through during those decades. If they did this film later, she could've described what it was like to live through the SARS scare in Hong Kong.

I loved Sandra in this movie, she was totally being herself..haha

It is a great fun comedy and sure can make you laugh loudly, perhaps for those who understand Cantanese only, as the punchline are quite local.

First, the film has a strong story line which is about the career of Kam, a 45 years-old prostitute in Hong Kong. The background of most scenes are Hong Kong in 70s and 80s. The acting, dress up, envirnoment make the movie full of taste of 70s-80s, which is very successful. You will not boring throughout the whole movie.

Second, the cast is great. A lot of great stars such as Erci Tsang, Andy Lau, Tony Leung and Eason Chan are act as guest appearance in this film, which make the film more attractive. The acting of Sandra Ng is also great, perhaps because she may find this role's personality quite similar to her.....Anyway, her great acting make her nominated for the Best Actress In Leading Role of Hong Kong Film Awards this year. (nominated as Best Picture as well)

Third, the film can let you understand how a prostitute turn up to down during 90s, same as the economic condition. It make you to commiserate the experience of Kam, as well as the condition of Hong Kong.

Highly recommended.

8/10

I just got in from watching a surprise from the Chicago International Film Festival. This movie replaced another which had sold out so I wasn't planning on seeing it but it fit the slot. Delightfully so. I would venture that it's my favorite movie of the year.

Kum's life goes through absurd beginnings to humble endings and with it a rollercoaster journey. One minute you're laughing, the next you're on the verge of tears -- the latter quite a challenge. I would be surprised and disheartened if it doesn't get a nod this festival.

this movie first got my attention when it drew rave reviews in HK early this year, but when I rent the DVD, I thought it was even better than what I expected, overall I think this is the most entertaining HK movie of the year. I like it better than "Wu Jian Dao" (Infernal Affairs) which was voted the best HK movie the same year. I just think Gam Gai is a more entertaining and more memorable movie. Not to mention the great performance by Sandra Ng. The story is touching and very funny at times, and although it's a bit predictable, the ending is still very good. I plan to buy the DVD after renting the DVD. Highly recommended. 9/10