Fast, chaotic, full of political tension at foreign influence and creating a number of emotions all at once, "Hong Kong 1941" could perhaps represent Hong Kong in any number of years over the last century or so. Spanning a range of genres, British director Leong Po-chih's film entertains, with all the raw energy of Eighties Hong Kong cinema at its best.
As the War in Asia rolls on, the Japanese are soon to push the British out of Hong Kong, forcing a stricter regime on the lives of young Hong Kongers Fei (Chow Yun-fat), Nam (Cecilia Yip) and Keung (Alex Man). Fei is something of a wandering dreamer, roaming the streets, where he meets Keung. Keung wants to marry the troubled Nam, though her wealthy father (Shih Kien) already intends to arrange her marriage.
Getting by as best they can, they live a happy life together. But the regime change leads Fei to take up a role as a local enforcer for the Japanese, performing raids; while Keung tries to make money any way he can in a plan to flee the island. Fei's good work, Keung's scheming and Nam's looks all attract unwanted attention, and escape will involve betrayal and sacrifice along the way.
Leong keeps things varied, starting this off as a comedy-drama as Fei and Keung meet as lovable rogues, eschewing authority as they try to make their way through times of struggle and general poverty. Scripted by Sammo Hung, you can also see his influence in the fight and action sequences, combining ingenuity with Chow's handsome smile at all times.
As the Japanese arrive, however, things become both political and much more brutal. There are some strong images and moments making it very evident who the bad guy is. While before actions were to make money and get rice, now all decisions are laced with a political meaning, giving up one's beliefs to get by, more than likely having to show loyalty to the hand that feeds.
Throughout, there is also the love story between Nam and Keung and how Fei turns it into a happy triangle. On the end, however, this love is more than just romance and something worth dying for.
All this variety makes for a typically chaotic Eighties Hong Kong film, with fast action, humour and dialogue. The action sequences and tightly choreographed, though have some quite graphic and brutal violence at times. As ever, a young Chow Yun-fat and Alex Man fill the screen with charisma throughout, with Chow's trademark grin regularly on display, whether happy, laughing, angry or in agony. This film has every emotion going.
And an Eighties Hong Kong film can easily handle this chaotic fast-pacing, walking the line between action, comedy, political drama and romance well, giving a full entertainment package. Maybe not an all-time classic, but certainly a film that works at any time.
Politic1983.home.blog.
