Watches
October 11, 2008
Jing Wong sure loves gambling. Not so much with his films, as he once again plays it pretty safe, but gambling is a topic that features so often in his film that he almost single-handedly created his own niche. It's a genre mix that's probably best experienced as it's a really odd blend of comedy, crime and fantasy gambling, but it sure makes for some decent entertainment.
The first (and longest) part of the film is a pretty straight-forward and somewhat surprisingly serious crime film. Not that it's particularly dark or anything, but Wong's usual farcical elements are mostly absent and Andy Lau is allowed to put his flair to good use. Some rather stylish scenes and proper pacing make for a fine first 80 minutes.
Then Wong himself makes an appearance and it's full-on slapstick after that. It's a pretty sudden turn in tone, it also comes quite unexpected and Wong's comedy isn't for everyone, personally I didn't really mind. Then again, I quite like Wong's goofy side. Definitely not a masterpiece, no Wong films really are, but at least it's good and proper fun from start to finish.
More by the director
Jing Wong

The Last Hero in China

A True Mob Story

Casino Tycoon

Challenge of the Gamesters

Chasing the Dragon

Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch

Colour of the Loyalty

Colour of the Truth

From Vegas to Macau

From Vegas to Macau III

Hail the Judge

Holy Weapon

I Corrupt All Cops

Kung Fu Master

Legend of the Liquid Sword

Legend of the Red Dragon

Moving Targets

Mr. & Mrs. Gambler

My Kung Fu Sweetheart

New Kung Fu Cult Master

On His Majesty's Secret Service

Princess and Seven Kung Fu Masters

Royal Tramp

Royal Tramp II

The Golden Monk

The Last Tycoon

The Saint of Gamblers

To Live and Die in Mongkok

Boys Are Easy

Casino Tycoon II

Everyday Is Valentine

Fight Back to School III

From Vegas to Macau II

Future Cops

Future X-Cops

God of Gamblers

God of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage

God of Gamblers II

God of Gamblers III: Back to Shanghai

God of Gamblers' Return

Jade Crystal

Mission Milano

Set Up

Sixty Million Dollar Man

The Sting II

The Ultimate Trickster

Treasure Inn

Winner Takes All

Wise Guys Never Die

Casino Raiders

City Hunter

Dances with the Dragon

Ghost Fever

Girl with the Diamond Slipper

Hong Kong Ghost Stories

Kung Fu Mahjong

Kung Fu Mahjong 2

Prince Charming

Slim Till Dead

Step into the Dark

The Big Score

The Conmen in Vegas

The Tricky Master

Treasure Hunt

Truant Hero

Wits of the Brats

Born to Gamble

High Risk

Honesty

Hong Kong Playboys

How to Pick Girls Up

Love Is a Many Stupid Thing

Love Me, Love My Money

Marry a Perfect Man

Mercenaries from Hong Kong

Mr. & Mrs. Player

Mr. Possessed

My Schoolmate the Barbarian

My Wife Is a Gambling Maestro

Queen of Triads 2

Return to a Better Tomorrow

The Crazy Companies

The Crazy Companies II

The Flying Mr. B

The Romancing Star

The Spy Dad

To Live and Die in Tsimshatsui

Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star

We Are No Bad Guys

Whatever You Want

Beauty on Duty

Doubles Cause Troubles

Fascinating Affairs

Hard Boiled 2 - The Last Blood

I Love Lolanto

Men Suddenly in Love

Perfect Girls

Prince Charming

Raped by an Angel 4: The Raper's Union

Sex and the Beauties

The Romancing Star III

Crying Heart

Haunted Jail House
