R E V I E W

Every Dog Has His Date

Universe | 2001 | 108 minutes
Directed by James Yuen Sai-Sang
Written by James Yuen Sai-Sang

With Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Michelle Reis

B A C K G R O U N D
director, in cinemas, recent and related films

This is the seventh film that James Yuen Sai-Sang has directed. His previous films include Rumble Ages, Your Place or Mine, and Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner! Before he began directing, Yuen had established himself as a scriptwriter, working on a large number of films during the 1990's, such as A Moment of Romance, Always on My Mind, and He's a Woman, She's a Man.

The film opened in Hong Kong cinemas in late November 2001.

M O V I E

plot
In her professional life, Sharon has found success working for a production company that makes television commercials. In her personal life, however, Sharon always seems to pick losers who dump her quickly. Her one true companion is her golden retriever, Man. Because of a freak occurrence during a lightning storm, Man magically switches minds with the uncouth Fai, a set designer recently hired by Sharon. Trapped in the body of Fai, Man finds himself irresistibly drawn to his master, Sharon. She is divided between looking for her beloved dog, and finding herself drawn both to Fai and a friendly veterinarian, Albert.

performances
Michelle Reis looks very beautiful and well embodies the rather desperate straits in which her character finds herself. Nick Cheung Ka Fai is funny to watch, but in other, more emotional scenes he appears a bit out of his element.

production
James Yuen Sai-Sang is an experienced writer, but his script lacks a good structure. The very premise of the story (which was even more prominent in the advertising for the movie, -- note picture at right) is plain, so it shouldn't take nearly 30 minutes to get to the point when Man and Fai switch.

After that, there are some entertaining scenes in which Nick Cheung Ka Fai does his best impression of a dog. But the speed with which he is able to pass himself off as a real human is too quick, so we simply wait for some plot twists to be tossed in before arriving at the ending. Yuen's script contains some apt observations about love and romance, but they feel stranded by the arid material surrounding them.

If you're in the mood for some undemanding laughs, and generally enjoy Nick Cheung Ka Fai's brand of humor, this might fit the bill. Otherwise, pass on by.

The beautiful cinematography (all the women look wonderful) is by Tony Cheung Tung-Leung (Sealed With a Kiss, Love au Zen, Glass Tears). The dependable Lincoln Lo composed the cheerful music. Leung Gwok Wing (Doctor No) was the film editor.

rating
Category IIB. Mild profanities, sexual innuendos, on-screen vomiting.

D V D

look
The letterboxed presentation looks very good indeed, with strong and vibrant colors and very deep blacks. The flesh tones look especially good, especially with a beauty like Michelle Reis. The source print has a few stray scratches.

sound
The Cantonese DD 5.1 audio track is OK. Most of the sound comes from the front channels. Normally that would be fine for a comedy, but the absence of surround channel engagement is especially noticeable during the thunderstorm scenes. Also included is a Mandarin DD 5.1 track.

subtitles
The white removable English subtitles are easy to see, but the translation is quite rough. The best way I can describe them is "serviceable, but disappointing." Also included are traditional and simplified Chinese subtitles.

features
Nine chapters can be selected from a video-capture menu. Stars' files (brief biographies and film listings) are provided for Michelle Reis and Nick Cheung Ka Fai. The original theatrical trailer is included, as is a trailer for Funeral March (under "More Attractions").

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
buy, rent, or pass?

Rent. Low priority. Some funny bits, but a disappointing follow-up by director James Yuen after his last film, Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner!

(Reviewed by Peter A. Martin; February 28, 2002)

THIS DVD IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT HKFLIX.COM