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R E V I E W
Fighting for Love
Universe / 2001 / 101 minutes
Directed by Joe Ma Wai-Ho
Written by Joe Ma Wai-Ho, Aubrey Lam Oi Wa, Taures Chow Yin-HanWith Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Sammi Cheng Sau-Man, Chow Lai Kei, Joe Lee Yiu Ming
B A C K G R O U N D : director, in cinemas, recent and related films
Joe Ma Wai-Ho has contributed to more than 25 scripts since 1987 and directed his first film, Rich Man, in 1992. This is the 12th film he has directed. Past efforts include the Feel 100% series of films, The Golden Girls, and Lawyer, Lawyer. He also served as a producer for a number of interesting films, including Bullets Over Summer, Juliet in Love, Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner!, and A War Named Desire.
The film played in Hong Kong cinemas in June 2001.
M O V I E : plot, performances, production, rating
Plot: A traffic accident brings together Deborah, a high-strung businesswoman, and Veg, successful owner of a fast food shop that specializes in bull organ soup. Fiercely combative about the accident, they end up in bed after too much drinking one night. Deborah's thoughts of pursuing a relationship with Veg are dashed when she learns that he has a famous girlfriend, Mindy (she is television's "Eat Drink Warrior"). Nonetheless, Deborah and Veg become friends, and, after prompting from Veg's mother, Deborah decides to "fight for her love." Who will Veg choose?
Performances: Tony Leung Chiu-Wai is typically charming as Veg. Some comedic asides are funny solely because of his facial expressions. He and Sammi Cheng Sau-Man (as Deborah) engage in quick-witted banter and make for a soulful couple. Chow Lai Kei provides support as the initially quite engaging Mindy, and Joe Lee Yiu Ming is Veg's friend Camel, who pops up in the most unexpected places from time to time.
Production: The humor is full of jokes that are outdated and humor that is prehistoric -- the main characters smoke constantly and try getting drunk as an excuse to have one last night of passion; other characters seem to have fun poked at them because of their mental deficiencies; one character jokes about having an abortion, and so forth. Yet from the very first frame, the bright color scheme (expertly captured by cinematographer Cheung Man-Po), breezy tone (set thanks to an ace editing job by Cheung Ka-Fai), and cheery musical score (with several catchy songs and original music by Lincoln Lo), all combine to paint an alternate reality where nothing but the heart should be taken seriously. And those all too predictable romantic moments work because the performances of Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Sammi Cheng Sau-Man are grounded in reality. Although this light-as-air tale threatens to clunk to earth several times, director Joe Ma Wai-Ho manages to keep it just barely inflated until it puffs to an agreeable conclusion.
Rating: Category IIB. Drunkenness, some sexually descriptive words, and some profanity.
D V D : look, sound, subtitles, features
Look: The letterboxed (approximately 1.85:1) presentation is excellent. The colors are well saturated, black tones are deep, and flesh tones look quite varied and natural. The source print is extremely clean.
Sound: I listened to the DD 5.1 Cantonese sound track, and it sounded fine and musical. Also included is a DD 5.1 Mandarin version.
Subtitles: The white (with black backing) removable English subtitles were a trifle small but generally easy to read with not too many evident errors. The big challenge for English readers is that the dialogue is spoken so rapidly in parts that the subtitles simply fly by. In a couple of instances no translation is provided; this is especially notable at the end of the film, when the message on a sign is not translated and the footage that runs alongside the end credits is not subtitled. Traditional and simplified Chinese subtitles are also provided.
Features: Eight chapters can be selected from a video capture menu. Stars' files are provided for Tony Leung, Sammi Cheng, and Joe Ma. The film's original theatrical trailer is included, as are trailers for Heroes in Love plus three American films (What Women Want, Dr. T & the Women, The Gift). A 20-minute "making of" featurette includes interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, and is, happily, subtitled in English as well as traditional and simplified Chinese. A music video with Sammi Cheng rounds out the package.
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N : buy, rent, or pass?
Rent. Enjoyable, lightweight romantic entertainment. May be worth a purchase for fans of the two stars.
(Reviewed 9/10/01)
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