Writer: Peter Chai

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Kungfu Mahjong”, “Kungfu Mahjong II”

During the 1990s, audience were willing to buy tickets to laugh out loud at the "mou lei tau" or "nonsense and pointless" antics created by comedian Stephen Chow and director Wong Jing in Hong Kong comedies. But as time goes by, such movies have become cliches, and as a result, it eventually appears tasteless to us in terms of its ideas because we are tired with it and nowadays everyone is craving for fresh elements to be instilled into new Hong Kong comedies. However, until today, Wong Jing is still carrying on with the spirit of slapstick comedies by matching it with one of the biggest social problems that happen very often around us, which is gambling, in his latest directorial effort for "Mr And Mrs Gambler".

"Mr And Mrs Gambler" presents the silly story of how gambling can make or break a relationship, as represented by Manfred (Chapman To) and Flora (Fiona Sit), both who are extremely addicted to the thrill of wagering money in hopes of obtaining more money. They meet by making their first bet together on the tables and after encountering some hardships in Macau's casino, these two individuals fall in love with each other, although they cannot seem but let gambling rule their daily lives and marriage.

Many have been wondering whether the Hong Kong movie industry can still produce great comic actors like Michael Hui, Ricky Hui and Stephen Chow in this new era. It is safe to say that Chapman To could be the successor of these stars as he has the guts to show his own characteristic sense of humour, in body language and words, as he plays his character in this comedy drama. In this one hour and fourteen minute film, To knows how to utilize his skills to entertain the audience. He does not exaggerate his role, but acts to complement his co-stars in every scene.

The casting of Fiona Sit in this comedy allows us to see her improvement in comedic acting apart from her singing talent in real life. Do not be surprised that you will keep laughing at her portrayal about the ugly side of female gambling addict.

You might think that "Mr And Mrs Gambler" is similar to Wong's 1989 production, "God Of Gamblers", but the fact is that the story is absolutely different. The director did not only include parodies of other popular movies like he used to do in his previous pieces, instead he emphasized on the plots of the movie that are capable in touching your heart and make you aware of the importance of love and family.

Overall, "Mr And Mrs Gambler" is definitely not another disappointing Hong Kong comedy as you may have expected. You will laugh from the beginning until the end of the movie as well as learn some moral lessons from the gambling issues presented in the story.

Cinema Online, 23 February 2012