Drop Dead Gorgeous Review
by Ron Strong (rs080455 AT pacbell DOT net)September 11th, 1999
GOLDEN HARVEST PRESENTS A JACKIE CHAN PRODUCTION OF A VINCENT KOK FILM JACKIE CHAN TONY LEUNG CHIU-WAI SHU QI "GORGEOUS" ('Bo Lei Cheun' translation 'The Glass Bottle') RICHARD YAM YIN-CHAI EMIL CHOW EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS STEPHEN CHU & DAVID CHAN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER PATRICIA CHENG EDITED BY KONG CHI-LEUNG COSTUME DESIGN BY DORA NG AND SHIRLEY CHAN ACTION CHOREOGRAPHY BY JACKIE CHAN & TH JC STUNTMEN TEAM ORIGINAL SCORE BY DENNIE WONG VISUAL EFFECTS BY MENFOND ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCED BY JACKIE CHAN SCREENPLAY BY VICENT KOK AND ANOY LAW ORIGIANL STORY BY IVY HO DIRECTED BY VINCENT KOK
In Cantonese/Mandarin with English Subtitles. 119 minutes Widescreen (2:35.1) Not Rated
"Man and Woman are together at first, but once they come to Earth, they spend forever looking for each other" That sentiment begins the journey of Goldie Bu (Shi Qi), a young girl from Taiwan. She is an adventurous young woman raised by her restaurant owner parents. One afternoon, a young fisherman Long Yi (Richard Yam Yin-chai) proposes to Bu. Bu is amused, but she is not attracted to the young man. Speaking with her Mother (Elaine Jin), Bu is told the true meaning of love, that you can watch the person you love regardless of what they do, and still feel comfortable and thrilled.
On the Island, Bu has an unusual friend in a school of dolphins. One morning she confesses her feelings of Long Yi to one of the Dolphins. It is then that she finds a bottle floating near the dock. Inside is a note, which reads "I'm waiting for You.. Albert". Bu is intrigued and excited by the message, half believing that the message may be meant for her. Bu decides to leave for Hong Kong to search for her Prince Charming.
Arriving in Hong Kong, Bu meets up with Albert. But, no romance is in the offing as Albert admits to being gay and that the note was meant for his ex-boyfriend. He demands that Bu leave and return to Taiwan. Bu is heartbroken. Being soft hearted, Albert agrees to let Bu stay with him for a while, turning her quest for romance into a vacation. Albert is a high class make-up artist and photographer. Bu becomes his assistant. One morning while out at sea photographing some models, Bu meets up with C.N. Chan (Jackie Chan) a high powered business man and stock market player. Bu rescues C.N. from an attack by L.W. (Emil Chow), C.N.'s business and lifelong rival. C.N. mistakes Bu for a Vietnamese girlfriend of a powerful Hong Kong mobster, and Bu goes along with the charade in a chance to win his heart.
With Albert's help, Bu stages a naively conceived attack by some (obviously fey) gangsters. C.N. comes to her rescue, and the romance begins. C.N. is being confronted continually by his nemesis L.W. leading to a fight with an Australian fighter who beats C.N. mercilessly. Bu consoles C.N. after his loss, and convinces him that he needs to have more fun. C.N. agrees, and the two start to have many romantic and fun days together.
It is when C.N. finally confronts Bu with his knowledge of her charade. Bu leaves unable to cope with C.N.'s manner. She refuses to be just another girlfriend to this playboy. C.N. musses, his own life coming into focus. It is when he is forced to fight again that C.N. realizes his growing affection for Bu.
Vincent Kok's 'Gorgeous' is a wonderfully wispy romantic comedy. This film is as light as anything one can remember. The films goodhearted nature and charm come as much from the ensemble cast as it does from its premise. Shu Qi is absolutely charming as the innocent girl Bu. Her natural beauty and infectious smile light up the screen. Shu plays the character of Bu as a complete innocent and keeps her that way. While her character does mature, her innocents remains intact.
Tony Leung Chiu-wai is hilarious as Albert. A gay man who sees in Bu a sense of romance that he has long forgotten. His growing fondness for her, becoming protective and nurturing. Mr. Leung deserves credit for making such a minor character so memorable and endearing. Kudos also should be given to Richard Yam Yin-chai in his first film. His portrayal of Long Yi is ripe with marvelous comic timing. His insolent romanticism is so perfect that one can't help but be amused. One marvelously timed comedic scene has Long Yi in Albert's apartment (after following Bu to Hong Kong), drunk and demanding more wine. Bu having stumbled onto the scene, hides in the refrigerator. Albert must try to keep Bu from freezing or suffocation while hiding her from Long Yi, who stumbles around the kitchen looking for sake.
And what can be said about Jackie Chan in his first romantic lead. Well, Chan is up to the challenge. His charming and disarming smile is on display for much of the film. His warmth and growing attachment to Bu is honest and believable. C.N. is a man who has everything, but the one thing he misses most is his innocent. With Bu, he is able to find it. Jackie plays the part of C.N. as a man of high morals and low aspirations, a wonderful contradiction of modern day Hong Kong. He does not attack his enemies as much as punish them in ways that would make them see the errors of their ways. Jack's moral that honor and respect are more important than personal gain is charming and welcomed.
The rest of the cast is all wonderfully played. While some characterizations may seem a little broad, it still seems natural. People with this much passion could not behave in any other way. The standout performance of this cast is by Sung yung-chen, who plays Bu's Father. His boisterous and blustery character is beautifully played.
Vincent Kok has managed to create a marvelously charming love story in "Gorgeous". The characters and situations are rise organically, never seeming to be placed there for the short sell. While the basic idea is convoluted and trite, it works within the context of the characters. Yes, Bu would fly off to Hong Kong to find her Prince Charming without knowing who he is. That is what her character is, a true romantic. The cinematography by Man Po-cheung is sumptuous as is the art direction by Yee Chung-man. The look of the film is also charming and warm. While some of the editing is a little abrupt, it is not enough to detract from the film, and only becomes noticeable in two short scenes.
And of course everyone will want to know about the fight scenes. Well, they are fantastically entertaining. Jackie has managed to do something in this film that he has never done before. He actually loses both of the main fights. But while the first fight almost breaks his spirit, the second restores it. Brad Allen who plays the Australian fighter is frightening good. Being shorter than Chan by 6 inches, his kicks and punches belay his size, making him one of Jackie's most formidable opponents. What is most amusing about the fight scenes is that there is nothing mean spirited about them. Both men respect one another and treat each other accordingly. The admonition by Bradley of "No rules, but no dirty tricks" is carried throughout the film. These characters are all honorable men caught in the service of a dishonorable society. It is through the fight scenes that Jackie's character does indeed become a Prince Charming. Even as he loses, he loses with his honor and his spirit intact.
'Gorgeous' is just that. A wonderfully candy colored romance that leaves the viewer charmed and uplifted.
A fitting film for Jackie to end the decade on. And a marvelous preview of a group of talented individuals who, I for one look forward to seeing again.
On a side note.. The film was just purchased for U.S. distribution by Sony Pictures Entertainment (Columbia / Tri-star). So expect to see a dubbed version sometime next year either theatrically on debuting on HBO.
Owned and Copyright © 1999 R.L. Strong Nothing in this article may be reproduced or altered in any
way without the express written permission of the author.
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