| I read a few reviews of this movie around the net and found that it had received a lukewarm reception. Keys to this prevailing sentiment can be found in its well trodden premise and use of the Chinese national past-time, mahjong, as the primary story driving force. I feel that the former is a fair criticism whereas the latter is simply a matter of taste.
Admittedly, this comedy does revolve around repeated sessions of tile slapping. I am quite fond of the game myself. This does on some level skew my sympathy for this film so keep that in mind. If you are looking for a film involving a lot of mahjong, then read no further kind sir or madam! Go out and acquire this gem from the nearest video emporium or favorite online retailer.
As for the rest of you, please digest the following paragraphs with the utmost attention. Let me tell you of the days of high adventure!
Um...I might have overstated the action element in the prior sentence. Sorry. Anyway, Andy Lau is the Mahjong Warrior. A moniker that must be admitted as being poorly suited to imbue fear in ones opponents. I guess that observation is a product of my western eyes because his adversaries "drop a pant load" at his mere appearance (if I may employ a rather crude colloquialism). These adversaries are best described as mahjong gangsters. Their leader dons the regalia , exhibits the locomotion, and cops the attitude of a hip-hop artist. These mahjong gang-bangers are unique enough to entertain and ludicrous enough to coax the occasional guffaw. Also assisting Andy in this comedic enterprise are his single-celled brother, a bottomlessly naive IT professional, his ex-girlfriend, a pining stalker that won't quit till she's Mrs. Mahjong Warrior (she has a rather short fuse too), and his mom, a completely senile kook who plays mahjong (of course!) to help her memory (it doesn't seem to help much).
I really enjoyed this film. It's fun and that's it. It's shallow on plot but somehow heavy on entertainment. You see Andy Lau and mahjong fans can find a common ground! |