Stephen Chow, well known for low-brow slapstick cinema, is the lead character Wei Shu bo, a con man who finds himself caught in the middle of vast conspiracies and ultimately both a pro-Ming rebel and a high-ranking Ching royal official through a series of highly improbable circumstances.

The films play loose with history, but the setting is inspired on the early years of the real-life Emperor Kang Hsi, a long reigning monarch who was one of China's great rulers. Before he stabilized the Empire, he had faced and overcome a number of dangerous threats from within and without. Thus, these momentous events serve as the backdrop of Wei's escapades.

He not only becomes the Emperor's loyal officer, but also retains the complete confidence of the rebel leader Chan Kan Nam, so it's highly entertaining to watch Wei utilize every bit of his smooth talking wit to stay one step ahead of an increasing array of enemies, as well as seduce one beautiful woman after another!

Nonetheless, despite his opportunism, greed, and lust, Wei remains a likeable character, as he genuinely cares for those close to him and somehow never betrays either of his two masters.

Another thing to keep in mind is that notwithstanding the subtitles and the physical gags, some knowledge of Chinese history and the Cantonese language can be very helpful to better understand the more subtle humor and wit sprinkled throughout both movies.

Lastly, those expecting classic martial arts action should be forewarned that the fights are more "wife fu" than "kung fu," but the choreography is still quite clever, expecially the use of acupuncture by the villain in the 2nd movie to control 6 mean-looking lama monks.

All in all, it's rollicking good fun.