The Conman
Director: Wong Jing
Year: 1998
Rating: 6.5
Considering that
this film falls into the Hong Kong gambling genre and is also directed by
Wong Jing, it is a very low key and mellow film. No one ever seems too hurried
here for anything much to happen and there is not any real doubt in the viewer’s
mind that the conclusion will be amenable as well. The film starts off with
a bit of an edge to it, with Andy Lau, a gambler, getting ready for a big
match by relaxing with his mistress. His wife is waiting for him outside
the door, but he has no time for her. He caustically remarks to her “I just
put on my pants five minutes ago. Does that answer any question?” He is a
total jerk. And in fact a cheater as well – not only to his wife, but in
his work also. He gets caught this night though and in the ensuing brawl
kills someone and is sentenced to jail for five years.
The time in jail though seems to change
him for the better (and thankfully rids him of his pencil moustache!), but
it takes any edge away from the film. He is Mr. Nice Guy now – helping everyone
– but still earning his way through gambling. His wife has disappeared, but
he rents a room from the sister (Athena Chu) of his protégé
- Nicky Cheung. She tells him not to even think about romance because he
is much too old for her. Poor Andy! Getting too old for the girls. Don’t
worry, before all is over Athena realizes older guys are better! My kind
of woman.
At any rate the film meanders about for
quite a while in an easy going and fairly enjoyable manner until Waise Lee
(in shaven head mode) forces him to go back to his cheating ways. He fakes
a TV showing of the Brazil-France World Cup match with Wong Jing directing
that as well and they even produce their own ridiculous commercials. Funny
stuff. Don’t expect a lot of exciting gambling or action scenes here. The
strength of the film rests on Lau’s and the rest of the cast’s charming and
relaxing performances and they make this an enjoyable way to spend a little
time.
