Ngo oi Heung Gong: Hoi sum man seoi

Refreshing, fun, but fall just short of last year's 72 Tenants of Prosperity...

Lunar New Year comedies take note; I Love Hong Kong shows all the ingredients that makes it the best of the 2011's lot. Sure there are incoherences, numerous stargazing (notably most coming out of TVB), but where other fails and the current film succeeds in delivering a film about Hong Kong people, history and its core values. Directed by Eric Tsang and funded by TVB and Shaw Brothers, I Love Hong Kong oozes the same principle as last year's refreshingly successful 72 Tenants of Prosperity and delivers something more of the same.

Then again, it is hard to go wrong with established stable of leading comedians, in the likes of veterans Tony Leung Ka Fai, Eric Tsang, Sandra Kwan, Anita Yuen and 80's favourite Stanley Fung. What made this film works is quite frankly the chemistry and fun that these actors deliver. Despite being a New Year flick, I Love Hong Kong tries hard to stay grounded and a welcoming attempt to re-create the 60s and 70s working class life in Hong Kong. Added points must be given to a creative recreation of a scene from the Mission. This is surely a refreshing and funny moment for all Hong Kong cinema followers.

All in all, I Love Hong Kong works because it doesn't try to be pretentious, but rather creating some Hong Kong defining laughs, character and fun. It's been a while since Hong Kong's New Year tradition have achieved this kind of refreshing affair. It is should be complimented that TVB and Shaw Brothers have brought us not one but two in successive years. If this is the new direction, then I am happy for Raymond Chow to retire. So basically, if you are into stargazing (both film and TV stars) and wants a decent attempt at making you laugh, refresh and enjoy, then I Love Hong Kong fits your bill perfectly. One thumbs up...(Neo 2011)

I rate it 7/10

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