The Man from Macau (2014)

The story starts with small-time conman Cool (Nicholas Tse), whose undercover policeman half-brother (Phillip Ng) is murdered by Ko (Gao Hu), the head of an illegal gambling syndicate. Cool... See full summary »

Directors:

Jing Wong, Siu-Hung Chung (co-director) (as Billy Chung)

Writer:

Jing Wong (screenplay)

Stars:

Yun-Fat Chow, Nicholas Tse, Chapman To

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yun-Fat Chow	...	Ken (Shek Yat-kin) / Ko Chun (as Yun Fat Chow)
Nicholas Tse	...	Cool / Sai-lang
Chapman To	...	Karl / Ngau-ngau
Tian Jing	...	Officer Luo Ziwen (Mainland Chinese police)
Hu Gao	...	Mr. Gao (Gao Xiansheng) / Ko (as Hugh Gao)
Annie Wu	...	Susan
Shiu Hung Hui	...	Benz
Jin Zhang	...	Gui Yan (Gao's enforcer)
Michael Wong	...	Officer Lee (Hong-Kong police)
Sammy Sum	...	Kit (Ken's right-hand man)
Kimmy Fei Tong	...	Rainbow (Shek Choi-hung) (as Kimmy Tong)
Philip Ng	...	Lionel / Lung
Natalie Yao Meng	...	Ngau-ngau's fake wife (as Natalie Meng)
Ran Hu	...	Gao's girl (Purple) (as Michelle Hu)
Tony Ho	...	Ko's assistant

Storyline

The story starts with small-time conman Cool (Nicholas Tse), whose undercover policeman half-brother (Phillip Ng) is murdered by Ko (Gao Hu), the head of an illegal gambling syndicate. Cool seeks the help of "Magic Hands" Ken (Chow Yun Fat), a legendary gambler turned casino security consultant, to battle Ko.

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Plot Keywords:

gambler | gambling | father daughter relationship | villain | macau | 

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

Hong Kong China

Language:

Cantonese Mandarin Portuguese English

Release Date:

30 January 2014 (Hong Kong)

Also Known As:

The Man from Macau

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$95,900,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bona International Film Group, Mega-Vision Project Distribution, Prosperity Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Dolby Surround 7.1

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by From Vegas to Macau II (2015)

User Reviews

A watchable, entertaining drama comedy film

Anyone who watched Hong Kong movies from the 90s should roughly know what this film is about. From Vegas to Macau is another gambling-themed action drama comedy film directed by Wong Jing (王晶) which stars Chow Yun Fatt (周润发), but note that this film is not related to the God of Gamblers series from the past.

As with many Wong Jing's films from the past, the film is full of slapstick and nonsensical 'mou-lei-tau' (无厘头) comedic jokes, some worked, providing the audience a few laughs here and there, while some don't...as some of them feel forced and superficial or due to jokes being done several times by many films in the past.

The film will not be as entertaining as it should be without Chow Yun Fatt's charismatic performance as the legendary gambler turned Macau casino lead security consultant, Ken. It's been a very long time since we get to watch him involved in such a comedic, charming role. It's quite fortunate that he still got what it takes to carry the film. As usual, we have Chapman To (杜汶泽) to provide some comic relief to relieve some tension in the midst of serious elements in the film. On the other hand, Nicholas Tse (谢霆锋) delivered a quite disappointing, below-average, unenthusiastic performance as the good-looking main hero who knows how to fight, possibly to provide some eye-candy for female audiences.

The film lacks in plot and character development for many of the supporting characters, which is quite common for many Wong Jing films, so it's expected. The film is at best when it's not taken seriously and just go with the 'flow', enjoying the comedic scenes as they come and go.

Overall, it's still a decent entertaining film to watch during the Chinese New Year festive season, due to Chow Yun Fatt's incredibly charming performance.

http://yjcool.blogspot.com/