Gorgeous (1999) Movie Review

ackie Chan stretches his acting muscles in this romantic comedy - with action thrown in. While his acting is still under question, the film itself proves enjoyably fluffy. Superstar performers stretching in new directions seems to be this years trend. First we had Stephen Chow in King of Comedy, where he took his loser characteristics turned them into something more substantial and effective. Now Jackie Chan has his turn. Gorgeous is definitely a departure. This is a romantic comedy with action thrown in, sometimes even awkwardly. Its still amusing and fun, but uneven and stilted. Shu Qi is Bu, a Taiwanese villager who longs for romance and adventure. Shes offered marriage by longtime admirer Longyi (Richie Yam), but a message in a bottle catches her fancy. The message: Dont you know Im waiting for you? That romantic platitude is enough to send her packing in Hong Kong, where she searches for Albert, writer of the mash note. Fortunately Albert is played by Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. Unfortunately hes gay. Bu nevertheless stays in HK, where she chances upon another suitor. Wealthy recycling magnate C.N. (Jackie Chan) is an uncommitted player whos locked in a wacky rivalry with childhood classmate L.W. (Emil Chow). Bu saves him from one of L.W.s schemes, and is immediately smitten. Then in one of those plot twists that only happen in the movies, Bu schemes to win his heart by devising an elaborate charade where she masquerades as a Taiwanese gangsters moll. What follows is the typical sappy romance montage which tries us for everything were worth. Ultimately C.N. ends up realizing Bus value and must chase her lest he regret it. Oh, and theres some fighting thrown in. Said fighting is of the usual Jackie Chan variety: fun, with inventive choreography and pacing. But its only a window dressing to the film. Gorgeous is is really a love story and a questionably affecting one at that. Vincent Kok is an excellent director, but his films have typically had a finer comic edge. This film relies far too much on the charisma of its stars to carry it, and despite his wonderful persona Chan is ultimately not much of an actor. He can say the lines but he cant bring anything new to this genre other than the fight sequences, which arent even the main point of the movie. In fact, Gorgeous is practically a deconstruction of Chans usual films. For once, Jackies enemy isnt an evil foe or dastardly organization - its himself. One of the more subtle joys of the film is a clever theme reversal (to win, Jackie shouldnt fight!). Still, Id have to say that The King of Comedy is better because it hits the dizzying heights that HK Cinema is renowned for. Stephen Chow manages to use his talents to show unexpected depths, while Jackie Chan reveals the fact that he cant do much more than he already has. Gorgeous merely puts Jackie in a film in which you wouldnt expect to see him - and thats that. Thankfully, the other actors prove entertaining. Shu Qi mugs and pouts her way through a serviceably fun performance, while Tony Leung manages to steal nearly all his scenes. The multitudes of big-name cameos are fun too, especially the one by HKs other big superstar. As fluffy Lunar New Year fun, Gorgeous more than suffices.

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