Happiness Is No Joke
What there is of a plot in this drama serves mainly as a vehicle for the exploration of character. In the story, Michel (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) is a recent widower. As the story opens, he and his friend Andre (Philippe Nahon) are sharing a drink on Christmas Eve. He takes a yellow scarf from a woman he knows (Laura Morante) and teasingly refuses to return it. Throughout the remainder of the film, the scarf reappears, as does the woman, until they wind up in bed together at the end of the film. Before that happens, Michel wanders around Paris, viewing the festivities with a jaundiced eye which serves to heighten the unattractiveness of those he observes. Later he has dinner with a group at Andre's house, and his poor opinion of human nature is amply supported by the events that occur then.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy businessman, Chu, attempts to win the heart of a woman he met briefly, Lily. He employs a series of elaborate schemes and disguises, often with the help of his eccentric sidekick, Uncle Tat. Despite numerous comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, Chu tries his best to prove his sincerity and win Lily's affection. The film is filled with slapstick humor and lighthearted romantic pursuits.
Critical Reception
The film was a commercial success in Hong Kong, known for its fast-paced humor and the popular chemistry between Stephen Chow and Athena Chu. While not a critical darling, it resonated with audiences for its entertainment value and classic Stephen Chow-style comedy.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its energetic and often absurd comedic style.
- The chemistry between the lead actors is a significant draw.
- A light and entertaining romantic comedy with typical Stephen Chow elements.
Google audience: Audience reception generally highlights the film's humor and romantic storyline, finding it a fun and enjoyable watch typical of Stephen Chow's early work.
Fun Fact
The film is also known by its English title, 'He's the Man, You're the Woman', and is part of Stephen Chow's extensive filmography of comedic romantic films from the 1990s.
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