Wong Jing: Casino tycoon (1992)

Cast: Andy Lau, Chingmy Yau, Joey Wong, Alex Man, Wilson Lam, Paul Chun
Reportedly loosely based on the life of casino tycoon Stanley Ho, this largely Macau set Wong Jing epic surely had in mind a little acclaimed (but poor in this reviewer's opinion) flick from 1991 called To Be Number One. Therefore Wong takes his time, giving us a 2 hour movie coming out at best as standard. Just because you have ideas of grandeur and can design it as much, doesn't mean you clinch your goal. Wong seems to think so.
Starting with a quick run-through of Hsin's (Andy Lau) life, starting in poor times, going through war times and his first steps towards securing a position in the world of casinos and gangsters, with him he has loyal friend Kuo (Alex Man). There's a restraint in terms of the amount of times Wong attempts to lighten up the proceedings. There's no restraint to be found in the creation of the lush surroundings though that may radiate but does symbolize a director desperately trying. And that's a fact because in the end this larger narrative doesn't have good character-drama to warrant the expansive arena. These are age old characters possessing righteousness and all that bla bla and lead Lau is running on an autopilot that makes his performance watchable only if you really try hard. Leading ladies Chingmy Yau and Joey Wong are decorations and victims in the frame but it's Alex Man's role reversal that actually registers. Easily destined for the Wilson Lam role instead (playing a rival of Hsin's), Man puts forth warmth and a funny recurring bit where he uses his only knowledge of rather naughty English in any situation. By the hour mark, rivalry, jealousy and power struggles have taken form and it's actually an easy subsequent hour to go through. Much due to some colourful over the top acting by Paul Chun and scattered offensive material coming from Wong Jing as a pregnant woman is kicked around (you take notice, not put forth thanks) It IS standard and a 40 minutes shorter running time wouldn't have been unwelcome. To Wong's credit though, you do wish to take on the sequel just because it presents itself as a shorter tale and hopefully less dreamy in terms of character and grandeur wished upon. Lau Siu-Ming and Kwan Hoi-San also appear.




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