Ricky
Hui and some vampires
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/mr_vampire.htm
Michael Hui and Ricky Hui
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/people/hui_ricky.htm
R.I.P
Before Stephen Chow, there were the Hui brothers.
Throughout the history of modern Hong Kong cinema there have
undoubtedly been many stars. From Kwan Tak Hing to current stars
such as Lau Ching Wan and Sammi Cheng, numerous names have
contributed to the development and popularity of this unique film
industry.
However, few can be attributed with changing the face of Hong
Kong cinema, few can earn the overused title of 'genius'. Without
listing the reasons for and against the plethora of stars that may
be in contention, I would personally list a mere handful in this
category. Michael Hui is one of the film-makers whose contribution
certainly ranks him among this class. Before our exclusive
interview with Michael, a short foreword is in order just to give a
suitable introduction.
Michael Hui's films, at their best, combined a strong dose
of character-driven comedy with a splash of subtle slapstick
alongside a unique Cantonese sensibility. What Hui also provided
was a definite social backbone behind the humour and the
examination of the plight of the working man. His seminal
masterpiece 'The Private Eyes' is perhaps the most vivid
realisation of this; from the opening Sam Hui-sung theme to the
tracking shots of the Hong Kong populous, there is no doubt that
this is intended as more than just an exercise in comedy.
The pattern continues in the box-office smash 'Security
Unlimited' which again brings into the narrative each of the Hui
brothers well-rounded character-types. Both films are widely
regarded as the best of the Hui brothers' canon, but I would also
recommend the under-rated 'The Contract'; although lacking the
layered-storyline it is pure fun and contains some classic Michael
Hui routines, especially when he presents a crass quiz show.
'The Private Eyes
Throughout his later career, that followed the hugely successful
'Security Unlimited', Michael still produced some cinematic gems,
even though some of his output wasn't of his usual standard. Highly
recommended viewing of this period includes the wonderful
'Chocolate Inspector' and the well-loved 'Chicken And Duck Talk'.
Both films are a perfect example of the chemistry between Michael
and Ricky - a partnership that has rarely been matched. Michael's
craggy, yet appealing persona makes these two classics required
viewing for every Hong Kong film fan.
Weaker features such as 'Teppanyaki' and 'Happy Ding Dong' have
their moments, but fail to have the spark of genius that Michael's
greatest efforts have. It's hard to define what makes Michael Hui
such a master of his craft; his supreme timing, ability to produce
magic from moments of subtle stillness and the sublime character
interaction all play their part.
The composition of his talent doesn't need deep analysis to
appreciate though. Just as the works of screen legends the ilk of
Chaplin, Tati and the Marx Brothers can be much more than simple
comedy, the easiest way to really enjoy Michael Hui is to simply
sit back and lose yourself in his unique world. The reward is
priceless.
The following is an interview that Far East Films
conducted with Michael Hui via email :
Far East Films: Did you always have a gift for comedy, or did it
develop over time?
Michael Hui: I think I always had a tendency to make people
laugh ever since I was a kid although I may not be aware of it.
The skills I used in my films and talk shows I developed over
time.
FEF: Did you ever imagine, when you started working in the
industry, that you would have such a major impact on Chinese
culture?
MH: I never imagine such impact . Like all comedians, we all
started as a joke.
And in time they saw something behind the jokes and started to
look into the matter with greater depth.
FEF: Which of your films are you proudest of and why?
MH: I like 'The Private Eyes' and 'Chicken And Duck Talk' most.
'The Private Eyes' points outs the conflict between employers and
employees.
A subject matter which I am very sensitive of since childhood .
I grew up watching my father being exploited by his employers.
'Chicken And Duck Talk' comments on a very interesting subject :
The infiltration of American food culture to the orient which is
supposed to be very strong on food culture. Its seemingly
impossible , however , it succeeded ... why ?
FEF: Which of your films would you like to remake if you had the
opportunity?
MH: I seldom consider remaking my films.
FEF: Why didn't Ricky have bigger roles in 'Games Gamblers Play'
and 'The Last Message'?
MH: Because at that time , Ricky is still under contract with
Shaw Studios
FEF: Who are your major influences both as a comedian and a
film-maker?
MH: Chaplin , Leung Sing Bor ( a Chinese comedian in the 50?s
and the 60?s ), Billy Wilder and Robert Wise
FEF: Why do you think Comedy films are so undervalued by
critics?
MH: You tend to undervalue things that makes you laugh and
remember things that cause you pain.
FEF: How did you come to appear in 'Cannonball Run' and what do
you think of the finished film?
MH: Golden Harvest invited me to take a cameo role in the
picture and I thought it was fun at that time. Well , the finished
film is a lot of fun.
FEF: What do you think of the current state of Hong Kong
cinema?
MH: The Hong Kong market is at its lowest peak ever as a result
of the shrinking box office returns from all over Asia . Piracy of
copy right is one of the major reasons.
FEF: What do you think of Chow Sing Chi's work?
MH: I think he is a brilliant comedian.
FEF: Will there ever be another Hui brothers project?
MH: Have you watched a James Bond movie by the name of 'Never
Say Never Again' ? FEF: What are your future plans?
MH: I am trying to come up with something that I have never
tried before . And trying to figure out what future comedy will be
like .
FEF: Are you surprised that you have such a big following in the
west? Do you have any message for your fans?
MH: I am very happy to know that I have such a big following in
the west . Please tell my fans that I will have some new projects
coming up soon and thank them for their patience !
Michael Hui Recommended Filmography:
The Private Eyes
The Contract
Chocolate Inspector
Security Unlimited
Chicken And Duck Talk
Games Gamblers Play
The Magic Touch
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