The Conman
Considering that this film falls into the HK gambling
genre and is also directed by Wong Jing, it is a very low key and mellow
film. No one ever seems too hurried here for anything much to happen and
there is not any real doubt in the viewer’s mind that the conclusion will
be amenable as well.
The film starts off with a bit of an edge to it,
with Andy Lau, a gambler, getting ready for a big match by relaxing with
his mistress. His wife is waiting for him outside the door, but he has
no time for her. He caustically remarks to her “I just put on my pants
five minutes ago. Does that answer any question?” He is a total jerk. And
in fact a cheater as well – not only to his wife, but in his work also.
He gets caught this night though and in the ensuing brawl kills someone
and is sentenced to jail for five years.
The time in jail though seems to change him for
the better (and thankfully rids him of his pencil moustache!), but it takes
any edge away from the film. He is Mr Nice Guy now – helping everyone –
but still earning his way through gambling. His wife has disappeared, but
he rents a room from the sister (Athena Chu) of his protege -Nicky Cheung.
She tells him not to even think about romance because he is much too old
for her. Poor Andy! Getting too old for the girls. Don’t worry, before
all is over Athena realizes older guys are better! My kind of woman.
At any rate the film meanders about for quite
a while in an easy going and fairly enjoyable manner until Waise Lee (in
shaven head mode) forces him to go back to his cheating ways. He fakes
a TV showing of the Brazil-France World Cup match with Wong Jing directing
that as well and they even produce their own ridiculous commercials. Funny
stuff.
Don’t expect a lot of exciting gambling or action
scenes here. The strength of the film rests on Lau’s and the rest of the
cast’s charming and relaxing performances and they make this an enjoyable
way to spend a little time.
