Why Prince Charming (1999) is a Hidden Gem of Hong Kong Cinema: Andy Lau’s Unconventional Love Story
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies that blend slapstick humor with heartfelt social commentary, Prince Charming (《黑马王子》), starring Andy Lau (刘德华) and directed by Wong Jing (王晶), is a nostalgic yet refreshing watch. Released in 1999, this underrated Hong Kong classic subverts the “Cinderella” trope, offering a witty exploration of class divides, societal hypocrisy, and the true meaning of love. Here’s why it deserves a global rediscovery.
- A Role Reversal: Andy Lau’s Anti-“Prince Charming” Persona
Andy Lau, often typecast as the suave leading man in 1990s Hong Kong cinema, delivers a bold departure here as Wah Dee—a rough-edged, motorcycle-riding hustler from the working-class neighborhood of Temple Street. With unkempt hair and a leather jacket, Lau’s character is the antithesis of aristocratic charm, yet his charisma shines through his loyalty and street-smart wit .
The film cleverly deconstructs the “prince saving the princess” narrative. Instead, it’s the wealthy Shanghai heiress Bing (played by the luminous Michelle Lee 李嘉欣) who seeks independence and self-discovery by escaping her sheltered life. Her journey to Hong Kong to find her estranged mother becomes a metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations .
- Wong Jing’s Signature Satire: Laughter with a Bite
Director Wong Jing, known for his irreverent comedies, infuses the film with biting social satire. The juxtaposition of Temple Street’s gritty realism (think street markets and triad-run shops) against Bing’s opulent world highlights Hong Kong’s economic disparities in the post-handover era .
One standout scene involves Wah Dee’s mother, Thirteen Sister (a scene-stealing Deanie Ip 叶德娴), a chain-smoking gambler with a heart of gold. Her crass humor and unapologetic vulgarity—like quipping, “Her face makes me want to kick her butt!”—serve as a hilarious critique of performative gentility .
The film also mocks corporate greed: Bing’s father, a billionaire obsessed with status, dismisses Wah Dee as “trash” until the latter saves his daughter from kidnappers. This twist underscores the film’s message: integrity trinks wealth .
- Chemistry Beyond Clichés: Love as Equal Ground
While the romance follows a predictable arc, Lau and Lee elevate it with nuanced performances. Their bond grows not through grand gestures but through small, authentic moments—like sharing a cramped apartment or arguing over street food. The film rejects the notion that love requires a “makeover”; Wah Dee’s eventual transformation into a suited “prince” feels ironic, hinting that true acceptance lies in embracing one’s roots .
Equally memorable is Pete (Nick Cheung 张家辉), Wah Dee’s bumbling sidekick. His comedic misadventures, including a subplot about dodging loan sharks, add levity while reinforcing themes of camaraderie and resilience .
- A Time Capsule of 1990s Hong Kong Culture
-Prince Charming* doubles as a cultural artifact. The Temple Street setting—with its neon signs, dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls), and Cantonese slang—captures the city’s pre-millennium energy. The soundtrack, featuring Lau’s soulful ballad Boyfriend (《男朋友》), amplifies the film’s nostalgic charm .
For Western audiences, the film offers a gateway to Hong Kong’s unique brand of “mo lei tau” (nonsense) humor—a mix of physical comedy, wordplay, and exaggerated melodrama rarely seen in Hollywood rom-coms .
- Legacy and Relevance: Why It Still Resonates
While dismissed by some critics as frivolous, Prince Charming subtly critiques materialism and performative identity—themes strikingly relevant in today’s social media-driven world. Wah Dee’s refusal to conform to elitist standards (“I’d rather be a real nobody than a fake prince”) feels ahead of its time .
The film’s $15.3 million Hong Kong box office success (ranking 8th in 1999) proves its local appeal, but its universal themes—self-acceptance, familial bonds, and love beyond appearances—deserve global recognition.
Final Verdict: A Charming Ode to Imperfection
-Prince Charming* is more than a rom-com; it’s a celebration of authenticity in a world obsessed with facades. Andy Lau’s gritty charm, Wong Jing’s razor-sharp humor, and Michelle Lee’s radiant performance make this a must-watch for fans of Hong Kong cinema’s golden age.
Where to Watch: Available on select Asian streaming platforms with English subtitles. For non-Cantonese speakers, the humor and heart translate seamlessly.
-P.S. Keep an eye out for the closing scene—a cheeky nod to Pretty Woman that’ll leave you grinning.