Why “The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon” (1987) Showcases Chow Yun-fat’s Uncharted Depths in Hong Kong Cinema
As an English-language blogger dedicated to uncovering hidden gems of global cinema, I’m thrilled to spotlight The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon (小生梦惊魂), a 1987 Hong Kong film directed by Lau Kar-wing (Liu Chia-yung). Often overlooked in discussions of Chow Yun-fat’s legendary career, this genre-blending masterpiece—part dark comedy, part supernatural thriller—offers a fascinating window into Hong Kong’s cinematic audacity during its 1980s golden age. Below, I’ll dissect its bold storytelling, Chow’s daring role reversal, and its enduring cultural relevance.
- A Plot That Defies Genre Conventions
The film follows two friends: timid toy designer Miu (Michael Miu) and bumbling photographer Tsang (Eric Tsang), whose lives unravel after witnessing a bank robbery. When Miu gains the ability to enter others’ dreams following a car accident, he discovers that Tsang’s coma is linked to corrupt cop Inspector Chow (Chow Yun-fat), who orchestrated the robbery. What begins as a slapstick comedy morphs into a surreal battle between morality and madness.
Unlike Chow’s heroic roles in A Better Tomorrow or The Killer, his character here is a chilling antagonist—a sadistic officer who weaponizes authority to mask his criminal empire. The narrative’s tonal shifts—from goofy humor to psychological horror—reflect Hong Kong cinema’s trademark unpredictability. Director Lau Kar-wing, known for blending action and absurdity, crafts a story where dreams and reality collide, mirroring the city’s own identity crisis amid its handover era anxieties.
- Chow Yun-fat’s Villainous Turn: A Career Pivot
Chow’s portrayal of Inspector Chow is a radical departure from his “heroic bloodshed” archetype. With icy detachment and a predatory smirk, he embodies bureaucratic corruption at its most venomous. His chilling line, “In my world, the law is a toy—and I’m the child who breaks it,” underscores the character’s nihilism.
This role marked a rare foray into villainy for Chow, who was then cementing his status as Hong Kong’s “King of Cool.” Critics often cite his God of Gamblers charisma, but The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon reveals his versatility. Behind Inspector Chow’s polished uniform lies a psychopath who revels in psychological torture, a stark contrast to the romanticized gangsters of John Woo’s films. Notably, Chow’s performance influenced later antiheroes like Tony Leung’s conflicted cop in Infernal Affairs.
- The Supernatural as Social Commentary
Miu’s dream-invading ability serves as a metaphor for Hong Kong’s collective subconscious during the 1980s—a decade marked by political uncertainty and economic frenzy. Through surreal sequences (e.g., battling vampires in a mental patient’s nightmare), the film critiques societal ills:
- Exploitation of Power: Inspector Chow’s dual identity—cop by day, crime lord by night—mirrors real-world scandals involving collusion between Hong Kong’s elite and triads.
- Immigrant Struggles: Tsang’s vulnerability as a working-class everyman reflects the plight of Hong Kong’s lower-income residents, often overlooked in the city’s capitalist boom.
- Technological Anxiety: Miu’s brainwave experiments parody 1980s fears of losing humanity to science, a theme echoed in Akira (1988) and The Fly (1986).
Director Lau employs jarring visuals—neon-lit alleyways, grotesque dream creatures—to externalize these anxieties, creating a feverish tone that predates David Lynch’s Twin Peaks by three years.
- Ensemble Cast: A Showcase of Rising Stars
While Chow dominates the film, the supporting cast elevates its eccentric charm:
- Michael Miu (Miu): Best known for TVB dramas, Miu balances slapstick comedy with pathos as the reluctant hero. His transformation from coward to avenger mirrors Hong Kong’s own struggle for agency.
- Eric Tsang (Tsang): A comedic legend, Tsang’s tragicomic performance—swinging between buffoonery and despair—adds emotional weight to the absurdity.
- Joey Wong (Cameo): The “Hong Kong fairy” appears in a haunting dream sequence, her ethereal presence contrasting with the film’s grimy realism.
- Legacy: A Cult Classic Ahead of Its Time
Despite lukewarm box office returns, The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon has gained retroactive acclaim for its daring blend of genres and subversive themes. Its influence is evident in:
- Narrative Boldness: The dream-within-a-dream structure predates Inception (2010), while its mix of horror and humor inspired Stephen Chow’s Journey to the West (2013).
- Chow’s Career Trajectory: This role proved Chow could thrive outside heroic molds, paving the way for nuanced performances in City on Fire (1987) and Anna and the King (1999).
- Cultural Preservation: The film’s critique of authority resonates with modern movements like Hong Kong’s 2014 Umbrella Protests, making it a touchstone for political cinema.
Conclusion: Why Foreign Audiences Should Watch
For Western viewers, The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon offers more than nostalgia—it’s a gateway to understanding Hong Kong’s complex psyche during a transformative era. Chow Yun-fat’s villainous turn challenges perceptions of Asian action stars, while the film’s genre alchemy—mixing laughs, chills, and social critique—remains unmatched.
In an age of sanitized blockbusters, this film is a reminder of Hong Kong cinema’s fearless creativity. As Inspector Chow might say: “Dare to dream—and you’ll see the nightmares we’re hiding.”
References & Further Exploration
- Behind-the-scenes stories of Chow’s villainous preparation.
- Analysis of Lau Kar-wing’s directorial style.
- Joey Wong’s impact on 1980s Hong Kong cinema.