Why On His Majesty’s Secret Service (2009) Is a Must-Watch Chinese Movie: Exploring Louis Koo’s Hong Kong Comedy Gem
If you’re seeking a hilarious yet culturally rich entry point into Chinese cinema, On His Majesty’s Secret Service (大内密探零零狗, 2009) starring Hong Kong superstar Louis Koo (古天乐) and Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (大S) offers a perfect blend of slapstick humor, inventive storytelling, and martial arts flair. Directed by Wong Jing (王晶), this underrated comedy hybrid masterfully bridges traditional wuxia elements with absurdist innovation. Let’s unpack why this film deserves global attention.
- A Fresh Take on Imperial Intrigue: Plot & World-Building
Set in a fictional Qing Dynasty court, the story follows Ling Ling Gou (Louis Koo), the least conventional of twelve elite royal guards named after Chinese zodiac signs. Unlike his combat-focused peers, Ling specializes in creating Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions – think 18th-century James Bond gadgets meets MythBusters . When power-hungry eunuch Cao Renchao (Fan Siu-wong) plots to overthrow the emperor during a princess’s marriage competition, Ling teams up with his martial artist fiancée Mei Xiwang (Barbie Hsu) to expose the conspiracy through wit and invention.
What elevates this beyond typical period comedies is its subversion of tropes:
- The protagonist’s reliance on brains over brawn challenges wuxia norms
- Gender dynamics flip with Barbie Hsu’s character being the skilled fighter
- Absurd inventions (e.g., spring-loaded shoes, explosive fans) parody historical dramas’ seriousness
- Louis Koo’s Career-Defining Comic Performance
While known globally for gritty roles in Drug War (2012) or Paradox (2017), Koo delivers career-best comedic timing here. His portrayal of the socially awkward inventor balances:
- Physical comedy: Clumsy gadget-testing sequences
- Emotional nuance: Subtle longing for Hsu’s character amid chaos
- Satirical edge: Mocking imperial bureaucracy through exaggerated reactions
Particularly memorable is the “wedding night” scene where his character’s anti-assassin bed mechanisms backfire spectacularly – a sequence that showcases Koo’s rare talent for balancing slapstick with character sincerity.
- Wong Jing’s Signature Style: Chaos with Purpose
Often criticized for lowbrow humor, director Wong Jing here crafts smart absurdity:
- Cultural satire: The emperor (Liu Yiwei) obsessing over trivial palace dramas mirrors modern celebrity culture
- Visual callbacks: Fight scenes parody Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s elegance with comedic wirework
- Meta-humor: Supporting characters like Ling Ling Zhu (Lam Tze-chung) break the fourth wall to mock plot holes
The film’s 6.3/10 IMDb rating undersells its intentional campiness – akin to Kung Fu Hustle (2004) but with imperial opulence.
- Cross-Strait Collaboration: Hong Kong-Taiwan Chemistry
The Koo-Hsu pairing creates unexpected synergy:
- Koo’s deadpan delivery contrasts Hsu’s fiery determination
- Their romantic subplot avoids clichés through mutual respect (she teaches him combat; he engineers solutions)
- Dialogue blends Cantonese wit with Mandarin wordplay, reflecting 2000s pan-Chinese film trends
Notably, the film grossed CN¥100 million in 2009 – a testament to its cross-border appeal during Hong Kong cinema’s transitional era.
- Why Global Audiences Should Watch
Beyond laughs, the film offers:
- Cultural literacy: Depictions of imperial exams, zodiac symbolism, and traditional marriage customs
- Tech-history fusion: Imagine Sherlock Holmes meets Ancient Chinese Inventions (gunpowder mishaps included)
- Gateway to New Wave comedy: Contrast it with Stephen Chow’s works or modern hits like Hi, Mom (2021)
For Western viewers, it’s akin to discovering a more anarchic A Knight’s Tale – history reimagined through irreverent creativity.