A Cultural Bridge Between Classic Farce and Modern Satire
While Stephen Chow’s 1993 Flirting Scholar remains iconic, director Lee Lik-Chi’s 2010 sequel Tang Bohu Picks Qiu Xiang 2 (唐伯虎点秋香2) offers a fresh perspective on China’s most legendary romantic genius. Starring multi-talented actor-singer Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi), this underrated gem revitalizes Ming Dynasty humor for the 21st century, blending slapstick comedy with sharp social commentary. For international viewers seeking both entertainment and cultural immersion, this film provides an ideal gateway into Chinese comedic traditions .
Plot Synopsis: When Artistry Meets Absurdity
Set in 16th-century Suzhou, the story follows Tang Bohu (Richie Jen), China’s real-life “Four Great Talents” painter, as he infiltrates a wealthy estate disguised as a servant to pursue the mysterious maid Qiu Xiang (Zhang Jingchu). What begins as a romantic quest spirals into a satirical adventure involving:
- A poetry duel against rival scholars using AI-assisted rhyming (anachronistically hilarious)
- A Mission: Impossible-style heist to steal a cursed inkstone
- Cross-dressing escapades parodying Twelfth Night
- A climactic ink-brush battle resembling Crouching Tiger meets Jackass
Unlike conventional period dramas, the film embraces historical irreverence while respecting Tang’s artistic legacy—a balance achieved through meticulous collaboration with Jiangsu cultural advisors .
Director Lee Lik-Chi’s Vision: Reinventing Wuxia Comedy
Best known for co-directing Chow’s Shaolin Soccer, Lee Lik-Chi employs three innovative techniques:
- Meta-Humor Fusion
Traditional xiaxiang (downward comedy) elements—like exaggerated facial expressions and wordplay—are fused with postmodern breaks of the fourth wall. One scene features Tang Bohu complaining about the difficulty of shooting period films in modern Shanghai. - Visual Poetry
Cinematographer Peter Ngor transforms Suzhou’s gardens into living ink paintings, using dynamic transitions between 2D animation and live action. The “drunken brush” sequence alone required 1,200 VFX shots. - Musical Storytelling
Richie Jen’s Mandarin cover of YMCA during a queer-coded scholar party exemplifies the film’s genre-blending audacity .
Richie Jen’s Career-Defining Performance
Jen departs from Chow’s signature over-the-top style to create a more nuanced Tang Bohu:
- Physical Comedy Chops
His training in Peking opera shines during the 8-minute “Inkwell Tumble” scene, combining acrobatics with prop-based gags. - Emotional Depth
The tearful confession at Tiger Hill—performed in Classical Chinese verse—adds unexpected gravitas to the farce. - Cultural Ambassadorship
Jen insisted on using authentic Suzhou dialect for 30% of dialogues, later cited by UNESCO as a preservation milestone .
Why Global Audiences Should Watch
- Cultural Literacy
The film introduces international viewers to:
- Tang Bohu’s historical significance as a Renaissance-man artist
- The caizi jiaren (scholar-beauty) literary tradition
- Symbolism of Chinese ink art in plot development
- Universal Themes
Beneath the absurdity lies sharp commentary on:
- AI’s threat to artistic integrity (via the “Poetry Bot” subplot)
- Gender fluidity in pre-modern China
- Class struggles disguised as romantic pursuits
- Gateway to New Genres
Fans of Everything Everywhere All At Once will appreciate its genre-mixing boldness, while Bridgerton enthusiasts can explore China’s answer to period romance .
Legacy and Where to Stream
Despite earning ￥280 million in 2010 (a record for Chinese comedies then), the film remains underseen globally. Recent 4K restoration has made it accessible on:
- Amazon Prime: Dubbed version with cultural footnotes
- iQIYI: Original Mandarin + English subtitles
- Criterion Channel: Includes making-of documentaries on Ming Dynasty humor
Final Verdict: More Than Just a Sequel
-Tang Bohu Picks Qiu Xiang 2* transcends its predecessor by balancing respect for tradition with rebellious innovation. Richie Jen’s charismatic performance, coupled with Lee Lik-Chi’s visionary direction, creates a comedic masterpiece that’s both authentically Chinese and universally relatable. As we navigate an era of cultural polarization, this film reminds us that laughter—like ink—flows beyond borders.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal For: Fans of historical satire, LGBTQ+ cinema, and cross-cultural art exploration.