Hong Kong Night Club (1998)

Not really a Hong Kong movie. Although it has local stars (albeit in supporting roles) and was released on the local film circuit, this film is essentially a Japanese production with Japanese production values, crew (including director) and male leads. These two characters are a gay journalist Takegami and his straight photographer Shibata, teamed up to uncover the 'dark side of Hong Kong'. They find it. Soon after their arrival they are to be found clinging onto the back of a truck escaping from a triad boss (Ng Chi-hung) and his boys, whom they photographed doing a somewhat shady deal.

In order to escape the bad guys, Shibata dons a dress and together they pretend to be a Japanese couple on their honeymoon. But as the triads have Takegami's passport and are taking any Japanese tourists off the street in their manhunt, the duo run into the Lost Castle Club. Once in, they unwittingly become a cabaret act and in the process meet Cora, the resident singer. She falls for Takegami, Takegami falls for his bedmate Shibata (now Maggie) and Shibata falls for Cora.

It's an interesting enough movie, but nothing outstanding other than being light entertainment. The acting is okay, with the two leads pulling through nicely. Shingo Katori comes to life, especially once he puts on a dress. Richard Ng is good enough as an ageing cabaret musician and then there's Anita comes across as sincere, despite performing her lines in English. As for the film itself, it gave the odd impression of being a local film made by an outsider - plenty of panoramic and touristy shots of the city, coupled with a fair level of local knowledge, some commentary on the 1997 issue (of sorts) and a nice build up of personalities.

Note: Hong Kong Night Club was advertised as Hong Kong Daiyosakai before its cinema release.

Credits:

Stars include Shingo Katori, Anita Yuen, Richard Ng and Ng Chi-hung