The Great Magician (2011) |
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Director: | Derek Yee |
Writers: | Derek Yee, Chun Tin-nam, and Lau Ho-leung |
Starring: | Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Lau Ching-wan, Lam Suet, and Zhou Xun |
The Review |
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Although it probably isn’t expected of a Derek Yee film, there is a great deal of humor within the movie. At first glance, the story doesn’t seem as if it would lend itself to a heavy dose of humor, but the movie finds surprising ways to incorporate a lot of comedy into the plot. Most of the secondary characters step into the film to garner laughs, and in doing this the story manages to remain rather lighthearted. Tony Leung is also instrumental in keeping things rather breezy. While still delivering upon the requisite drama needed, Leung also manages to be completely charismatic in everything that he does. Playing dress-up in numerous scenes, Leung seems as if he is having a blast within this rather silly role – and his enthusiasm is infectious. Chang Wan Lau, who plays Bully Lei, is the other standout from the main cast. Viewers may remember him from films such as Mad Detective (he played the titular detective), Full Alert, or Running Out of Time, but this is definitely a role that stands out within his filmography. Playing the lovable buffoon who doesn’t even realize his own missteps, the character would seem most easily presented as a villain, but he instead comes across as far too lovably goofy for that. The rest of the cast is filled with familiar faces, including Xun Zhou who plays the primary love interest, and most do acquit themselves well, but the two mega-stars are the ones who continually draw the most attention.


The Conclusion |
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