Unemployment seems to be one of the critical problem in Hong Kong nowadays. In the past few months, three directors, Alfred CHEUNG Kin-ting, Joe MA Wai-ho and Jacob CHEUNG Tze-leung has taken such topic in their new movies. In September, we have seen Alfred CHEUNG's 'The Extra' (1998). Now it is the time to see Joe MA's version in 'Afraid of Nothing, the Jobless King' (1999).

The main plot of the story is the hard time of hero from top to the bottom and he strikes back. Ha Kong (Gallen LAW Kar-leung) is a young rich guy as a manager. He is trapped by Master Ser, the son of the boss, after the death of the boss. He is made being disappeared and being fired. He is turned as a beggar and accidently ganged with Brother Jing (Eric KOT). With times go on and he restarted his days by seeking jobs with the target of Gigi LEUNG......

'Jobless King' is a comedy and it seems that Joe MA has put efforts to pack laughters by putting lots of issues like Snoopy, Storm Riders, TV Shows, or even Titanic. Some of them is really out of the expectations like Snoopy and the TV Show. For jokes related to unemployment, it seems that they can put more efforts to make it fun like the scene in the job hunting agency. In short, laughters are a bit above standard.

In terms of the plot, since the crew put more efforts in laughters, the plot seems to be a bit weak. Ha Kong, the main character in the movie, is a term used in PRC describing re-deployment of workers from urban back to home for setting up new life. The main objective of the movie is for the process from manager to beggers and how Ha deal with his new life. In this issue, Joe Ma is okay in doing the first part. For the second part, he has tried his best by putting scenes of competitions with other street guys. I think this can be more impressive if they put more context in interaction with competitors.

The placing of Gigi LEUNG in the movie is typical. Gigi seems to be a role encourging Ha Kong as well as the target for Ha. Due to lack of elaboration at the beginning, it is a bit pale to audience when they are fall in love. I think this approach is the usual method and now it's okay. However, I consider as they are making a comedy, the role for Gigi can be a bit craizer which will have more chemical effects.

In terms of performers, it seems that Eric plays the main role and is the most outstanding performer in the movie. For Gallen LAW, I consider he is still green in film industry and he doesn't have much chance to show his acting in the movie actually. For Gigi LEUNG, she is okay. The only concern is that she has been in such roles for several times like 'The True Mob Story'. I hope she won't be stereotyped.

On the whole, I consider the movie can basically achieve the objective. Laughters are above average in general while the plot is okay. Though it seems a bit typical, the movie is still okay.