Reviewed by: j.crawford Date: 02/20/2006 Summary: action filled comedy film Funny man Nick Cheung Ka-Fai and heartthrob Louis Koo Tin-Lok are teamed up by producer Wong Jing in action filled comedy film spun out from the gambling genre he helped to create. Internationally acclaimed director Tony Ching Siu-Tung does excellent job making Cheung and Koo look like highly skilled martial artists. Cheung plays a low rent gambler with a typically huge ego who seeks out a legendary gambler, played by Koo, who dropped out of sight several years earlier. Involvement of Japanese production funding and the casting of Yasuaki Kurata mandates that various Tokyo locations are used for international flavor while the various plot intrigues play out. Direction by the man who gave us such wonderful films as A Chinese Ghost Story and its sequels, Swordsman and its sequels, and Wonder Seven allows for kinetic martial arts fantasy sequences to burst on the screen every few moments. Koo's character, named Cool, is famous for throwing playing cards like deadly blades. Watch for a crazy scene were Cool battles a lady ninja using his cards against her deadly throwing stars. Christy Chung Lai-Tai demonstrates superior comedic acting skills as Cheung's girlfriend while bad guy Ben Lam Kwok-Bun gets particularly nasty with beautiful Athena Chu Yun. If you don't appreciate the comedy styling of Nick Cheung Ka-Fai, you should probably avoid this film. happyfortune.org Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: MrBooth Date: 01/08/2006 I always meant to pick this one up after reading an enthusiastic recommendation from a trusted source, but was always put off by the high price tag and the fact that Nick Cheung is such a complete ass! When I saw it in the bargain bin in HK I decided it was worth a gamble though (boom boom). Wong Jing just loves his gambling movies, and in a year when HK Cinema was showing noticable signs of decline it made sense that he'd stake one of the bigger budgets on production of a gambling movie. This time it's an entry in the Conman series, loosely related to the God Of Gamblers series and all its spawn. In the directors chair is Ching Siu Tung, taking on that role for the first time in quite a few years. Ching Siu Tung has been director for several of Hong Kong's most loved movies, but it's widely suspected that producer Tsui Hark was actually sat in the director's chair most of the time. Ching Siu Tung's absolutely dreadful solo venture WONDER SEVEN is the best evidence of this! Most people assumed that when he wasn't directing action, he really didn't know what he was doing. He must know or suspect these rumours himself, so CONMAN IN TOKYO was perhaps a chance to prove them wrong. And thankfully he comes out on top, as the movie is well handled in characters, comedy, drama and pacing - as well as having some really cool action sequences of course. It's clearly lacking the genius in CHINESE GHOST STORY and SWORDSMAN II that can be assumed to have been Tsui Hark's, but it's still competent - definitely above average. Or perhaps it's just that he had a bigger budget and more time to work with? Even still, producing a solid movie with Nick Cheung and Louis Koo in the lead roles is no small feat :p Here they are both used to good effect though - Nick Cheung plays a complete ass (a natural talent) and Louis Koo plays somebody who is emotionally repressed (i.e. required to express no emotion). Perfect! The leads are no Chow Yun Fats or Stephen Chiaus though, and the drama and comedy are not a match for the real classics of the genre like GOD OF GAMBLERS and ALL FOR THE WINNER. To make up for this, however, the movie does feature some great action. Ching Siu Tung does have a great visual style, and his choreography and camerawork here is very good. Somehow he manages to make Cheung and Koo look better in kung fu than Ken Lo and Yasuaki Kurata - definitely an achievement! There's also some fairly well applied CGI to add some more novelty and excitement to the action scenes. Perhaps I shouldn't bother to write so much, but I did enjoy the movie more than I have enjoyed most recent HK movies. Perhaps the movie would have been an unremarkable blip in Hong Kong's heyday, but for a recent movie it's one of the more noteworthy efforts. Recommended :) Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: barrst Date: 12/26/2004 Summary: Fun throwback to the 1990's Other than Nick Cheung being a bit annoying sometimes, as others have noted this is a fun film like some of the best of Wong Jing's anything goes movies. I'm pretty sure the dream sequence is a parody of a Leon Lai music video, with Nick Cheung playing the part of Shu Qi (Hsu Chi).

Reviewed by: mrblue Date: 09/19/2003 You remember that really cool card-throwing gambler from City Hunter? Wouldn't it be keen to see a whole movie about him? Okay, maybe not. But this is essentially what we have here, in another example of Wong Jing "recycling." The plot has gambler Jersy (Cheung) winning the title of Hong Kong's best gambler from Leung Kar Yan. While celebrating, an old-timer (Wong Ting) tells Jersy about a legendary gambler named Cool (Koo), who disappeared three years ago. Jersy becomes obsessed with finding Cool, but puts that aside to take his girlfriend (Chung) to Japan. While there, they hop into a Chinese restaurant and the cook just happens to be Cool (Jersy knows it's Cool because Cool has a certain talent for throwing cards). Jersy and Cool eventually form a partnership to get revenge on the man who crippled Cool's girlfirend (Chu) and drove him from gambling. Like most Wong Jing-affiliated films, this one has its ups and downs. Unfortunately, the downs outweigh the ups here. Probably the biggest detriment to the movie is Nick Cheung. Supposedly, this guy is the next Stephen Chow, but I really saw little of Chow's comedic talent -- or, more importantly, Chow's charisma. Chueng certainly tries hard; he uses all the elements of moy len tau (nonsense comedy) such as rapid-fire Cantonese and pop-culture references (which, in this case, turn out to be jokes about dot coms and HK expatriates like Chow Yun-Fat). But most times he just comes off as a spaz, kind of like a Hong Kong version of Andy Dick. Conman in Tokyo could have also used some serious editing. The movie runs almost two hours (very long for a HK movie), and there are a lot of scenes which could have been trimmed or cut completely. Probably the biggest offender is a long dream sequence, which makes no sense and adds nothing to the movie (supposedly this is just actually an advertisement for a web site). Conman in Tokyo also depends on the really lame "evil twin" plot device, which has been stomped into the ground. Still, there is some good stuff in this movie. Conman in Tokyo looks great; obviously, a large (by HK standards) amount of money was spent and it shows. Not only is there a large amount of CGI used in the movie (with varying results), but the last part of the film takes place on an actual aircraft carrier, complete with an exploding plane. The film is also shot and edited well. You can say what you want about Wong Jing productions, but there is always a nice professional look to them. In other areas, Louis Koo puts in a good performance, giving some much-needed weight to this movie. There is some nice eye candy in the form of Christy Chung and Athena Chu. And there are several good action sequences. Ching Siu-Tung must be a genius, because he makes even Nick Cheung look like a kung-fu badass. It's too bad he couldn't do anything with the rest of this movie.

Reviewed by: S.A. Winters Date: 01/02/2003 Summary: I'm not going to read another review of this movie I picked this up by chance and want to review it without influence. I have to say I have not been this entertained by a movie in a long time. I have been very unhappy with the stuff coming out in the last few years( Tokyo Raiders, Storm Riders, Hero, Y&D series...) but this movie resores my faith in HK cinema. What a perfect blend of action, comedy and drama. I know much has been written and I have not seen the other Conman movies so I'll just say if you are looking for some great entertainment, grab this one. Damn do I love those flying cards! Nick Chueng is great! He's funny without being annoying like Jackie Chueng and Athen Chuen is a beauty and very very funny. If you think HK movies are going Hollywood, you are wrong. Even though this movie starts off like Kingpin (but much more funny!) and ends like DieHard you would never see such mixed emotion in Hollywood! I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I slapped down $20.00 on Ebay after watching it.

Reviewed by: Dyogenez Date: 12/26/2002 Summary: Not the best After wathing the other 2 in the conmen series, i was expecting a lot from this movie. What i got was a lot of action, and a lot of high paced tricks thrown into the gambling scenes. In many ways this is a parody of God of Gamblers, mostly by Nick Cheung. The story is simple enough. Kick Cheung and his wife are on vacation in Japan where they meet up with Louis Koo, running an old restaurant. Cheung learns that Koo used to be one of the most well known gamblers of all time, but after losing his wife he turned from that path. Eventually Koo has to face off against his long time rival on a battleship of all places. The action continues, and the gambling seems to be only a side story. 6/10.

Reviewed by: zarrsadus Date: 05/30/2002 Summary: An aciton comedy or a gambling comedy? Well expecting this movie to be in line with the other Conman movies, I expected gambling with some good comedy. While this statement does hold true, there's just so much action going on in this movie that it gets to be too much. The typical humor of the previous movies is sure there, and that was great, and seeing Nick doing some crazy kung fu was entertaining. The best sequences had to be all the throwing of cards like some kind of dagger/boomerang thing, very cool and very funny every time. Overall this movie is highly recommended if you liked the other Conman movies, but I do prefer Conmen in Vegas over this one as a whole. Still, plenty of laughs and nonstop comedy and action. 8/10. Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: Inner Strength Date: 04/16/2002 Summary: Bad This film is way over the top, and too many coincidences just make it far too unrealistic, even if it's not supposed to be taken too seriously. But for Wong Jing, it's no surprise. Rating: 1.5/5

Reviewed by: danton Date: 01/05/2002 Typical Wong Jing gambling movie, but well done. Lois Koo and Nick Cheung are the leads. The former is a legendary but retired gambler known for being able to shoot playing cards as weapons. He teams up with Nick Cheung to take revenge against some Japanese baddies who have separated him from his old girlfriend played by Athena Chu. Christy Chung plays Nick's girlfriend, and she's actually funnier than him in this. The plot is contrived, but moves along nicely, and the production values are pretty good. All around, a pretty enjoyable effort.

Reviewed by: Trigger Date: 11/20/2001 Summary: More Wong Jing Sillyness The film has very little cohesion. This film doesn't have Andy Lau. Basically only one actor returns in this one and he isn't even playing the same part as in the previous two. It's a totally different movie rather than a sequel. Anyway - this one has lots of kung-fu (some pretty decent stuff too), lots of gambling and lots of silly moments. This movie is still pretty good, but it's nothing like the others and stands on its own. I have to mention the title sequence - it was very well done. This movie had quite a bigger budget than the first 2 - there was alot of CGI in it. I don't know what to say other than it was well made. No sense in me telling you what it's about... gambling in Tokyo with some drama and action and kung fu and a guy who can throw playing cards with deadly accuracy. I found it enjoyable for the most part. As a whole, the movie is a mess... as individual parts, each part of the movie is good. Well for a wacky Wong Jing film with a budget - I guess I give this a 6/10 (overall - 4/10, scene by scene - 8/10)... I give it a reluctant thumbs up - I'll keep it in my library cuz there's alot of great stuff in here. Reviewer Score: 6

Reviewed by: ayyax Date: 07/27/2001 Summary: All in good fun People, don't be so harsh. This movie is all about the laughter. Don't concentrate so much on what appears to be unbelievable that you forget this movie is suppose to entertain you. All the notorious card scenes are done magnificently and Louis Koo is indeed COOL. 4/5.

Reviewed by: alienlord Date: 04/28/2001 Funny, slick, spoof on triad/gambling films has a good cast, funny jokes, and some great action scenes. I had no idea that the cast in this movie existed until now, but they seem to know what they're doing and handle their roles well, not that there is much effort needed for these parts. Still it manages to surface above most comedies and eventually becomes a great lot of fun. ** and a half/4

Reviewed by: Fuck You Date: 02/28/2001 This think this is a good movie. It contains many action, comedy, and love story. Nick Cheung is really funny in the movie, Louis is really cool, Christy look very sexy and Athena, well you have a good looking one 'Christy' and then you get a ugly one 'Athena'. This movie is worth watching. 8/10 {10/10 if Athena wasn't in it}

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy Date: 11/04/2000 Summary: Pretty good YEAH i did laugh my head off in some parts and YEAH the gambling in the movie is good & the action is not bad though Nick Chueng does kick ass a but too easily so what are the faults of this movie? Well Wong Jing just turned it into a movie that was TOO UNREALISTIC. HEy i know this is just a movie, but shooting missles at people on the SAME ship is just too ridiculous!! The flying cards is not a bad concept but cards versus iron throwing stars, SORRY i can't believe paper beats metal!! That was why i didn't enjoy this movie as much as i should have!! Wong Jing just made it too crazy near the end!! Still a movie to watch but the semi serious start to a crazy unbelieveable movie is what turned me off a bit!! 6.5/10

Reviewed by: jotarou Date: 11/01/2000 Summary: At least its entertaining!!!! Conman In Tokyo is an obvious effort to revive the "cool gambler" film(if it ever died, I'm not sure)that was so popular in Hong Kong. Instead of Chow Yun-Fat, Andy Lau or even Stephen Chow we are given Louis Koo this time around as our suave gambler of the far east. There are even homages to the original God of Gamblers when a Japanese woman bares her shoulders, revealing her yakuza tattoos, something which made the original practioner of this gesture, Michiko Nishiwaki, so memorable. However, to poke fun at the sub-genre which he helped establish, producer Wong Jing, throws in the comedic protagonists own tattoo collection of cartoon characters such as Pikachu. I found this quite funny. If you are not in to the "mo lai" style of comedy then do not watch this movie!! However I enjoy this genre immensely and found the movie quite entertaining. This is the first I have seen of Louis Koo and his stoic attitude is more of a reminder of Chow Yun-Fat's cool persona which graced the original and greatest of the "God of Gamblers" films. Whoever the costar was, I feel he stole the show. When it comes to goofy sidekicks it does not get much better. Chris Tucker should take lessons from this guy. I give it 3 stars out of 4 stars. Did I mention the fight scenes are pretty good also?

Reviewed by: Paul Fonoroff Date: 10/28/2000 Producer Wong Jing recently commented that, in an effort to "youthify" Conman in Tokyo, he replaced aging teen idol Andy Lau with Louis Koo. But from the evidence on view in this gambling comedy-drama, it is clear that much more than a younger star is needed to revivify the tired genre. Director Ching Siu-tung is on board to handle the movie’s numerous action scenes, but the result is still pure Wong Jing. It’s a grab bag of low gags and shrill drama, this time with the "novelty" of location shooting in Tokyo and no Andy Lau. It is somewhat instructive that Conman in Tokyo’s extensive credit sheet lacks one for "screenplay." However, the end-roller credits include the post of "on-the-set scriptwriter". Whatever. The story is one of those convoluted things that defies easy summarization, but provides more over-the-top fun in summary than in actually sitting through the 100 minutes of its unfolding. Ultra-cool Louis Koo plays a character appropriately named Cool, a gambling genius who has disappeared from the scene to open a noodle shop in Tokyo. He retired from the business after the true love of his life, Karen (Athena Chu), was made a vegetable after a gun-battle at her wedding to the treacherous Yeung Kwong (Ben Lam Kwok-bun). Meanwhile, a buffoonish gambling whiz, Jersey (Nick Cheung Ka-fai, again in a role tailor-made for Steven Chiau Sing-chi), and his beautiful-but-vulgar girlfriend Banana (Christy Cheung, who seems to have a good time camping it up), journey to the Japanese capital to find Cool, learn his tricks, save Karen, and make the world safe for gamblers. As in the numerous gambling pictures produced by Wong since the phenomenal box office success of God of Gamblers in 1989, it all leads up to a huge match that defies credibility. The gimmick this time is Cool’s lethal card-throwing technique that is more dependent on computer special effects than manual dexterity. A very lame plot twist involving Karen’s identical twin sister does little to heighten the dramatic tension. Some of Nick Cheung’s juvenile antics are amusing, but most are too derivative to elicit much laughter. The overall results aren’t too different from last year’s Conman, starring Cheung and the "old" Andy Lau. If the listless response at Conman in Tokyo’s premiere is any indication, the only "full houses" will be in the cards. 2 stars This review is copyright (c) 2000 by Paul Fonoroff. All rights reserved. No part of the review may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Reviewer Score: 4

Reviewed by: MilesC Date: 10/18/2000 Summary: Moronic and highly entertaining. 2000 has seen a number of very good movies, and more are on the way. Despite some people's declarations of the HK film industry's death, there are still plenty of excellent, innovative films produced each year. The area HK films have fallen behind in is undemanding, silly, entertaining movies. Tokyo Raiders was a bit of a return to the old grab-bag of fun style, but it pales in comparison to The Conman in Tokyo, with, which its flamboyant special effects, abundant and ludicrous action scenes, low gags and bombastic score, plays like an expensive, amped-up "God of Gamblers Returns." There's plenty to criticize if one is feeling especially critical; the story, for one, is very thin: expert but small-time gambler Nick Cheung heads to Japan to celebrate a victory, and meets retired ace Louis Koo, who has been betrayed and had his girlfriend stolen from him. Gambling challenges for various body parts predictably ensue. The story's not the only weak point; Christy Chung is equally annoying in English and Cantonese, though she fortunately has little screen time. Some scenes play on Japanese and Chinese characters' inability to understand each other, but once this angle has been milked they understand each others' languages perfectly. The special effects, while reasonably effective in small doses, go way out of control in the finale. I'm sure if I'd been in the mood to pick the plot apart, it would've been full of holes. Though flawed, Conman in Tokyo delivers plenty of action, gags, (including a hilariously out-of-left-field video game-like dream sequence) and glamour, keeps the pace up, and delivers the distinctly manic Hong Kong-style mayhem missing from recent Hollywood-wannabe action movies. It's no masterpiece, but is extremely entertaining and is as good as all but the very best wacky, not-so-taxing action-comedies that were churned out by the gross in the early '90s. Recommended for those who long for the grab-bag style of years past.