An impending arranged marriage to ugly Japanese girl Kung Zi (Mizuno Yuko) sends Ah To (Lau Kar-Fai) into a sweat, until it turns out that she’s grown into a pretty young woman. However, things go awry when their two disparate cultures clash – resulting in a comic breakdown of communications. Returning to Japan, Kung Zi enlists the help of her friends to challenge Ah To and his Kung Fu against the might of Japanese Martial Arts.

This film seems to be relatively unknown outside the world of the hard-core martial arts film fan. Which is a shame, because it is unique in a number of ways, not least:
1. Nobody dies. In fact, when one character is said to be contemplating suicide due to correct etiquette not being performed at the end of a bout (a Japanese honour ritual), it is deemed serious enough to notably concern the lead characters. Although Lau Kar-Leung made another couple of films where no one is killed horribly (My Young Auntie and Lady is the Boss, from memory), this is still quite an unusual and “gentle” approach to the genre.
2. There are no bad guys. Rather than portray the Japanese as vicious cold-blooded killers (Fist of Fury et al), they are dealt with here as human. In fact, it’s the Chinese characters’ ignorance of Japanese custom that often provides the laughs here, rather than the other way around.

Director Lau Kar-Leung once said that it was difficult to direct the Japanese cast in this one as they were extremely serious in their craft and not used to performing just for the camera. He said that when he called for action, they would “switch on” and go flat out. Nowhere is this more evident in the scene that involves one of the Japanese using nunchaku and tonfa. Look into this guy’s eyes and tell me he isn’t for real!

The only letdown is the rather hokey special effects portraying ninjitsu at the end, but as this involves the wonderful Mr Kurata, it’s easily overlooked.

Overall, an often overlooked masterpiece that is both funny and well choreographed, and one that deserved to be watched again and again when you’re in the mood for something a little less soaked in the Shaw Brothers’ patented fake blood.