A Gambler's Story (2001)
Reviewed by: beyond asiaphilia on 2009-06-17
Summary: an overlooked gem
I’m not sure why this movie is so obscure—it’s a great little flick, with Marco Mak’s inventive direction and editing, an interesting and well-paced story, and a funny, subtle performance by Francis Ng as yet another hapless loser (see Juliet In Love) trying to escape the mire of his misguided existence. Apparently some folks were expecting the flashy escapism of God of Gamblers and its various spin-offs, but A Gambler’s Story is pretty different from those fluffy little numbers. This one’s a black comedy about a compulsive gambler (Ng) who futilely tries to turn his life around, only to be lured back to the card table and the horse track for one last bet. Francis is ably supported by the tough-and-tender Suki Kwan as an equally hard-luck bar hostess who becomes his love interest. There are also brief and amusing appearances by Lam Suet and Sam Lee (with black hair). A Gambler’s Story has a couple weirdly offensive moments that ridicule fat chicks and Indians, but for the most part it’s an intelligent and entertaining departure from standard Hong Kong actioners. In some ways it’s reminiscent of Johnnie To’s Too Many Ways To Be Number One, with its sad-sack main character, unconventional camerawork, black humor, and unexpected plot twists. I’ve recently spotted this one on sale at Chinatown dvd stores—it’s definitely worth picking up and checking out if you run across it.
Reviewer Score: 9