Im not sure why this movie is so obscureits a great little flick, with Marco Maks 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 Gamblers Story is pretty different from those fluffy little numbers. This ones 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 Gamblers Story has a couple weirdly offensive moments that ridicule fat chicks and Indians, but for the most part its an intelligent and entertaining departure from standard Hong Kong actioners. In some ways its reminiscent of Johnnie Tos Too Many Ways To Be Number One, with its sad-sack main character, unconventional camerawork, black humor, and unexpected plot twists. Ive recently spotted this one on sale at Chinatown dvd storesits definitely worth picking up and checking out if you run across it.
Reviewer Score: 9
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