This is probably my favorite Stephen Chow picture. I am told this is based on a classic tale of a famous scholar (Stephen Chow) who infiltrates the household of an old enemy incognito to win the heart of a beautiful maid (played by Gong Li). Some of the setpieces here are the funniest thing you'll ever see, including Chow using a naked Ng Man-Tat for some body art painting, or a scene in which Chow competes with a beggar on who is the most miserable... With the exception of the poetry duel, the humour comes across very well, despite the poor subtitles. The movie also features Cheng Pei Pei (and yes, she does have a few fight scenes).

The fight scenes are well staged, there is lovely chemistry between Stephen and Gong Li (who visibly enjoys herself in this movie). All around, this is one of his best efforts.