The new strain of COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China. Ever since its discovery, this virus has spread across the globe, resulting in a worldwide endemic.
To contain this virus quickly, many countries have locked down most of their cities. As a result, many citizens were trapped at home during their leisure and working hours. Soon enough, movies and television shows became their main source of entertainment. For Mahjong lovers, this has been a critical time in their life as they must abstain from social interactions. The only way to overcome the urge is to watch Mahjong related films. Thankfully, we have passed the epidemic phase and have transitioned to the endemic stage. Even so, we will like to share some Mahjong movies with you. Furthermore, we will rate each movie properly without any biasness.
KING OF MAHJONG
Credits: King of Mahjong
Synopsis : The plot revolves around two disciples ( Wong Ting Ba & Ah Fat ) who were once under the same master. Due to their differing views in Mahjong , both disciples split up and walk their own separate paths. Wong Ting Ba (Mark Lee) became a reigning Mahjong champion while Ah Fat (Chapman To) was just a shop owner.
Goaded by an old Mahjong nemesis, Ah Fat considers a return to the table to settle the score.
Review: As this is a rare collaboration between popular Singaporean & Hong Kong actors, many will expect more out of this film.
Furthermore, the actors are natural comedians who had produced other great works. However, in this particular movie, the plot was neither interesting nor comedic. Thus, I will rate the movie 3 out of 5 stars.
FAT CHOI SPIRIT
Credits: Fat Choi Spirit
Synopsis: A legendary mahjong player Andy (Andy Lau) is a compulsive player. In this movie, he tries to dodge a streak of bad luck while winning over his ex-girlfriend (Gigi) , estranged family and a local gang led by Ching Wan (Louis Koo).
Review: Premiered in 2002, this film was a classic favorite for most millennials. The plot was interesting albeit simple. The story basically illustrates the repercussions of Mahjong addiction and how it causes a strain the family. Through different challenges ,this family managed to overcome all hardships and reconciled. As straightforward as it sound, this film holds close to our hearts. For that, this film gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Kung Fu Mahjong
Credits: Kung Fu Mahjong
Synopsis: Chi Mo Sai meets Wong in Auntie Fei's cafe and learns that Wong has a photographic memory. He decides to exploit this by teaching him how to play Mahjong, but Fei, Wong's boss, strongly objects. Despite Fei's objections, Wong learns Mahjong from compulsive gambler Chi Mo Sai. He impresses triad boss Tin Kau Ko , but falls in love with Tin's mistress and is beaten by his men. Wong goes crazy. Luckily, Fei cures him using Mahjong. Fei wants Wong to beat Tin in the climatic "King of Mahjong" competition.
Review: This film is also a masterpiece of its own. With the two leads, Yuan Wah & Yuan Qiu, you already know the movie is a hit. The chemistry between these two really stands out as they humorous on screen. Not to mention, this movie is also produced by the famous director Wong Jing. Needless to explain, the storyline is so entertaining that the movie is still vivid in our minds. Hence, we will rate the movie 4.8 out of 5 Stars.
Mahjong Heroes
Credits: Mahjong Heroes
Synopsis: When gambling champion Yau (Kwan Hoi-San) retires, his godson Johnson (Chiu Siu-Ho) is forced to enlist the help of legendary gambler Yin Xi Liu (Patrick Tse) to protect his inheritance.
Review: Produced in 1981, this film is definitely one of antiquity. However, the phrase "old but gold" does not seem to be applicable in this case. Although, it was one of the early works scripted by Wong Jing, this particular storyline was nonetheless a flop. In our analysis, the story was not well connected as well as non sentimental. Without much depth in its storyline, this film was bound to fail. However, considering how the Mahjong scenes are entertaining, this film receives a 3 out of 5 stars from us.
Credits: King of Mahjong
Have you heard of the famous Chinese idiom "戏如人生，人生如戏" ?
This means that reality resembles the life portrayed in films , vice versa. As the idiom suggests, a good movie is applaudable only if it brings out the many elements of life. The more relatable the story, the more likely will people remember about the film. In order to produce a successful blockbuster, the film has to capture the hearts of the audience. Like mentioned at the start, our ratings are personal and non biased. By no means do we intend to bring down any films. Ergo, we hope you appreciate our efforts to review these shows and enjoy watching them.
If you are still interested in our other reviews, feel free to also check out our other reviews like the one for TOP MAHJONG SETS FOR EACH GENRE.