Gorgeous

Gorgeous is a 1999 romantic comedy-action film originating from Hong Kong that simply doesn't lose its charm. Starring Jackie Chan, Shu Qi, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, the movie is a delightful fusion of love, action, comedy, and subtle drama that keeps the audience engaged from the opening shots to the final credits.

The film opens with Bu (played by Shu Qi), a young Taiwanese woman who is frustrated with rural life and dreams of a more glamorous existence. After finding a message in a bottle that has washed up on the shore, Bu is persuaded that it’s a love letter, encouraging her to seek the writer in Hong Kong.

Upon arriving there, Bu crosses paths with a millionaire businessman, C.N. Chan (played by Jackie Chan) and mistakenly believes him to be the author of the letter. C.N., who is a confirmed bachelor and renowned playboy, is both surprised and amused by Bu's childlike innocence and intriguing naivety. Without giving too much away, let's just say that their initial interaction sets the stage for a laugh-out-loud story of miscommunication, mistaken identities, monstrously hilarious scenarios and, most importantly, where Bu's high energy hijinks meet C.N.'s dry wit and a bit of cynicism - all while an understated romance blossoms between the two.

While Gorgeous may initially seem like a love story, the film beautifully takes on another dimension with the introduction of the character Alan (played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai). A legendary street fighter, Alan’s chance encounter with C.N. sets the course of the story into an unexpected and thrill-charged direction. The screenplay beautifully uses the introduction of the street-fighting element to reflect the internal conflicts of the key characters cleverly, creating a tangible tension throughout the film.

It is worth mentioning that while the romance and comedy scenes are loaded with charm and sparkling charisma, especially because of the performances of the star-studded ensemble, it's the action sequences that truly steal the show. Being a Jackie Chan movie, Gorgeous delivers the high-octane action sequences and beautifully choreographed martial arts scenes that his fans have come to expect. With a good mix of street fighting sequences and certain delightful surprises, the film is versatile, entertaining, and, above all, an absolute treat for both rom-com and action enthusiasts.

On the acting front, the film features excellent performances across the board. Shu Qi as the quintessentially wide-eyed and earnest Bu brings a refreshing and endearing performance that is a perfect foil to Jackie Chan's more seasoned and cynical C.N. Chan. The on-screen chemistry between them is tangible, ardent and strengthened by Chan's balanced and proficient performance. As the street fighter, Tony Leung Chiu-wai brings depth and complexity to his character complimenting the already strong duo of Chan and Qi perfectly.

Direction and cinematography are indispensable elements of any successful movie and Gorgeous is no exception. Beyond the gorgeous (pun intended) shots of Hong Kong's high-rise skyline and Bu's more humble origins, the movie triumphs in capturing perfect frames for high-octane action scenes, serenely nostalgic flashbacks, and intimate romantic exchanges.

In terms of narrative style, director Vincent Kok sets the rhythm of the story to an entertaining tempo that effectively balances the contrasting elements of comedy, romance, and action. He skillfully switches between these different modes, ensuring the audience never loses interest, and the plot keeps a sense of allure and unpredictability throughout.

Exceeding the standard fare of rom-coms, Gorgeous explores deeper themes, such as self-discovery, overcoming personal challenges, and standing up for what you believe in. The script successfully manages to mold these themes into the story without making it seem too heavy or preachy, in fact, using them to add layers to the movie's overall narrative.

Overall, Gorgeous (1999) is not only a fun-filled ride but also an unforgettable martial arts extravaganza. It brilliantly entwines romance, humor, action, and personal growth into one well-knit package that captivates its audience and conjures a delightful aura. With a power-packed cast, fantastic cinematography, well-balanced plot, and captivating themes, Gorgeous remains a milestone in the film career of Jackie Chan, a treat for romantic comedy lovers and an enduring classic of Hong Kong cinema.