Justice, My Foot!

Justice, My Foot! is a classic Hong Kong comedy film released in 1992. Directed by Johnnie To and distributed by Golden Harvest and Cosmopolitan Film Productions, the film features an ensemble cast with the likes of Stephen Chow, Anita Mui, and Man-Tat Ng. Not only did this film become one of the top grossing films of 1992 in Hong Kong, but it also solidified Stephen Chow's status as a comedic genius in Hong Kong cinema. The film weaves humor with elements of period drama, creating a unique blend of comedy, drama, and martial arts.

Stephen Chow stars as Sung Chi, an extraordinarily smart and cunning lawyer who has not lost a single case in his career. However, his success doesn't stem from an unwavering dedication to truth or justice. Rather, he is known for his manipulative tactics and ability to twist facts and laws to his advantage.

Sung Chi's winning streak is set against a backdrop of his rich personal life. His wife, Madam Sung, portrayed by Anita Mui, is the embodiment of loyalty, love and compassion. She values justice and honesty more than anything, believing that her husband's unscrupulous ways will eventually cause their downfall. The dynamic between Sung Chi and Madam Sung is cleverly depicted and presents an engrossing subplot of the film.

Sung Chi decides to retire from his distinguished legal career after fears that his 'unfair' wins will lead to bad karma. This decision is influenced by his wife’s miscarriages. In their quest to have a child, the Sung family becomes involved with a series of unforeseen and unfortunate events that take Sung Chi out of retirement.

A chance encounter introduces Man-Tat Ng's character into the mix, a penniless wanderer and martial artist, who quickly becomes intertwined in Sung Chi's life. The addition of his character introduces a fresh dynamic which creates an exciting second half of the film.

Justice, My Foot! sets itself apart with its unique blend of law-bending escapades, martial arts action, and household comedy. The playful banter injected throughout the film is underpinned by a deeper reflection on morality and ethics, creating a strong emotional thread that runs alongside the quick-fire comedy and action sequences.

Stephen Chow, known as the King of Comedy in Hong Kong cinema, delivers a strong performance and carries the film with his signature slap-stick humor and fantastic comic timing. Anita Mui's portrayal of Sung Chi's wife is both heart-rending and pragmatic, providing a wonderful balance to Chow's physical comedy. In addition, Man-Tat Ng puts on a commendable performance, injecting his own humor and charisma into the film.

Director Johnnie To, who is renowned for his action and crime thrillers, does exceedingly well with this comedy film, making it witty and entertaining. He effectively uses the talented cast to bring humor to the small-town setting and court-room scenarios, creating a fantastic atmosphere that will leave audiences laughing throughout the film.

Visually, Justice, My Foot! is a treat, with the richly detailed 19th-century production design, colorful traditional Chinese costumes and beautifully filmed action sequences. The scenes are beautifully lit and composed, providing an authentic period feel for the film and encapsulating the essence of the time period.

Despite being so laughter-inducing, the film also packs some sentimental moments. Striking a thoughtful chord, it examines karma, destiny, honesty, and the importance of upholding justice, thus drawing the attention of the audience beyond mere comedy.

In conclusion, Justice, My Foot! is a must-watch film that perfectly captures the flavor of the 1990s Hong Kong cinema. At its core, it is an irreverent courtroom drama, peppered with well-timed comedy and slick martial arts sequences. Whether you are a fan of Stephen Chow, a lover of classic Hong Kong cinema, or simply enjoy watching a well-crafted comedy, the film is likely to bring you much entertainment.