Let's Make Laugh

Let's Make Laugh is a Hongkong romantic comedy-drama film that came out in 1983. Directed by prolific filmmaker Alfred Cheung, the movie has been hailed as a classic in Hong Kong cinema and showcases the comedic prowess of popular actor Kenny Bee, along with the defining performances by Cecilia Yip and Kuo-Chu Chang.

The film significantly revolves around Kenny Bee who plays the part of a well-known successful comedian, renowned for his ability to instigate laughter and joy in his audience, but privately, he wrestles with loneliness and personal dissatisfaction. His character navigates through the precarious landscape of success-mixed-with-personal turmoil, while dealing with the constraints and pressures that public figures frequently face. He's a man whose primary job is to make others laugh, but his happiness remains elusive.

Cecilia Yip stars as a magazine reporter, who plans to write an expose about the private life of this well-renowned comedian. With the intention of uncovering his true personality, she makes attempts to sneak into his private world. However, as she peels back the layers of his exterior image, she finds herself gradually drawn towards him, creating a complex interplay of professional and personal emotions.

Kuo-Chu Chang adds another layer of intricacy to the plot with his role. As a fellow entertainer, he forms a part of the circle which revolves around Kenny Bee's character, and his interactions add additional depth and sometimes tension to the narrative.

The entwining storyline of Let's Make Laugh unfolds with a masterly mix of hilarity, heartbreak, romance, and drama, keeping the audience glued and invested in the characters' fates. This movie is a prominent example of early 1980s Hong Kong cinema where comedic elements didn't overshadow the underlying tones of drama and emotional depth but blended with them to form a well-rounded cinematic experience.

The characters in Let's Make Laugh are not merely caricatures. Instead, they are multi-dimensional, with a full range of humanistic traits and flaws. This is a feat accomplished due to the actors' splendid performances, with each actor demonstrating a wide range of emotions that is often required in romantic comedies. Despite the humorous undertone, Kenny Bee manages to bring out his character's loneliness and underlying sadness, making the audience sympathize with his character's plight, while Cecilia Yip strikes a balance between being a critical reporter and a sensitive woman drawn into Kenny Bees character.

Let's Make Laugh is also a film that delves into the human psyche, taking viewers beyond the surface of fame, success, and public persona. In its essence, the movie serves as a commentary on the struggles associated with stardom. It paints a picture of the harsh realities that often hide behind the glossy exterior of the entertainment industry and reminds viewers that celebrities are humans too, with their own set of challenges and emotional issues.

The cinematography and art direction remain noteworthy, perfectly encapsulating the atmosphere of the early '80s Hong Kong entertainment industry. Also, the direction provided by Alfred Cheung is commendable, particularly his ability to seamlessly blend comic moments with heart-tugging emotional scenes, resulting in a movie that is as funny as it is moving.

Let's Make Laugh is not just a comedic piece but is also a deeply emotional, sensitive, and perceptive film that stirs empathy while delivering the quintessential catharsis, a characteristic of great storytelling.

By eliciting tears as much as cuffs of laughter, director Alfred Cheung effectively proves that comedy does not always have to be superficial. Instead, it can be a profound exploration of human emotions and an introspective analysis of the people who make us laugh.

Let's Make Laugh stands the test of time as a crackerjack merging of drama and comedy, a testament to the superlative performances its stars have given and it continues to maintain its status as a classic, decades after its first release. Whether it's the skilled direction, the sincere performances, or the heartfelt yet insightful storyline, this film is guaranteed to keep you entertained and emotionally engaged from the beginning to end.