SDU: Sex Duties Unit

SDU: Sex Duties Unit is a 2013 Hong Kong comedy directed by Gary Mak and produced by Chapman To, who also stars in the movie alongside Shawn Yue and Matt Chow. The movie is a raucous blend of outrageous humor, tongue-in-cheek satire, and buddy-cop tropes that, while adhering to the conventions of the genre, injects a unique brand of irreverence into its narrative. The film is largely in Cantonese but also has scenes in English, supplemented by subtitles for international audiences.

The film's title suggests a play on Hong Kong's Special Duties Unit, a specialized "police within the police," distinguished by their remarkable training, discipline, and efficiency. However, the characters in the movie can be best described as the polar opposites of this elite group in every conceivable way.

SDU: Sex Duties Unit centers around three longtime friends and police officers - Lui, Fai, and Leung, portrayed by Chapman To, Shawn Yue, and Matt Chow respectively. Despite their mutual admiration and camaraderie, they approach their roles as officers from vastly different perspectives, leading to humorous incidents and debates on the ethos of the job.

Lui is a veteran officer with experience that is often belied by his unassuming and at times, eccentric persona. Fai is energetic and ever-enthusiastic about his job, but his zealousness often crosses the bounds of eagerness and lands on the side of arrogance. Leung, on the other hand, embodies nonchalance and is least bothered about the protocol, adding a great deal of humor but also reflectiveness to the narrative.

The story unfolds when the trio is assigned by a high-ranking police officer to an obscure and eyebrow-raising mission. They are assigned the task of satisfying the sexual needs of a Japanese heiress, who has allegedly been harassed by a powerful businessman. The mission, under the veneer of a police operation, is uncanny and comically discussive. The officers dive headfirst into their new roles, grappling with a variety of unexpected situations while dealing with their own personal and professional dilemmas.

The characters on the mission take you on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, hilarious action sequences, and countless comedic moments that derive their humor from the surreal nature of the operation and the myriad interpretations of duty. A consistent vein of social commentary runs through the narrative, with the film offering a whimsical but sharp critique of power dynamics, bureaucracy, and the ridiculousness of it all.

What sets SDU: Sex Duties Unit from other comedy movies is its audacious embrace of slapstick humor, scandalous dialogues, and outlandish scenarios while maintaining the essence of a narrative about camaraderie amongst coworkers. Amidst the ridiculous situations, there are moments of earnestness and sincerity as the characters examine their relationships with each other and their perception of their work.

Chapman To delivers an exceptionally entertaining performance, demonstrating his comedic timing and versatility as an actor. His chemistry with Shawn Yue and Matt Chow is palpable, and their camaraderie forms the bedrock of the comedic camaraderie in the movie.

SDU: Sex Duties Unit leverages well-rounded performances, satirical narrative, and engaging humor, offering not just laughs but also sharp reflections on institutional structures, all ensconced in a distinctly Hong Kong cultural context. Pushing boundaries through its risqué humor and audacious plot twists, the film manages to deliver an entertaining watch that will keep you laughing from start to finish.

In summary, SDU: Sex Duties Unit is a daring satire teeming with outrageous humor and endearing friendship themes. It's a movie that pushes limits, offers a dent of reality, and makes excellent use of its talented cast to present a unique perspective on police authority and responsibility. If you're a fan of offbeat comedies or appreciate unconventional cinema, this film is well worth a watch.