Vulgaria

Vulgaria is an uproarious 2012 comedy film from Hong Kong, directed by Pang Ho-Cheung and starring Chapman To, Kristal Tin, and Ronald Cheng. This outlandishly risqué piece of comedic entertainment provides a quirky and irreverent satire of the Hong Kong film industry, its wacky practices, and taboo discussions.

Chapman To plays the protagonist, film producer To Wai-cheung, navigating the choppy waters of the movie industry. A lesser-known producer with some success under his belt, he finds his career in a slump, struggling to finance his projects due to various setbacks and complications in the unpredictable Hong Kong film industry. The plot kicks off when he seeks to revive his career by attempting to produce a remake of a classic adult film from the '70s.

Seeking finance, To Wai-cheung ventures out into the exquisitely bizarre world of eccentric mainland gangsters, hoping to find the necessary means. The comedy ensues as he tries to please an absurdly whimsical triad boss, hilariously portrayed by Ronald Cheng. Named Brother Tyrannosaur, this character is just one example of the movie's humorously exaggerated personalities, providing much of the film's laugh-out-loud moments.

Kristal Tin plays the role of Quin, To's ex-wife, and their relationship, fraught with tension yet interspersed with moments of genuine warmth and care, offers a different dimension to the plot, weaving an emotional thread into the narrative. The movie doesn't shy away from exploring adult themes and showcases a variety of sexual eccentricities, leading to hilarious and uncomfortable scenarios.

Vulgaria is a reflection on the outrageous and often ludicrous practices in the film industry, shedding light on what goes on behind the scenes in a comically exaggerated manner. The movie tackles several clichés, making fun of sometimes questionable, borderline unethical filmmaking practices. It also makes light of the industry's supposedly 'professional' relationships, which are depicted as anything but.

Firmly adhering to its title, Vulgaria is notably explicit, not afraid to fill its screenplay with sexual innuendos, crude humor, and unconventional sexual preferences. Despite being an adult-oriented film with a clear penchant for depicting cultural taboos, Vulgaria is never insensitive or offensive. The film comes across more as a bawdy yet smart comedy that uses its sense of humor to enhance the ridiculousness of its situations and characters rather than just rely on shock value.

Nevertheless, underneath its comedic veneer, Vulgaria provides commentary on the state of the film industry, particularly the Hong Kong film industry's struggles and its relationship with mainland Chinese financiers. The movie speaks to the lengths one might need to go to secure funding, the sacrifices, as well as the compromises filmmakers often have to make.

At its heart, Vulgaria, through its satirical lens, has a genuine love for cinema and uses the outrageous comedy to provide an insightful look into the film industry. Throughout its run time, the movie remains a strong character piece, driven by Chapman To's impressive performance and surrounded by an equally talented supporting cast. Chapman To, taking center stage, exhibit's his broad range of comedic talent, coupled with a rugged charm.

This film is a no-holds-barred comedy filled with absurd situations, entertaining characters, and wildly exaggerated stereotypes. It's an immediate attention grabber from beginning to end and manages to keep its comic tone consistently, making audiences howl with laughter.

In conclusion, Vulgaria revels in its own off-the-wall comedic energy and is an outrageously fun romp through the absurdities of the film industry. While it may seem chaotic at a glance, it paints a stark, yet hilarious, portrait of the struggles within the movie industry. This movie caters to those yearning for a fresh, engaging comedy experience and a unique perspective on the filmmaking world. Be warned, though; this movie isn't for the bashful. It loves to shock and amuse in equal measure, making it clearly evident why it earned its title.