The classic tale of Zhong Wu Yen (or Chung Mo Yim) is brought to colorful, hilarious life in Wu Yen, a 2001 Lunar New Year offering directed by Johnny To and Wai Ka Fai. Wu Yen (Sammi Cheng) is a woman warrior fated to marry the Emperor (Anita Mui in a cross-dressing role), but their foretold union is complicated by the evil Fairy Enchantress (Cecilia Cheung), who desires Wu Yen but is spurned. Angry, she curses Wu Yen with "ugliness", and goes after the Emperor herself! Undeterred, Wu Yen storms the palace, and before long a love triangle of hilarious proportions erupts!
Johnny To and Wai Ka Fai direct Wu Yen at a frenzied pace, and keep the anachronistic sight gags and silliness coming fast and furious. The acclaimed commercial filmmakers bring a light, engaging tone to Wu Yen, and create winning characters that are embodied perfectly by the troika of stellar leading ladies. Sammi Cheng was rewarded with a Best Actress Award by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society for her charming, vulnerable, but above all strong preformance as the noble Zhong Wu Yen. Featuring beautiful costumes, hilarious comedy, and wonderful star turns, Wu Yen is a delightful and even touching Lunar New Year Comedy! |