Wuxia Satire Offers Unique Cinematic Twist

Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Royal Tramp Collection (Royal Tramp & Royal Tramp II)
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Year Released: 1992, 2023 Eureka Classics Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 50m / 1h 38m
Director(s): Jing Wong
Writer(s): Jing Wong, Louis Cha
Cast: Stephen Chow, Sharla Cheung, Chingmy Yau, Sandra Kwan Yue Ng, Fennie Yuen, Vivian Chen / Brigitte Lin, Michelle Reis
Language: Cantonese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available November 13, 2023; pre-order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Upon entering the realm of the ROYAL TRAMP COLLECTION, I found myself transported to a world set against the rich vision of historical China. Here, a simple storyteller, portrayed with infectious energy by Stephen Chow, unwittingly becomes the linchpin in a saga of espionage that would give any action-adventure a run for its money. Yet, it is not just the escapades that capture your fancy but the clever way humor is interlaced with high stakes.

Diving into the ROYAL TRAMP COLLECTION, one is immediately struck by the seamless fusion of classic wuxia elements with an undercurrent of satire that deftly sidesteps predictability. With his hallmark energy, Stephen Chow transforms Wai Siu Bo from a mere commoner to a reluctant hero entangled in the power plays of the royal court. The saga’s first installment presents its jokes with such finesse that one might miss the humor if they’re not paying close attention—a stark contrast to the broad comedy Chow is known for.

The action set pieces, orchestrated by the skilled Ching Siu-tung (who choreographed one of my all-time favorites, A CHINESE GHOST STORY), offer a visual feast further animated by Wong Jing’s dynamic direction. This mix creates an experience that laughs in the face of genre predictability. The feature demands a nuanced understanding of Hong Kong cinema’s unique flavors to savor its satirical touches.

The tempo accelerates as the adventure unfolds into ROYAL TRAMP II, and the anticipation crescendos to a fever pitch. Though more grandiose, this continuation occasionally loses its comedic touch in the more intricate plot and opulent settings. Nonetheless, it regains footing, culminating in an unforgettable showdown that is a high point for the series.

The sequel dives deeper into the treacherous undercurrents of court politics, ratcheting up the action and suspense. Esteemed actresses like Brigitte Lin and Michelle Reis join the fray, lending gravitas to the proceedings. Despite the occasional mismatch between humor and high-octane action, the visual grandeur and adrenaline-fueled choreography firmly establish the sequel’s standing among wuxia narratives. Also, impressive by today’s standards, both films were released in 1992, not making you wait for the conclusion; I wish the film industry would return to this model!

Both films pay homage to martial arts epics through a lens of humor that might elude the genre’s newcomers yet completely enchant its longtime fans. The collection’s magic lies in its bold lampooning paired with Jin Yong’s legendary storytelling, and all brought to vibrant life by Stephen Chow’s trademark wit.

While not without its quirks, the creative aspirations and lavish production of the ROYAL TRAMP COLLECTION deserve applause. It illustrates the rich potential of marrying genres. It is a shining beacon of Stephen Chow’s talent to spellbind an audience with his deft blend of laughter and reluctant bravery.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling [2000 copies]
Brand new 4K restorations of both films, presented in 1080p HD across two Blu-ray discs
Original Cantonese audio tracks
Optional English dubbed audio
Optional English subtitles newly translated for this release
Brand new audio commentaries by Asian film experts Frank Djeng, Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
A career-spanning interview with veteran Hong Kong actress Helene Law Lan, courtesy of the Frédéric Ambroisine Video Archive
Two archival interviews with Wong Jing about Royal Tramp and the Jin Yong novel the story is based on
Trailers
A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the films [2000 copies]
***All extras subject to change***

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]

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