In the glittering yet fading district of East Tsim Sha Tsui, the film "Night King" unfolds as a love letter to the bygone era of Cantonese nightlife, wrapped in a comedy that sparkles with charm but falters in emotional depth. Directed by Jack Ng, known for the 2023 legal drama hit "A Guilty Conscience," this movie stars Hong Kong comedy veteran Dayo Wong and Cantopop icon Sammi Cheng in roles that explore nostalgia, corporate intrigue, and personal redemption.
A Nostalgic Setting with Modern Conflicts
Dayo Wong portrays Foon, the dedicated manager of EJ Entertainment, the last surviving nightclub in a neighborhood once vibrant with nightlife. The plot thickens when a corporate takeover brings his ex-wife, Dame V, played by Sammi Cheng, into power. V aims to revolutionize the club by replacing the traditional hostesses with her so-called "fighter jet" upgrades, setting the stage for a clash of ideologies.
Unexpected Twists and Teamwork
Just as Foon and V begin their professional sparring, a betrayal emerges: playboy Prince Fung, portrayed by Chun Yip Lo, V's original partner, withdraws from the deal, leaving her liable for an $80 million buyout or a hefty cancellation fee. In a turn of events, Foon, ever the soft-hearted character, agrees to collaborate with his no-nonsense ex-wife to save the club, driven by a shared nostalgia for the razzle-dazzle of old Kowloon.
Cinematic Style and Shortcomings
"Night King" is visually striking, with a lustrous and gauzy cinematography that evokes comparisons to Wong Kar-Wai's films, yet its tone often aligns more with lighthearted comedies like "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story." However, the film struggles with retrograde elements, particularly in its portrayal of hostesses as a "bevy of beauties" who are thinly characterized and serve primarily as foils for catty humor from Foon and his sidekick Turf, played by Yeung Wai Lun.
Lack of Raw Chemistry and Depth
Compared to films like "Hustlers," "Night King" feels sanitized and coy about the realities of the hostess profession, missing opportunities to delve into the nitty-gritty of the hospitality and sex trades. This absence of rawness extends to the rekindled relationship between V and Foon; their conflicts over past disappointments and shared struggles come across as contrived, lacking the authentic chemistry needed to engage viewers emotionally.
Plot Complexity and Resolution Issues
The narrative juggles multiple subplots, including a race to boost client numbers, a love triangle involving Foon, V, and a hostess named Fish Liew, and a late-breaking Ocean's 11-style scam. Despite these elements, the film fails to satisfactorily resolve any storyline, leaving audiences with a sense of incompleteness. Occasional sharp dialogue, such as Foon's quip about punters being "like hobbits," provides moments of wit but doesn't compensate for the overall lack of cohesion.
A Tribute That Feels Behind the Times
Ultimately, "Night King" serves as a lounge-lizard glass-tip to the nostalgic nightlife of Kowloon, but its failure to address contemporary issues or develop its characters fully makes it feel outdated. While it offers glitzy visuals and comedic moments, the film's underwhelming execution in exploring deeper themes leaves it as a charming yet flawed tribute. "Night King" is set to release in UK and Irish cinemas from February 20, inviting audiences to reflect on a fading cultural era.
