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這個阿爸真爆炸 (2004)
Papa Loves You


Reviewed by: JohnR
Date: 01/28/2007
Summary: Disney Family Film Hong Kong Style

I enjoyed this light comedy. Big Tony plays a father who is totally dedicated to his daughter. His whole purpose in life is to get her raised up properly. He's single (if they said what happened to the mom, I missed it, but she must have died, since the daughter never mentions going to live with her)and, from all appearances gay. In any case, Tony plays him the hyper-feminine way gay men are typically portrayed in Hong Kong movies. If you're a gay man or offended by stereotypes, then you probably won't like the way Tony plays the dad, but otherwise he does a good job and carries the lion's share of the movie on his shoulders. I should point out that the movie doesn't mock the dad, it simply pokes fun at him while exaggerating to make the point that he's no he man.

Let's get to what everyone wants to know about a movie with Charlene Choi in it: is this the "Funeral March" or the "Twins Affair" Charlene? Definitely the FM Charlene, though her role isn't as powerful as that one. She plays the daughter, Ellen, straight up and convincingly and though this isn't Oscar material she holds up her end, which is saying something because she gets a lot of screen time.

Back to the plot. Ellen is going through a rebelious stage, skipping school, getting in fights at school, getting in trouble with the law. Her dad skitters around trying to keep her on track, but doesn't know how. Until he's mistaken for an infamous triad killer and suddenly, in the eyes of Ellen and her classmates, goes from Mr. Limpwrist to Mr. Cool. But taking on the identity of a big killer also attracts the enemies of the big killer, and so Tony and Charlene find themselves in serious trouble at the climax.

In short, the movie is about the parent/child relationship with the message aimed at the children: don't be annoyed with your parents, they're doing this for your own good. Of course, no kid buys that in real life. And the message to the parents: hang in there and keep trying, even if your kid doesn't appreciate it, and trust them more. The movie delivers the messages in an entertaining way and is never preachy. Good, clean family fun.

Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: barrst
Date: 07/23/2004
Summary: Good except for overwrought climax

Ying (Tony Leung Ka-Fai) is an overprotective father who will do anything for his daughter Ellen (Charlene Choi Cheuk-Yin) he is raising on his own. Complications ensue when he is mistaken for a legendary Triad and uses the mistake to get the respect of his daughter.

A lightweight comedy with a heart. Tony and Charlene carry the movie with their performances. There are a number of fantasy/flashback scenes which are well done. The only sour note is the climax, which is overly long and melodramatic.