MOVIE REVIEW : ‘King of Beggars’ Is Rich in Action, Comedy and Heart

“King of Beggars” (at the Monica 4-Plex) is a robust, comical period epic, a martial arts extravaganza that develops surprising poignancy and even sends a message of uplift. The result is rollicking entertainment for older children as well as adults. (What risque moments there are are mild and fleeting.)

Set sometime in the Ching Dynasty, it stars Stephen Chiauas So Chan, who’s as fun-loving as his widowed father, Gen. So (Ng Man-Tat) of Canton. Somehow, amid all the constant revelry, the handsome, rugged Chan has found the discipline to become a martial arts master. In a luxe bordello he encounters the ravishingly beautiful Yushang (Chang Min), who has captivated not only Chan but also the evil warlord Chiu (Chui Siu-Keung). For reasons unclear Chiu, who unfortunately possesses telekinetic powers among other magical gifts, has murdered Yushang’s father, who had been Canton’s King of Beggars.

To win her hand, Yushang insists that Chan go to Peking to compete in the national examinations for a martial arts scholarship. Chan’s illiteracy is his undoing, compounded by having won the enmity of Chiu because of his pursuit of Yushang. Father and son undergo a swift and drastic reversal of fortune when the emperor condemns them to live as beggars for Chan having cheated in the written part of the exams. Although they’re brought to the brink of despair, father and son, do not lapse into self-pity as their spirits are put to the severest of tests in their struggle for survival. The moral of their tale is that with pride and faith, adversity may finally be overcome.

Well-written by Chan-Kin Chung and directed with terrific panache by Gordon Chan, “King of Beggars” (Times-rated Family) benefits strongly from Ma Kwong-Wing’s stylish production design and Chung Chi-Man’s gorgeous camera work. While all the principals are adept, Chiau is a standout.

‘King of Beggars’

Stephen Chiau: So Chan Chang Min: Yushang Ng Man-Tat: General So Chui Siu-Keung: Chiu

A Rim Films release of Win’s Movie and I/E Co. production. Producer Stephen Siu. Screenplay by Chan Kin-Chung. Martial arts choreographer Yuen Cheung-Yan. Cinematographer Chung Chi-Man. Editors Mei-Fung, Kwong Chi-Kin. Costumes Tony Au. Music Joseph Koo. Production design Ma Kwong-Wing. Sound Chow Siu-Lung. In Cantonese, with English and Chinese subtitles. Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes.

Times-rated Family (suitable for all but very young children).