Wilson Tong, although a superb martial artist, has never been a particularly strong director (Daggers 8, 1980 and The Sniping, 1989 being two definite exceptions!) but he clearly had some clout, as he managed to bring together a fantastic ensemble cast of (mostly Shaw Brothers studio) veterans for 1991's All Mighty Gambler.
A filthy rich tycoon named Fat Bill (Teddy Yip) is swindled out of his money in a high stakes poker match by best buddies, Chiang (Norman Tsui) and Yung (Chin Siu Ho). The two work for Master Tai (Chen Kuan Tai) who, along with his lecherous son (Tai Bo), owns a large casino business and involved in various illegal activities. With 1997 looming, Chiang plans to emigrate from Hong Kong to Canada with his pregnant partner, whilst Yung is more carefree and happy to chase girls and try and impress them with his card tricks.
The situation becomes hugely complicated when a beautiful female poker ace called 'Ice' (Ellen Chan) arrives on the scene, fresh back from the United States. We eventually learn that Ice has returned after 15 years to avenge her father who was killed by Master Tai. In the meantime, Yung has fallen for Ice, and Fat Bill is seeking revenge for the losses he has suffered.
In terms of tone, All Mighty Gambler is a typical Hong Kong movie from the era, hopping from gambling scenes, to fairly hard-hitting fights, to romance, and then some comedy. The script and storyline are quite generic but the solid cast and cameos definitely help to keep things interesting. Johnny Wang Lung Wei, Chan Wai Man, Lo Lieh, Billy Chow (and more) all appear in small but fun roles.
For fans of Ellen Chan, the film is an absolute must. She looks great in every shot and her slow-motion seduction of Chin Siu Ho in white lingerie will surely please her followers (even if it is a tad cheesy!). Tu Kuei-Hua appears as Ice's sidekick and gets to show off some decent kicking skills, and Billy Chow and Chin Siu Ho's scrap inside a gym is also a highlight.
Unfortunately, the ending is pretty weak but I am inclined to score the film a little higher due to the fun cast of familiar faces and the smouldering Ellen Chan, who pretty much steals the show here.
3 out of 5
Review source: World Video, VHS (USA) (Cantonese language with English subtitles)
A filthy rich tycoon named Fat Bill (Teddy Yip) is swindled out of his money in a high stakes poker match by best buddies, Chiang (Norman Tsui) and Yung (Chin Siu Ho). The two work for Master Tai (Chen Kuan Tai) who, along with his lecherous son (Tai Bo), owns a large casino business and involved in various illegal activities. With 1997 looming, Chiang plans to emigrate from Hong Kong to Canada with his pregnant partner, whilst Yung is more carefree and happy to chase girls and try and impress them with his card tricks.
The situation becomes hugely complicated when a beautiful female poker ace called 'Ice' (Ellen Chan) arrives on the scene, fresh back from the United States. We eventually learn that Ice has returned after 15 years to avenge her father who was killed by Master Tai. In the meantime, Yung has fallen for Ice, and Fat Bill is seeking revenge for the losses he has suffered.
In terms of tone, All Mighty Gambler is a typical Hong Kong movie from the era, hopping from gambling scenes, to fairly hard-hitting fights, to romance, and then some comedy. The script and storyline are quite generic but the solid cast and cameos definitely help to keep things interesting. Johnny Wang Lung Wei, Chan Wai Man, Lo Lieh, Billy Chow (and more) all appear in small but fun roles.
For fans of Ellen Chan, the film is an absolute must. She looks great in every shot and her slow-motion seduction of Chin Siu Ho in white lingerie will surely please her followers (even if it is a tad cheesy!). Tu Kuei-Hua appears as Ice's sidekick and gets to show off some decent kicking skills, and Billy Chow and Chin Siu Ho's scrap inside a gym is also a highlight.
Unfortunately, the ending is pretty weak but I am inclined to score the film a little higher due to the fun cast of familiar faces and the smouldering Ellen Chan, who pretty much steals the show here.
3 out of 5
Review source: World Video, VHS (USA) (Cantonese language with English subtitles)
