How To Pick Girls Up!?

Set to the lively backdrop of modernized Hong Kong in the late 1980s, How To Pick Girls Up! is a unique blend of romantic comedy and drama that stars two emblematic figures of Hong Kong cinema – Eric Tsang and Maggie Cheung. The film charmingly presents the city's youthful energy and relentless hustle, encompassing an engaging narrative filled with humor, wit, and a touch of romance.

How to Pick Girls Up! is centered around the life of a confident, albeit somewhat egotistic young man named Ah Tao, delicately portrayed by Eric Tsang. Ah Tao believes he has perfected the art of winning over women. His overflowing confidence finds occasional substantiation in his love conquests. However, Tao’s cocky attitude often lands him in peculiar comedic situations. Tsang's significant comedic prowess shines through in this nuanced role, allowing the audience to connect with Tao's charisma, and feel for his failures.

In contrast, leading lady Maggie Cheung plays the fascinatingly complex character of Jane, a beautiful, smart, and independent woman undeterred by Tao's overbearing charm. As an unconventional heroine, Jane defies the conventions of her time and refuses to be collected as another token of Tao's inflated ego. Cheung's performance touches the audience with the authenticity and depth, which contributes to the film's engaging plotline.

The plot takes a twist when Tao, in a desperate attempt to woo Jane, turns to an advice book titled 'How To Pick Girls Up!' on the recommendation of a friend. The book, filled with outdated logic and sexist advice, promises to be an infallible guide to winning a woman's heart. Believing it to be full proof, Tao decides to put the book to test on Jane. What ensues is a series of hilarious, albeit tense, situations as Tao blindly adheres to each 'tip' from the book, without much consideration for their validity or feasibility.

However, the film is not just a series of comedic escapades. Underneath the humor, How To Pick Girls Up! explores serious themes concerning gender norms, romantic expectations, and the complexities of modern relationships. The film becomes a narrative lens to examine how the old-school masculine mindset enters into conflict with modern women's expectations and assertiveness.

On another layer, How To Pick Girls Up! unfolds as an ode to 1980s Hong Kong, painting a vibrant panorama of the cosmopolitan lifestyle that the city was popularly known for during that era. The environment, neon lights, trendy fashion, and quick pacing of modern urban life are captured brilliantly in the film, contributing to its engaging visual storytelling.

Through the intense chemistry between Eric Tsang and Maggie Cheung, the film strikes a balance between comedy and drama without undermining the gravity of the subject. Though the narrative uses humor to lighten the tone, it also takes its moments to delve into a deeper, and at times darker, exploration of societal norms and relationships – all while keeping the audience invested in the fate of its charismatic leads.

Director Dennis Chan showcases his prowess in this unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance by maintaining an engaging narrative flow throughout the movie. He excellent sense of timing coupled with his ability to draw compelling performances from his cast create a viewing experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Meanwhile, the movie's vibrant score and crisp cinematography accentuate its electric pace and effervescent humor, making How To Pick Girls Up! a film that leaves a lasting impression.

In essence, How To Pick Girls Up! invites viewers on a lightly comedic, yet significantly challenging journey. It explores the intricacies of romance and dating within the framework of modern urban life. Built on the strong performances of its lead actors and complemented by its energetic representation of 1980s Hong Kong, it makes for an engaging and unforgettable experience. Overall, How To Pick Girls Up! is undeniably a gem of Hong Kong cinema that continues to resonate with audiences long after viewing.