The Eighth Happiness

The Eighth Happiness is a comedy-drama released in 1988, delivering a jubilant blend of humor, drama, and emotions, with an exceptional cast led by renowned Hong Kong actors Chow Yun-Fat, Raymond Pak-Ming Wong, and Carol 'Do Do' Cheng. This film, written by Clifton Ko and Raymond Wong, is directed by Johnnie To. The movie delves into the lives of the three male protagonists, offering an intriguing sneak peek into their friendships, love interests, and the crazy events surrounding them.

At the heart of the film are three brothers Fai (Chow Yun-Fat), Chang, the television scriptwriter (Raymond Pak-Ming Wong), and gay airline steward Chi-Lok (Jacky Cheung). Each with a different personality, the brothers provide a kaleidoscope of experiences that can easily resonate with the audience. Despite their different walks of life, the movie beautifully knits together the tales of the congenial brothers with a common thread of love, relationships, and family values.

Fai, the eldest brother, is a misogynist due to a heartbreak, reflecting the naive perspective of certain men towards women. He meets TV actress Shing Howe-tung (Carol "Do Do" Cheng), igniting a sassy romance driven by their witty and humorous interactions. Their enchanting chemistry is supported by the fine performances of Chow Yun-Fat and Carol 'Do Do' Cheng, bringing an effervescent charm to the big screen.

Chang, on the other hand, constantly dreams of becoming a successful drama writer. Inclined towards his dream, his character manifests the heartwarming struggle of men torn between love and career and how they juggle with the life's unpredictability with sheer optimism and determination. Chang's interactions with the other brothers are genuinely hilarious, which successfully adds to the comic relief of the film.

Pivoting towards Chi-Lok, the character's trail subtly touches upon the societal taboos associated with homosexuality during the time. Yet, it focuses on the positive aspects of acceptance and self-expression, wherein Jack Cheung played the role with impressive sincerity.

The Eighth Happiness is an intricate blend of episodic scenes, reflecting mishaps and romantic entanglements that surround the three brothers. Each episode is introduced at the start by Raymond Wong, providing a unique touch to the narrative style of the story, and also enabling the audience to perceive the underlying message in each of these scenes.

The film's title, "The Eighth Happiness", is a clever play on the Chinese belief of number 8 being synonymous with prosperity or wealth, therefore, humorously alluding to the abundant happiness that is to be encountered in life, including its ups and downs.

As a romantic comedy, The Eighth Happiness encapsulates the lighter and emotional facets of life, which are exquisitely portrayed by the impeccable performances of the cast. It underlines the value of love, friendship, and family ties amidst the trifling troubles of life, which when taken with a pinch of salt, makes the journey worthwhile. The terrific performance by Chow Yun-Fat, Raymond Wong, and Carol Cheng enhances the charm of the film, and their chemistry extends an authentic and heartwarming vibe.

The direction by Johnnie To is commendable, having managed to balance the elements of comedy and drama effortlessly. The script, penned by Clifton Ko and Raymond Wong, is filled with witty dialogues and slapstick humor that hardly leave any dull moment in the film.

With an intriguing plotline, fine performances, and adept handling of different subjects, The Eighth Happiness provides a hearty enjoyable cinematic experience. The film is not just an ordinary comedy-drama; it subtly wraps relevant social messages under layers of humor, love, and warmth, thereby offering a strong sense of relatability to the audience.

In essence, The Eighth Happiness is a Hong Kong comedy classic that not only entertains but also leaves the audience pensive with its underlying messages. While it has its silly and chaotic moments that are bound to trigger laughter, it isn't devoid of tender instances that touch upon deeper human emotions. It is no wonder that the film continues to win hearts, even after decades of its release.