Tricky Brains

Watch Tricky Brains

  • NR
  • 1991
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • 7.0  (2,894)

Tricky Brains is a classic Hong Kong action-comedy from 1991, directed by Wong Jing, with an ensemble cast led by Stephen Chow, Andy Lau, and Rosamund Kwan. It is a film that combines elements of spy movies, heist movies, and romantic comedies, while also satirizing and celebrating Hong Kong culture, politics, and entertainment. The film begins with a prologue set in the 1950s, where a renowned magician named Mr. Magic (played by Lau) performs a trick that involves him disappearing from a locked safe and reappearing on a rooftop. The trick is so impressive that it inspires a young boy named Autobot (played by Chow) to become a magician himself. Fast forward to the present day, Autobot is now an adult who works as a low-level hustler, scamming people with his magic tricks and pickpocket skills.

One day, Autobot meets a beautiful woman named Julie (played by Kwan) who works for a wealthy businessman named Mr. Yee (played by Wong Jing). He falls in love with her but soon realizes that she only wants him to help her steal a priceless diamond from Mr. Yee's rival, a Japanese gangster named Yamamoto (played by Yasuda), who is visiting Hong Kong to attend a magic competition. Despite his reservations, Autobot agrees to the plan and recruits his old friend and mentor, Mr. Magic, to help him pull off the heist.

However, things quickly become complicated as Autobot and his team have to contend with not only the ruthless Yamamoto and his henchmen but also Mr. Yee and his own treacherous partners, who have their own plans for the diamond. Along the way, Autobot also has to confront his own insecurities, as he tries to prove himself as a magician and a lover, while also staying true to his moral code and his friendship with Mr. Magic.

Tricky Brains is a film that delights in its own absurdity and charm. It showcases the talents of its leading actors, who play off each other with a mix of slapstick comedy, witty banter, and dramatic flair. Stephen Chow, in particular, delivers his trademark humor and charisma as Autobot, who is both a lovable rogue and a heroic underdog. Andy Lau, who usually plays suave and serious roles, shows his range as Mr. Magic, who is eccentric and vulnerable. Rosamund Kwan, meanwhile, brings grace and intelligence to her role as the femme fatale who is more than just a pretty face.

The film also features a memorable supporting cast, such as Wong Jing, who plays the oily and manipulative Mr. Yee; Yasuda, who plays the menacing but comical Yamamoto; and Ng Man-tat, who plays Autobot's sidekick, a bumbling but loyal cop named Sergeant Dragon. The film also includes cameos by other Hong Kong actors and celebrities, such as Donnie Yen, Chingmy Yau, and Cheung Tat-ming, who add to the film's meta-commentary on the entertainment industry.

One of the film's main strengths is its use of magic as a metaphor for storytelling and deception. The film celebrates the art of magic and illusion, showcasing various tricks and illusions that are both entertaining and cleverly integrated into the plot. However, it also highlights the dangers and pitfalls of using magic, or any form of storytelling, to deceive and manipulate others. Autobot and Mr. Magic have to learn the hard way that their tricks can have consequences, both for themselves and for those around them.

Another key theme of the film is the clash of cultures, as Hong Kong tries to reconcile its Chinese heritage with its Western influence and modernization. The film satirizes both the traditional values of respect and family loyalty, as exemplified by Autobot's mother and sister, and the superficial glamour and materialism of the nouveau riche, as embodied by Mr. Yee and his associates. The film also takes jabs at the Japanese stereotypes of efficiency and honor, while also acknowledging their cultural influence on Hong Kong, particularly in the field of magic.

Overall, Tricky Brains is a fun and entertaining film that balances its action, comedy, and romance with a sharp wit and a self-awareness. It is a film that celebrates and parodies Hong Kong's unique identity and culture, while also providing a universal message about the power of illusion and the importance of honesty. It remains a cult classic and a testament to the talents of its cast and crew.

Tricky Brains is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.

Tricky Brains
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Where to Watch Tricky Brains
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  • Release Date
    1991
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 50 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (2,894)
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