Storyline

In a small Minnesota town, the annual beauty pageant is being covered by a TV crew. Former winner Gladys Leeman wants to make sure her daughter follows in her footsteps. Explosions, falling lights, and trailer fires prove that. As the Leemans are the richest family in town the police are pretty relaxed about it all. Despite everything, main rival (but nice) Amber Atkins won't be stopped. There could well be more death and disappointment to come.

Plot Keywords

beauty pageant, small town, deaf, stereotype, year 1995, documentary crew, corruption, asian american, f rated, mental retardation, undertaker, cadaver, trailer trash, black comedy, funeral, fake documentary, swan, funeral home, beauty queen, mockumentary

Short Review

Endearing romance, hysterical comedy, and incredible action!Vincent Kok's Hong Kong romantic action-comedy Gorgeous (1999) is one of my all time favorite romantic comedies. It's a riot! Kok's direction is really funny as he effortlessly balances cute romance drama, outrageous comedy, and intense martial arts action. Vincent Kok, Jackie Chan, and Yiu Fai Lo's writing is hilarious as they mine humor from goofy family dynamics, crazy yet intimate friendships, and the amazing running gag of characters not understanding each other because of their language barrier. I swear people speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English out of nowhere for a tear inducing level of laughter.There's only 4 fight scenes with Jackie Chan's character C.N. Chan, but they are worth it. Chan's comedic timing is impeccable, but he's also a believable millionaire looking for love because of his awkward stoicism and playful side. He's a great romantic lead here. I know everyone just wants to see Jackie Chan's unreal martial arts prowess and Gorgeous has that as well! Gorgeous' action choreography is so precise down to each swing of Chan's fists.Jackie Chan vs. Brad Allan's duels are iconic kung fu fights in cinema history now. Gorgeous has 2 duels between Hong Kong icon Jackie Chan's C.N. Chan and Australian martial artist Bradley James Allan's Alan and they just get faster and faster until you can barely follow their punches and kicks. Cinematographer Cheung Man-Po does a fantastic job capturing these challenges with panning wide shots and striking close-ups. His visuals are stunning for breathtaking landscapes shots in Taiwan and Hong Kong alike. You will never forget the final 10 minute encounter wherein Allan unleashes sweeping kicks and goes blow for blow with Chan at his peak. It's similar to Jackie Chan vs. Thunderleg from Drunken Master (1978). Gorgeous has a plethora of erratic humor, but the battles are worthwhile additionally.Jackie Chan destroys the goons sent by a very funny villain named L.W. Lo, played by the very likable and honorable Wakin Chau. Hong Kong Director Vincent Kok even plays one of these bad guys as well as Jackie Chan's bodyguard Ken Lo, who was the villain in Drunken Master II! I love how Hong Kong's film scene is closely knit. Iconic Hong Kong comedy director Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle, & The Mermaid) even appears alongside a fluffy K-9 dog as a Hong Kong police officer in a hilarious cameo. You can even spot Maggie Cheung as a model in a cameo when Jackie Chan is dating at one point. Carmen Soo cameos as Bu's doppelganger Gloria.Taiwanese actress Shu Qi (The Transporter & The Assassin) is absolutely adorable as the heroine Ah Bu. Qi gives one of the most sincere and cute lead actress performances I've ever seen. Her playful innocence, quirky personality, natural charm, silly humor, and high energy charisma make her the perfect lead actress for gorgeous. Shu Qi is also drop dead gorgeous with a natural beauty to her that makes her very relatable. Her mousy voice is super endearing and gives Bu a childlike sense of wonder. Bu is a sweet protagonist that you want to fall in love with as she loves romance, plays with these fun dolphins, and projects this lively spirit that keeps Gorgeous a lighthearted experience.I must mention legendary Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai (In the Mood for Love, Hero, & The Grandmaster) has a very funny supporting role as Bu's gay friend Albert. It's a blast to watch this serious actor portray a flamboyant gay make-up artist in Hong Kong as he does face masks, self tanning lights, and make-up on Hong Kong supermodels with a delightful physical comedy element. Tony Leung can play anything as he gets to demonstrate his versatile acting range in Gorgeous much to my delight. His slapstick sequences are second to none in Gorgeous. I really like Tony Leung's scenes with the pathetic Long-Yi character as played by the goofy Richie Ren Xian-Qi.Chang Chung-Yung's screaming bellows are a pleasure to witness as Bu's boisterous father and Elaine Jin is so sweet and thoughtful as Bu's loving mother. Gorgeous continues to move along quickly because of editor Nick Cheung's sharply cut scenes for a brisk 121 minutes. Dang-Yi Wong's score is a nice blend of 1999's electronic music and lovely symphonic melodies for the romance themes throughout Gorgeous. I really appreciated how modern Gorgeous sounded. In all, I adore Gorgeous as it is astoundingly well made with endearing characters and outstanding martial arts action! Who doesn't like a good romantic comedy?

Trailer