The Enigmatic Case (4K Digital Version)

Dir: Johnnie To
Scr: Chu Yan
Prod Cos: Feng Huang, Zeus
Cast: Damian Lau Chung-yan, Cherie Chung, Jiang Han, Lau Kong, Ting Leung
1980 | Colour | DCP | Cantonese | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 89 min

Johnnie To’s first film is also the first of many attempts by Feng Huang to engage new directors. As a leftist film company, Feng Huang was able to set up location shooting in northern Guangdong, making The Enigmatic Case the first Hong Kong production to film in the Mainland in the reform and opening up era. The film is set in the late Ming Dynasty, about the wandering swordsman Lo Tin-kwan (Damian Lau Chung-yan), who becomes embroiled in a robbery of imperial gold. The official responsible for escorting the gold, Yau Yick-yu (Jiang Han), commits suicide for failing his mission. Three robbers die mysteriously in a fire, and the gold vanishes. After escaping prison, Lu meets the late official’s daughter, Yau Pui-pui (Cherie Chung) and together they endeavour to uncover the truth while fending off attacks from both sides of the law. 

Johnnie To’s television work left an impression on Lau, who invited To to direct the film. To and scriptwriter Chu Yan craft a story that evokes the righteous and chivalrous heroes (xia in Chinese) in classical Chinese literature and traditional opera. They also introduce elements of mystery into the wuxia framework, in ways reminiscent of the novels by the influential writer Gu Long. To takes full advantage of the landscape of the Shaoguan area, staging action scenes against gorgeous geographical backdrops with mise-en-scène that resonates with Hollywood westerns. This is complemented by the moody, mysterious visuals by cinematographer David Chung, which serves as a perfect foil for the character’s experiences and psychology. The film also features Cherie Chung in her movie debut, her fresh-faced sweetness and natural presence exude the indelible quality of the big star to emerge.

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