The Private Eyes

This cornerstone of Hong Kong cinema—including its theme song—has left an indelible mark on the city’s pop culture. Written, directed by, and starring Michael Hui, The Private Eyes is more than just a comedy. It’s a nostalgic time capsule, with Sam Hui’s eponymous theme song offering a witty and satirical anthem for salaried workers.

Michael Hui takes on the role of a penny-pinching owner of a chaotic private detective agency. Obsessed with cutting costs, he exploits his timid assistant (Ricky Hui) and charming secretary (Angie Chiu Nga-chi) while embarking on a series of misadventures with a new recruit (Sam Hui). Together, they tackle a variety of cases—from tracking unfaithful spouses to pursuing debtors and petty criminals. Each job inevitably ends in hilarity, as their bungled attempts lead to riotous failures and outrageous scenarios that never fail to amuse.

This film marks the first time all three Hui brothers—Michael, Ricky, and Sam—appear together in major roles, solidifying their reputation as a formidable trio in Hong Kong comedies. Their distinctive personas in the film—Michael’s miserly schemer, Sam’s cheeky opportunist and Ricky’s cowardly sidekick—became the blueprint for their future collaborations and individual performances. Over the years, the Hui Brothers’ comedies have entertained generations of fans, leaving an enduring legacy in Hong Kong cinema.

Date	Time	Venue
12/4/2025 (Sat) [Full House]	1:00pm	Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.

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