Fantasia

Directed and written by Wai Ka-fai, Fantasia is a whimsical homage to classic Hong Kong cinema, particularly the Hui Brothers’ The Private Eyes (1976). With its sharp parodies, outrageous plot and a dash of magic, the film replicates the iconic detective agency setup: a miserly boss (Sean Lau) and his two employees—the cheeky smart-aleck (Louis Koo) and the timid sidekick (Jordan Chan).

Beginning with a theft investigation in an antique shop, things take a surreal turn when the trio accidentally unleashes a sorceress (Cecilia Cheung) from a lamp, who is mistaken for an eccentric cousin (Christy Chung) driven mad after studying at MIT. The agency is plunged into a series of riotous misadventures featuring parodies of iconic scenes from The Private Eyes, such as the ridiculous collective robbery in a cinema and the sidesplitting fight in a restaurant kitchen, along with nods to other Hui Brothers classics.

In addition to homages to Hui, the film is also filled with nostalgic references to Hong Kong pop culture, such as Josephine Siao Fong-fong’s signature bob cut from Lam Ah Chun (1978), the iconic villainy of Bad Guy archetype Sek Kin and the female duo The Chopsticks’ performance in go-go dresses. Sean Lau’s pitch-perfect imitation of Michael Hui’s penny-pinching antics, paired with Francis Ng’s hilarious portrayal of Sek Kin, creates an irresistibly funny double act.

Date	Time	Venue
12/4/2025 (Sat)	4:00pm	Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

Post-screening talk with Sam Ho and Joyce Yang

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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