Second Pair

Tom, Dick & Hairy

Dirs: Peter Ho-sun Chan, Lee Chi-ngai
Scrs: Lee Chi-ngai, James Yuen, Chan Hing-kai
Prod Co: United Filmmakers Organization Ltd
Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Lawrence Cheng, Ann Bridgewater, Anita Yuen
1993 | Colour | 35mm | Cantonese | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 98min

One of UFO’s early productions, Tom, Dick & Hairy was co-directed by Peter Ho-sun Chan and Lee Chi-ngai with a screenplay by Lee. Initially inspired by the 1970s Japanese drama Oretachi no Tabi (‘Our Journey’), the film blends risqué humour with romantic comedy, capturing the lives of the urban middle class.

Set to the playful tune of Grace Chang’s ‘JaJambo’ (‘Indescribable Happiness’), the film explores the messy emotional worlds of three friends: Tom Chan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), Dick Ching (Tony Leung Ka-fai), and Hairy Mao (Lawrence Cheng). One is two-timing, one is cynical, and one is sexually confused. They wrestle with doubts over finding true love, marriage and romance. Beyond the one-night stands and same-sex subplot, the film finds warmth in the community spirit of Tsim Sha Tsui’s tenements.

The impressive cast in the three parallel storylines features Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Lawrence Cheng who are joined by the captivating Jay Lau, Ann Bridgewater, Anita Yuen, Athena Chu and Vivian Chow. The ensemble is refreshing while the film is casually charming with numerous moments of sheer brilliance, topped by the witty banter of the three ‘willies’.

Full of joie de vivre, Tom, Dick & Hairy is entertaining, playful, and downright cheeky. It established UFO’s signature style of urban romantic comedy with Peter Ho-sun Chan skillfully balancing entertainment, nostalgia, and romance—a dynamic Chan would further refine in works including He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Father and He’s a Woman, She’s a Man.

Images courtesy of Park Circus/Warner Bros.

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