Stephen Chow and Wong Jing’s Royal Tramp and its sequel, Royal Tramp II, offered a refreshing and comedic take on the beloved genre of costume martial arts in early 90s Hong Kong cinema. The films, blending slapstick comedy and expertly choreographed action scenes, captivated audiences, and the inclusion of popular actresses such as Sharla Cheung and Brigitte Lin further enhanced their appeal.
The 1992 film, Royal Tramp, stood out as a comedic gem during a time when costume martial arts films dominated local cinema screens. Stephen Chow’s unique brand of slapstick humor shone through in his portrayal of Wei Siu-bo, a kung fu anti-hero with a knack for evading trouble. The sequel, Royal Tramp II, elevated the hilarity by featuring Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia in a parody of her groundbreaking gender-bending role from Swordsman II.
Renowned Asian film expert Frank Djeng, who offered audio commentary for the Eureka Entertainment release of both films, emphasized the remarkable martial arts sequences choreographed by Tony Ching Siu-tung, who had previously established the style for the wuxia revival films of the early 1990s.
Despite their comedic nature, the films demanded considerable effort and budget, particularly in the areas of costumes and action sequences. With Tony Ching at the helm, the action scenes were of the highest quality, rivaling those in non-comedic martial arts films.
Based on Louis Cha’s five-volume martial arts novel “The Duke of Mount Deer,” Wong Jing adapted the first two volumes for the first film and the last three for the sequel, making some adjustments for the big screen. Despite the deviations in the plot, the films resonated with audiences who were already familiar with the story from TV serializations and the novel itself.
An essential aspect of Stephen Chow’s films is the dialogue. While pivotal to their comedic impact, the use of proverbs and idioms presented a challenge for non-Cantonese speakers.
The first film featured popular actresses Sharla Cheung and Chingmy Yau, both renowned for their collaborations with Wong Jing. Sharla Cheung, in particular, was a director’s favorite and enjoyed a significant following at the time.
Chingmy Yau’s portrayal of Princess King Ning in Royal Tramp occurred before her transition to more mature roles, and she effectively brought the character to life, staying true to the book’s depiction. Brigitte Lin’s performance in the sequel paid tribute to her iconic role in Swordsman II, adding another dimension to the comedy.
The legacy of Royal Tramp and Royal Tramp II endures, cementing Stephen Chow’s status as a comedic genius prior to the international success of Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.
In conclusion, Stephen Chow and Wong Jing’s comedic interpretation of classic martial arts films captivated audiences in the early 90s, paving the way for subsequent iconic works. With a blend of top-notch action and side-splitting comedy, these films showcased Stephen Chow’s brilliance and his ability to breathe new life into familiar tales.
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