Needing You (2000)

Director: Johnny To

Producer: Wai Ka-Fai, Johnny To

Writer: Wai Ka-Fai, Yau Nai Hoi, Cindy Tang

Cast: Andy Lau, Sammi Cheng, Fiona Leung, Raymond Wong, Hui Siu Hung, Florence Kwok, Lam Suet

Running Time: 104 min.

Plot: Superstar Andy Lau and pop diva Sammi Cheng star in this comedy romance that became a box office smash. Andy (Andy Lau) and Kinki (Sammi Cheng) are from two different worlds, he a successful dot-com entrepreneur but clueless when it comes to girls, she a dutiful secretary but hopeless in the subject of guys. Sparks fly when Kinki gets transferred to work under Andy, but both have to contend with the gossiping among their co-workers.

ALEXANDER'S REVIEW: I have a confession to make. With the exception of Wong Kar Wai's masterful "Chungking Express" I've avoided most Hong Kong or Taiwanese films that didn't offer the promise of bullet-spraying, blood-splattering mayhem. The higher the body count and the fewer the romantic interludes, the happier I'd usually be. But after watching a string of super-lame actioners, I decided to give the romantic-comedy "Needing You" a try knowing that even with a lack of Glocks and MP5 submachine guns, I'd never be as bored as I was by "Option Zero."

Surprisingly, not only did I enjoy "Needing You," it's now one of my favorite films. It is a funny and endearing movie with energetic performances by the beautiful Sammi Cheng and Andy Lau. Cheng is perfectly cast as a motorcycle-obsessed, bubble-headed secretary and Lau is hilarious as a tightly wound sales manager. Fiona Leung is also great as Lau's old flame.

The usual romantic-comedy cliches are present and the humor sometimes borders on slapstick, but these are easily forgiven. With a gorgeously shot Hong Kong as backdrop, and convincing chemistry between Cheng, Lau, and Leung, "Needing You" is a pleasant diversion from the usual violent HK fare.

ALEXANDER'S RATING: 9/10

MIGHTY PEKING MAN'S REVIEW: Versatile director Johnny To takes a break from the bullets and blood to deliver this romantic-comedy starring Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng. Andy Lau plays a womanizer, but more importantly, a smooth-talking business man at the top of his game. The beautiful and talented Sammi Cheng plays Kinki (yes...Kinki!), a heartbroken, easy going gal who works under Andy. A sweet relationship slowly develops as the two begin to realize just how much they "need" each other.

I like the fact that every time Kinki gets depressed she tends to start "cleaning" and I mean literally - everything from wiping taxi cab windows to scrubbing toilet bowls in her workplace's bathroom. One of the most hilarious moments comes when Andy, who now has a crush on Kinki, tries to hide a "Newsweek" magazine that features a guy she's currently dating on the cover - she doesn't realize he's one of the most successful men in the world and Andy wants to keep it that way, especially knowing that she'll probably fall in love with him instead of himself.

There are quite a bit of "Moment of Romance" references not to mention a "cameo" by the character himself. I know, I know...only in a Hong Kong film does this happen - but it actually works well! Fiona Leung has a small role and it was nice to see her name pop up in the credits because of her intense, unforgettable, performance in "A Hero Never Dies". Her presence in Hong Kong films seem to be rare.

Overall, "Needing You" is a cute, light-hearted film, and yes, it would make an excellent date movie.

MIGHTY PEKING MAN'S RATING: 7.5/10