Chicken and Duck Talk, or Gai tung aap gong in Cantonese, is a classic Hong Kong comedy film released in 1988. The film is directed by Clifton Ko and stars Michael Hui, Ricky Hui, and Sylvia Chang. It tells the story of two poultry vendors, Chicken and Duck, who are struggling to survive in the competitive market. The film is known for its witty dialogues, hilarious scenes, and social commentary.
The Plot
The film revolves around the lives of two poultry vendors, Chicken (Michael Hui) and Duck (Ricky Hui), who are trying to make a living in the competitive Hong Kong market. Chicken is the owner of a small poultry farm, while Duck is his loyal employee. However, their business is not doing well, and they are struggling to pay rent and feed their families.
One day, Chicken comes up with an idea to increase their sales by creating a new dish called “super chicken” that is supposed to have special powers. The dish becomes an instant hit, and their business starts to flourish. However, their success attracts the attention of a rival vendor, who wants to steal their recipe and put them out of business.
As the rivalry heats up, Chicken and Duck must use all their wits and resources to protect their recipe and stay ahead of their competitor. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including corrupt officials, greedy businessmen, and unscrupulous suppliers.
The Cast
The film stars Michael Hui as Chicken, a witty and resourceful poultry vendor who is always looking for new ways to make money. Ricky Hui plays Duck, his loyal and bumbling employee who often gets into trouble. Sylvia Chang plays Miss Wong, a feisty businesswoman who helps Chicken and Duck in their fight against their competitor.
The cast also includes other notable actors and comedians, such as Philip Chan, Alfred Cheung, and Lawrence Cheng. The chemistry between the actors is one of the highlights of the film, and their performances are both hilarious and heartwarming.
The Humor
Chicken and Duck Talk is known for its sharp and witty humor, which is both satirical and slapstick. The film pokes fun at various aspects of Hong Kong society, including the food industry, the government bureaucracy, and the business culture. The dialogues are full of puns, double entendres, and cultural references that are both clever and hilarious.
The film also features many memorable scenes that are both funny and absurd. For example, there is a scene where Chicken and Duck have to transport live chickens on a bus, causing chaos and mayhem. There is also a scene where they have to cook a giant chicken using various kitchen appliances, resulting in a hilarious mishap.
The Legacy
Chicken and Duck Talk is considered a classic Hong Kong film and has gained a cult following over the years. The film has been praised for its humor, social commentary, and performances. It has also inspired many other comedies and films in Hong Kong and beyond.
The film was also a box office success, grossing over HK$18 million in Hong Kong alone. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Film and Best Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
The Conclusion
Chicken and Duck Talk is a hilarious and heartwarming film that showcases the best of Hong Kong cinema. Its sharp humor, memorable characters, and social commentary make it a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy and films. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t be disappointed!