THE GOD OF COOKERY (1996)

Directed By: Stephen Chow and Lik-Chi Lee
Written By: Stephen Chow, Man Sang Lo and Kan-Cheung Tsang
Cinematography: Jingle Ma
Editor: Ka-Fai Cheung

Cast: Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Vincent Kok, Man-Tat Ng, Tats Lau, Chi-Shing Chan, Jung Chen

The God of Cookery, a brilliant chef who sits in judgment of those who would challenge his title, loses his title when a jealous chef reveals him to be a con-man and humiliates him publicly. As this new chef takes on the God of Cookery’s role, the former God tries to pull himself back on top again, to challenge his rival and find once and for all who is the true God of Cookery.


This is a riches-to-rags story of trying to make a comeback. Where the main character actually Manages to learn something on his way trying to make a comeback.

Where he falls in with an ensemble of oddballs and low lives. Where an asshole stays an asshole but learns some depth and integrity.

Having only seen a few of Writer/Director/Star Stephen Chow’s later more popular movies such as KUNG FU HUSTLE and SHAOLIN SOCCER. Watching this movie isn’t too far off from his later material. Though here a little less polished, the same kind of humor is more broad and slapstick without the heavy reliance on CGI & special effects as much.

His films still come across as more cartoonish. Due to them seeing more like live-action cartoon animated films. Though in all of the films I have watched, the earlier films are more cynical. While his later films are more positive and open. Though this film doesn’t feel as much of a fantasy.

This film Is more of a physical comedy and seems to love to showcase the grotesque.

Though for all the comic violence, blood seems to underline that there are at least some consequences of it.

Though the film is more made for adults. The film like most of his again has a childlike look at the world making even the most dangerous things seem fun. The humor remains juvenile yet usually funny. He still manages to bring some martial arts into it 

The film flows well tighter than her harmoniously. As it comes across at times as a like note to food. Not necessarily a love note though. That showcases the evil of corruption At every turn of business.

The film has a bizarre third act which is strange even for this film. 

Again Stephen Chow is starring, writing, and directing putting himself center stage but happily not failing and managing to impress. He even uses his actual name for the character. 

GRADE: B-

KING OF COMEDY (1999)

Directed By: Stephen Chow & Lik-Chi Lee
Written By: Stephen Chow, Erica Lee, Kan-Cheung Tsang, Man-Fai Cheng and Min-Hang Fung
Cinematography: Wing-Hang Wong 
Editor: Kit-Wai Kai and Chi-Wai Yau

Cast: Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Cecilia Cheung, Man-Tat Ng, Kai-Man Tin, Chi-Sing Lam, Po Chun Chan, Joe Cheng

A bar girl hires a struggling actor to give her acting lessons so that she can feign a greater interest in her customers. The longer they work together, the more they find they have in common.


This film from writer/director/star Stephen Chow is Still a Little Silly but more sophisticated than his usual films. Unfortunately, this is one of his more disappointing works. as it’s not as madcap it off the wall as the others and is more at the beginning of his writing and directing career 

The film has its moments but altogether doesn’t feel as strong or as funny as his usual Work. Maybe as this is a little more conventional and while he usually plays the jerk here his character seems more simple and innocent. Rather than Intentionally Difficult. 

Most of the more comedic scenes he leaves to his co-stars with him just more supporting in the scenes. Though he does let the jokes build more than Usual.

The comedic scenes that do involve him Are fun but less taxing on him. 

The film seems to start off well with a cameo from a  worldwide action superstar. Which seemed smart then starts to go downhill slowly from there.

The scenes of an action film seem to be spoofing the work of director John Woo works, but when it comes to physical gags after it seems more fake and cause for obvious Special Effects. 

In the middle of all this there is a romance and then a strange unconsummated love triangle that once it seems relieved ends up with him losing it all after finally seeming to be on the road to being successful. In a plot like that it is hard to swallow.

Then the third act totally comes out of nowhere like it was made in a last-minute decision to stretch the film and make it all worth it. As well as add some overall thrills.

The film Seems a little lost In Translation. In the end, the film seems To go all over the place and not in a necessarily cohesive way always. as even the ending seems strange and a little out of place. 

Grade: C