Golden Chicken 1 (2002)

Okay... that was not what I was expecting when I started watching this movie. I am actually appalled at the poster they used for this movie, it completely cheapens a viewers first glancing impression. To the point I'm not even sure if what I just watched was the correct movie, I had to double check that all the actors matched up. Like.. Jesus on a pipe cleaner.

This film revolves around a prostitute telling her story to a mugger after they get trapped together it the ATM. However her story is not one of a tragic loss, nor is it a cheap story full of erotica and porn, it is instead her revealing her glory days as a hooker and the fun times she had, leading up to her current lowly life. Granted this is not your typical story and there is some mild erotic fondling with a dash of suggestive shots, but it was such a refreshing change of pace. There are few moments when she seems to regret her choices in life, and she seems to honestly enjoy her job, which quenches the audiences guilt as they relish in her amusing antics, both of the sexual nature and not.
I didn't cry in this movie, neither did I burst a seam in laughter, however it did have sweet moments which put a smile on my face and also those sad in which I could truly feel for the protagonist. The relationship she forms with her clients and colleagues was almost beautiful to watch, even the most complicated clients she almost befriends over time. Her clients come and go over time and she never forgets them, its quite sweet actually. Not that I'm saying prostitution is right, it's just nicely displayed within this movie.
I do like the way it jumps around, from present day to her stories, it paces the movie without interrupting it, which is what I normally find these formats to do.

There is no spectacular acting but that does not mean they can't act, quite on the contrary. I believe this ties in with the story as there where few dramatic moments which weren't added for the comic element. As expected in a movie about prostitution, there is a lot of seduction going on but its quite mild and leans more toward sensual then erotica.

There is little more I can say apart from give this movie a chance. The poster and title do not do this story justice. It is a classic bittersweet Hong Kong movie to watch (I do have a fondness for the creations which come out of Hong Kong, I admit).

Read More