Rating: **
Review Date: 10/1/06
Director: Alfred Cheung
Cast: Carol "Do Do" Cheng, Alfred Cheung, Tony Leung (Ka Fai), cameo
by Sheila Chan
Chinese Mainland security officer Shih-nan Cheng (Carol "Do Do" Cheng) and her peculiar cousin Sheng (Alfred Cheung) are in charge of escorting a wanted criminal to Hong Kong. Dashing Tony Leung Ka Fai receives the criminal on behalf of the Royal Hong Kong Police and is assigned to entertain his mainland guests until the extradition is complete. Unfortunately, the criminal manages to escape, which forces Cheng and Leung to put aside their cultural and political differences and work together as a team. A brief spark of forbidden romance results in a bittersweet ending and the possibility of a sequel.
More than anything, this is simply a star vehicle for the charming and immensely talented Carol Cheng. Even though I can't stand Hong Kong comedies, it's impossible to not recognize and appreciate Ms. Cheng's charismatic presence, heartfelt performance, impeccable comedic timing, and impressive command of physical and vocal acting. The comedic themes that tie the film together are the typical fish out of water gags and the political sparring between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese ideals. The film is very light on action, but it has brief moments of kinetic brilliance including a delightful shootout at the film's climax. If you have any tolerance for Chinese comedy, "Her Fatal Ways" is a charming endeavor worth checking out.