Although "Only Fools Fall in Love" (1995) was directed by Vincent Kok Tak-Chiu, the influence of the producer Johnnie To Kei-Fung is still visible everywhere, especially when dealing with Chiu Ford, played by Lau Ching-Wan, the protagonist of the film. It's almost the same structure as Lau Chun-Hoi, a police officer played by Lau Ching-Wan in "Loving You" (1995), who lost his sense of taste and smell after being shot and used to examine his past behavior. However, such scenes are not uncommon in Hollywood movies, and Hong Kong directors have borrowed many examples (including Lawrence Cheng Tan-Shui's "Murder" (1993)). The story of "Loving You" comes from a real case, and the characters are completely fabricated by the producer. Johnnie To tried to make a personal breakthrough, but the ending still returned to the old action film format, and it ended hastily.
In "Only Fools Fall in Love", Johnnie To and Vincent Kok used the same method again, and there was no breakthrough at all. They only used the formula of the past. In the end, Chiu Ford woke up and chased back Mong Dee played by Wu Chien-Lien on the bridge. He had no remorse for his past meanness and evildoing. He just found true love through a dementia experience. The participation of director Vincent Kok is only to provide unrelenting recognition for this role once again.
The film is obviously from director Ng Wui, starring Leung Sing Poh and Tsi Law-Lin, in the classic comedy "The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party" (1956), the storyline has been greatly changed, but the adaptation by Vincent Kok and screenwriter Erica Li makes the film full of sense of the times. Especially the witty dialogue and funny parts, it's undeniable that some scenes did capture the brilliance of Hong Kong comedy. And Lau Ching-Wan performed the part before Chiu Ford became a fool, especially outstanding.
By Kam Po LAM (original in Chinese)
This article originally appeared in "1995 Hong Kong Film Review" published by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. I remember watching it with directors Vincent Kok and Lee Lik-Chi in the screening room. After the screening, I still remember that Vincent Kok thanked Lee Lik-Chi and asked him for opinions. Lee Lik-Chi only smiled without saying a word, and the situation was impressive.
