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Hong Kong 2012
Directed by
Pang Ho-Cheung
93 minutes
Rated MA

Reviewed by
Andrew Lee
3.5 stars

Vulgaria

Synopsis: A film producer named To (Chapman To) is giving a talk to a group of film students, explaining what a film producer does. Very quickly, he agrees to give them the dirt on his latest production, and the depths to which he sunk to get it made…

I love Pang Ho-Cheung’s films. One of my greatest regrets is missing his 2001 film You Shoot, I Shoot at MIFF in 2002. I was at a job interview, though 10 years later I’m still at the company, so I suppose the sacrifice was worth it.

Pang’s films are broad comedies with some really filthy humour mixed in with a genuine love for his characters and often quite intelligent plotting. Men Suddenly In Black (2003) was an outrageous parody of Infernal Affairs (2002), swapping gangsters and cops for philandering husbands and their wives. He’s also made far sweeter films, like his recent Love In A Puff (2010). But now he’s back in full force with Vulgaria, which is by far the filthiest, funniest film he’s made in years. It’s also the stupidest.

That’s not a bad thing in this case, as it gives Pang license to indulge in some of the most ridiculous and wrong humour you’ll see this side of a Kevin Smith film. And to be honest, that’s who you’ll be thinking of afterwards. They both share a love of extremely crass humour mixed with crazed situations, but grounded with likeable characters. Producer To, for all his faults, is a man devoted to his daughter and determined to succeed no matter the cost. Even if that cost may involve having sex with a mule. Yes, Kevin Smith has been there too (see Clerks II if you don’t know what I mean). But trust me when I say that the way it’s handled will have you rolling in the aisles. Also, you won’t be able to look at Pop Rock candy the same way ever again. There are some hysterically inventive scenes, especially as you see how the various people in the film crew find ways to make ends meet when they’re in-between films. Ditto for the way a producer can turn failure into success…

Vulgaria is a giggle-fest for anyone who isn’t put off by the title. But it’s also got its sweet moments, and whilst the story ends abruptly, stay for the credits. That momentary sense that you got ripped off will quickly evaporate as they go back to close out the one great mystery of film and bring home the film’s title.

 

 

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