The classic tale of Zhong Wu Yen (or Chung Mo Yim) is brought to colorful, hilarious life in Wu Yen, a 2001 Lunar New Year offering directed by Johnny To & Wai Ka Fai. Wu Yen (Sammi Cheng) is a woman warrior fated to marry the Emperor (Anita Mui in a cross-dressing role), but their foretold union is complicated by the evil Fairy Enchantress (Cecilia Cheung), who desires Wu Yen but is spurned. Angry, she curses Wu Yen with "e;ugliness"e;, & goes after the Emperor herself! Undeterred, Wu Yen storms the palace, & before long a love triangle of hilarious proportions erupts!
Johnny To & Wai Ka Fai direct Wu Yen at a frenzied pace, & keep the anachronistic sight gags & silliness coming fast & furious. The acclaimed commercial filmmakers bring a light, engaging tone to Wu Yen, & create winning characters that are embodied perfectly by the troika of stellar leading ladies. Sammi Cheng was rewarded with a Best Actress Award by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society for her charming, vulnerable, but above all strong preformance as the noble Zhong Wu Yen. Featuring beautiful costumes, hilarious comedy, & wonderful star turns, Wu Yen is a delightful & even touching Lunar New Year Comedy!