Those Were the Days ( 1995 )

Those Were the Days (1995): A Deep Dive into Wong Jing's Nostalgic Comedy

Wong Jing's Those Were the Days (1995), also known as Ah Yat Dik Tong Gaa, is a Hong Kong comedy film that blends martial arts, romance, and historical spoof in a unique and often over-the-top style. Released during the peak of Hong Kong cinema's popularity, the film offers a nostalgic look back at the early 20th century while simultaneously subverting historical figures and events for comedic effect. While it's not a historically accurate depiction, Those Were the Days provides a window into the popular culture of the era and Wong Jing's characteristic brand of entertainment.

Synopsis

The film revolves around the misadventures of Sun Wen (Leslie Cheung), a caricature of Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty. Sun Wen is portrayed as somewhat bumbling and indecisive, often relying on his allies for support and guidance. He finds himself pursued by Manchu assassins and entangled in various schemes as he seeks to raise funds for his revolutionary cause. His main ally is Lau Yee-Kin (Tony Leung Ka-fai), a gambling-obsessed but ultimately loyal friend who often gets Sun Wen into more trouble than he solves. As the film progresses, Sun Wen falls in love with Yip Chuen (Charlie Yeung), a beautiful and independent woman who becomes a crucial part of his revolutionary efforts. The plot thickens with the involvement of various other historical and fictional characters, including a powerful Qing official and a group of skilled martial artists, leading to a series of comedic confrontations and unexpected alliances. The film culminates in a chaotic showdown that tests Sun Wen's leadership and the strength of his friendships.

Cast and Characters

The film boasts an ensemble cast of Hong Kong cinema's biggest stars, each bringing their signature style to their respective roles.

Themes and Style

Those Were the Days is characterized by several prominent themes and stylistic elements:

• Nostalgia: The film evokes a sense of nostalgia for the early 20th century in China, even while satirizing it. Costumes, sets, and music are used to create a visual and auditory representation of the era.
• Historical Spoof: The film playfully reimagines historical figures and events, often exaggerating their personalities and actions for comedic effect. This irreverent approach is a hallmark of Wong Jing's work.
• Slapstick Comedy: The film relies heavily on slapstick humor, with pratfalls, exaggerated reactions, and physical gags being common occurrences.
• Martial Arts Action: While primarily a comedy, the film incorporates martial arts sequences, often blending them with the comedic elements to create over-the-top action scenes.
• Romantic Subplot: The romantic relationship between Sun Wen and Yip Chuen provides a sentimental counterpoint to the film's comedic excesses.

Wong Jing's Signature Style

Those Were the Days is a quintessential Wong Jing film, showcasing his distinctive directorial style. Wong Jing is known for his commercially driven approach to filmmaking, often prioritizing entertainment value over historical accuracy or artistic merit. His films are typically fast-paced, filled with star cameos, and packed with gags and jokes. He is also known for his willingness to push boundaries and incorporate controversial or taboo subject matter into his films.

Several elements define Wong Jing's style, clearly visible in Those Were the Days:

• Star Power: He consistently casts popular actors, leveraging their star power to attract audiences.
• Fast-Paced Storytelling: His films rarely linger on plot development, opting instead for a rapid succession of scenes and gags.
• Crude Humor: He often incorporates vulgar or suggestive humor, appealing to a broad audience.
• Parody and Homage: He frequently parodies other films and genres, while also paying homage to classic Hong Kong cinema.
• Commercial Sensibility: He prioritizes commercial success, tailoring his films to appeal to the tastes of the mass market.

Historical Accuracy (or Lack Thereof)

It is crucial to understand that Those Were the Days is not intended to be a historically accurate portrayal of Sun Yat-sen or the Chinese Revolution. The film takes significant liberties with historical events and figures, prioritizing comedic effect over factual accuracy. Sun Yat-sen is depicted as a somewhat clumsy and naive leader, a far cry from the revered figure in Chinese history. Similarly, other historical figures are caricatured and their actions exaggerated for comedic purposes.

The film's historical inaccuracies should not be seen as a flaw, but rather as a deliberate choice by Wong Jing to create a lighthearted and entertaining film. Viewers should approach Those Were the Days as a work of fiction, not as a historical document.

Reception and Legacy

Those Were the Days was a commercial success in Hong Kong, capitalizing on the popularity of its cast and Wong Jing's reputation for delivering entertaining films. Critics, however, were divided, with some praising the film's comedic energy and star power, while others criticized its historical inaccuracies and reliance on cheap humor. The film's legacy is somewhat mixed, as it is not considered a classic of Hong Kong cinema, but it remains a popular and frequently watched film among fans of Wong Jing and Hong Kong comedy.

While not winning any major awards, the film has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among those who appreciate Wong Jing's unique brand of humor and his ability to assemble star-studded casts. It stands as a testament to the popularity of historical spoofs in Hong Kong cinema during the 1990s.

Key Scenes and Humorous Moments

The film is filled with memorable scenes and humorous moments, highlighting Wong Jing's comedic style:

• The Gambling Den Scene: Lau Yee-Kin's attempts to win money gambling, often leading to disastrous results for himself and Sun Wen, are a recurring source of humor.
• The Assassination Attempts: The various assassination attempts on Sun Wen, often foiled in comical ways, provide slapstick entertainment.
• The Romantic Encounters: The awkward and often humorous interactions between Sun Wen and Yip Chuen as their romance blossoms.
• The Martial Arts Fights: The over-the-top martial arts fight scenes, often incorporating comedic elements, are a highlight of the film.

Impact on Hong Kong Cinema

Those Were the Days contributed to the trend of historical spoofs and comedic action films in Hong Kong cinema. It demonstrated the commercial viability of blending historical settings with over-the-top humor and martial arts action. The film also solidified Wong Jing's position as a leading director of commercially successful films, known for his ability to cater to the tastes of the mass market.

While the film's historical inaccuracies were criticized by some, it also sparked debate about the role of comedy in interpreting history and the extent to which filmmakers should be bound by historical accuracy. The film's success paved the way for other historical spoofs, further contributing to the diversity of Hong Kong cinema.

Comparison to Other Wong Jing Films

Those Were the Days shares many similarities with other Wong Jing films, particularly those released during the 1990s. His other notable works, such as God of Gamblers (1989) and Royal Tramp (1992), also feature star-studded casts, fast-paced storytelling, and a mix of comedy and action.

Conclusion

Those Were the Days is a quintessential Wong Jing film, showcasing his signature style of fast-paced storytelling, star-studded casts, and over-the-top humor. While its historical inaccuracies may offend some viewers, the film is ultimately intended as a lighthearted and entertaining spoof, not as a historical document. It provides a glimpse into the popular culture of Hong Kong during the 1990s and the enduring appeal of comedic action films. Despite mixed critical reception, Those Were the Days remains a popular and frequently watched film among fans of Wong Jing and Hong Kong comedy, solidifying its place in the history of Hong Kong cinema.