Zhao Wei Unofficial Fan Blog

Release date: 2002

Genre: Comedy/Romance/Action

The film is set in Ming Dynasty China. Ah Long (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) is the town bully, known for his boorish manners and reckless attitude which have endeared him to no one, save his sister Feng (Vicki Zhao) who has a curious penchant for cross-dressing. It is apparent early on that both these siblings are such misfits they virtually no prospect of marriage.
Faye Wong is cast as a runaway princess who is dressed as a man, a disguise which fools both Long and Feng. Long immediately decides that he likes his new-found friend so much that he will entrust his sister's hand in marriage to "him". The princess, of course, cannot marry another woman and tried to fend off Long's suggestions of a match; but also, she is attracted to Long.
The Emperor (Chang Chen) also leaves his palace temporarily in order to search for his missing sister. He dresses like a commoner and by a twist of fate meets Long and Feng. He is smitten with Feng, and begins to court her, while keeping his imperial identity secret from her. His motives for leaving the palace also included the fact that he is unhappy and lonely at court and wants to escape the smothering influence of the Queen Mother (Rebecca Pan) who plays a dictatorial rule in the actions of her son.
The Princess is also assisted by her "fairy godmother" (Athena Chu) in marrying her match. The Queen Mother hears of her wayward children and storms Long's house, where her children are holed up, only to hear that they wish to marry two commoners with unwholesome and eccentric tendencies. She agrees to give them a chance for personal happiness and sets the men particular tasks. The Emperor accomplishes his easily and wins Feng's hand in marriage, but Long is unable to do likewise and the Queen Mother forbids his marriage to her daughter.
All ends well, however. After a separation, Long eventually is reunited with his Princess, the Queen Mother accepts him, and happiness reigns.