Cast
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Donnie Yen
as Eddie
Yuen Woo-Ping
as Mini
Wong Wan-Sze
as Ah Ying
Anna Ueyama
as Anna
Dick Wei
as Power
May Lo Mei-Wei
as Stella
Brandy Yuen Jan-Yeung
as Drunkard at Kenny's Party
Mandy Chan Chi-Man
as Colourful Punk
To Wai-Wo
as Molester
Yip Ha-Lei
as Old Man at Airport
Kenny Perez
as Kenny
Jackson Ng Yuk-Sue
as Molester
Ken Boyle
as Tourist
Chan Wai-Lin
as Lynn
Sam Wong Ming-Sing
as Neighbour
Crew
Director
- Yuen Woo-Ping
Writer
- Cheng Man-Wah
- Chui Jing-Hong
Producer
- Brandy Yuen Jan-Yeung
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Action/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Mismatched Couples distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Yuen Woo-Ping brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mismatched Couples took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 308 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 998 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mismatched Couples shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Gnome-Mobile, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mismatched Couples offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Octagon and They Call Me Bruce? explore similar territory, Mismatched Couples stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 3, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 28m
