Cast
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Leung Sing Poh
as Dunce Lau
Tsi Law-Lin
as Third Sister Tai
Tam Sau-Chun
as Second Sister
Lee Chau-wan
as Eldest Sister
Poon Yat-On
as Third Sister's Father
Ching Lai
as Third Sister's Mother
Lau Hak-Suen
as Eldest Son-in-Law
So Siu-Tong
as Second Eldest Son-in-Law
Cheung Sing-Fei
as Lau's Father
Cheung Sang
as Lau's Relative
Chan Lap-Ban
as Matchmaker
Yuen Lap-Cheung
as Birthday Banquet Guest
Lam Liu-Ngok
as Funeral Host
Crew
Director
- Ng Wui
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Ng Wui 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 1956, 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 The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1053 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party 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 Twelve Chairs, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Sucker and Ya me quiero ir a mi casa explore similar territory, The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 6, 1956
- Runtime: 2h 1m
