Cast
View All
Louis Fan Siu-Wong
as Ricky
Fan Mei-Sheng
as Assistant Warden
William Ho
as Warden Sugiyama
Gloria Yip Wan-Yee
as Keiko
Yukari Ôshima
as Huang Chung / West Block
Frankie Chan Chi-Leung
as Hai / North Block
Kôichi Sugisaki
as Tarzan San Tai / East Block
Wong Kwai-Hung
as Blondie Shiraga / South Block
Tetsuro Tamba
as Master Zhang
Chang Gan-Wing
as Lao Ma
Power Chan
as Hai's Godson
Wong Kwok-Leung
as Prison Warden's Son
Wong Chi-Keung
as Guan Dao / Dragon Gang Head
Phillip Kwok
as Ah Guang / Ricky's Mate
Lam Kai-Wing
as Wild Cat / Store Leader
Crew
Director
- Lam Nai-Choi
Producer
- Chan Dung Chow
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Comedy/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Lam Nai-Choi 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 1991, 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 Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky 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 Wrath of Vajra, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fist That Kills and Follow Me explore similar territory, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky 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: October 5, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch
