“Hong Kong Cool: Two Comedy Kings Unite in a Film About Death”

Ever wondered how a movie about death can be lighthearted and appealing? Director Anselm Chan has the answer with “The Last Dance. ” This unexpected tale follows a cash-strapped wedding planner and a stern Taoist priest, played by comedy icons Dayo Wong and Michael Hui, as they form an unlikely partnership in the funeral business. The film dives into Hong Kong’s unique funeral traditions, showing how the process of saying goodbye to loved ones can bring meaning to life. Releasing in Hong Kong on Nov. 9 and in the U. K. and Ireland on Nov. 15, “The Last Dance” is set to captivate international audiences. Anselm Chan steps up from his previous comedy hits like “Ready or Knot” (2021) and “Ready or Rot” (2023) with a mature drama focusing on the Taoist funeral ritual called “break hell’s gates. ” This ritual involves a Taoist priest rushing into hell with a fiery sword to free souls, which is listed on Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory. Dominic Ngai, played by Dayo Wong, is a 50-something wedding planner who’s hit hard by the pandemic. In debt, he’s offered a chance to start a funeral business with Ming’s blessing, but he must first win over the approval of Ming’s business partner, Master Man Kwok, played by Michael Hui. Man Kwok is a respected Taoist priest with a strict adherence to tradition. As Dominic struggles to adapt to his new job, he starts to see its impact on the living. He helps Man’s family with their personal issues, from a son unwilling to follow in his father’s footsteps to a daughter dealing with a challenging relationship. Dominic’s empathetic approach breathes new life into the otherwise grim profession, making the film both poignant and heartwarming. The standout moments include Dominic’s handling of difficult funeral arrangements, such as the case of a mother who refuses to let her son go. The emotional resolution of this scene is particularly powerful. The film also subtly raises questions about the relevance of certain Taoist practices in modern society, adding depth to the narrative. “The Last Dance” marks the first film together for Hui and Wong since 1992’s “Magic Touch. ” Despite the serious subject matter, they still find moments to bring their classic comedy chemistry to life. The film is rounded out by strong performances from the cast and impressive cinematography, production design, and costuming.