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Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Cheerleader' Grosses 200 Million RMB, Features Emotional Tribute to Ng Man-tat

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Stephen Chow's new film "Kung Fu Cheerleader" has grossed over 200 million RMB on its opening day.
  • The film's ending features a tribute to the late actor Ng Man-tat, Chow's former collaborator.
  • Ng Man-tat and Chow had a falling out after their last collaboration in 2001 and had not spoken since.

Stephen Chow's latest directorial effort, "Kung Fu Cheerleader," has hit theaters, reviving the "kung fu + soccer" concept from his 2001 hit "Shaolin Soccer." The film quickly amassed over 200 million RMB (approximately 9.58 billion TWD) on its opening day, leveraging Chow's star power. However, alongside the impressive box office numbers, the movie has also garnered mixed reviews, sparking discussions about the emotions and nostalgia it evokes.

Now it feels like... living like strangers.

— Ng Man-tatNg Man-tat's pre-death reflection on his estranged relationship with Stephen Chow.

Audiences have noted three surprise Easter eggs in the film's closing credits. One particularly poignant moment features actors Man-tat Ng's former co-stars, Chen Guokun and Lam Tsz-chung, alongside a figure believed to be Stephen Chow, seated in the audience. Chen Guokun and Lam Tsz-chung's characters discuss the "Emei team's" prowess, prompting Chow's character to suggest a match. This subtle scene has ignited conversations online, with many interpreting it as Chow's heartfelt tribute to his late comedic partner, Ng Man-tat, with fans expressing that the scene was tear-jerking.

Chow and Ng Man-tat were a legendary duo, creating numerous classics like "Fight Back to School" and "Justice, My Foot!" Their collaboration ceased after "Shaolin Soccer" in 2001. Ng Man-tat, in a pre-death interview, expressed his regret over their estrangement, admitting a feeling of "living like strangers." He reflected that changes in their status and wealth might have contributed to the distance, yet he remained grateful for their shared history, acknowledging that "meeting each other is not easy."

Meeting each other is not easy.

— Ng Man-tatNg Man-tat's reflection on his relationship with Stephen Chow.

Ng Man-tat passed away from liver cancer in 2021. Chow attended the funeral and was visibly moved, leaving the ceremony without speaking, offering only a wave before departing. This silent grief continues to resonate with fans, underscoring the profound impact of their professional and personal bond.

Then let's have a match with them.

— Stephen ChowStephen Chow's character's response to a suggestion about the 'Emei team' in 'Kung Fu Cheerleader'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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