My Cousin, The Ghost (1987) [Film Review]

My Cousin, the Ghost; or, How to find a spouse when you’re already dead

This week’s review will be about a classic HK comedy/ghost parody from the 1980s, starring legendary comedy veteran Richard Ng in the title role.

Release Info 

Directed by: Wu Ma Starring: Richard Ng, Wan-Si Wong,Wu Ma, Kenny Bee 

Language: Cantonese Original Title: Biao ge dao Movie Industry: Hong Kong Runtime: 91 min

Plot

Cousin Big (Richard Ng) is a prosperous restaurant owner in London, however after falling out with his close associate Cousin Mako (Wu Ma), the latter is deported back to Hong Kong. A while later, Cousin Big announces that he will return to HK as well in order to divide the financial shares from his business between Mako and four other cousins who are living together. When Big arrives, it actually turns out that… he’s dead. Big died in an accident, but his soul is convinced that he is still alive. Fellow cousins struggle as hard as possible to keep the dreadful news from their relative, but things get mix up even more when the lodger in their house Ms. Rose (who’s also a ghost!) falls in love with Big.

Cousinbusters

In spite of the sheer nonsense and overall ridiculousness of the plotline above, I admit that watching My Cousin, the Ghost was a very enjoyable experience. The film may not be extremely hilarious, but it’s most certainly straightforwardly funny comedy of mistakes from beginning to the end, which will lighten you up. Apart from the story of Cousin Big and his infatuation with Rose, we also have a subplot about another female ghost (who died together with Rose) who’s also on the lookout for Prince Charming before she vanishes completely. Hence, needless to say, the movie’s finale turns into one big Ghostbusters/Fright Night parody with all the cousins running scared as hell, trying to save their lives during this spiritual confrontation of hearts.

The best highlights of this comedy worth mentioning are for sure: catchy soundtrack (with awesome ending credits song), a string of funny skits as the cousins get to know about Big’s true nature, of course the flawless performance of Richard Ng as well as Wan-Si Wong in the leading roles.

What can be considered as disadvantage is perhaps the fact that Cousin Big and Rose are mostly absent throughout the film’s finale, thus rendering the film's ending as a bit too rushed. Yet still, this doesn’t disrupt the joyous mood of the picture.

Recommendations

I highly recommend this film to everyone who likes standard HK comedy style and don’t want to take the risk of being put off by some tasteless toilet humour comedy crap that’s plenty of today. If you’re in the mood for light-hearted plot My Cousin, the Ghost can be definitely your choice to pleasantly spend an evening.

Overall score: 8/10