Amiable but useless comedy starring Lau Ching-Wan as a gambling addict who attempts to give up the races for the sake of his upcoming marriage. You'd think it would be easier for him since his girlfriend is played by Wu Chien-Lien (who's called the Shanghai Girl in the subtitles), but they manage to stretch out his unbelievable conflict for a good ninety minutes. Part of his inability to stray from the track can be attributed to his buddies (played by Michael Chow and Bowie Lam). One is in deep with loan sharks and the other one needs his wife to prostitute herself to pay off debts.

With all the above negative stuff going on, a happy ending is absolutely necessary. The filmmakers do come through, but getting there is inconsequential, unnecessary and frankly uninteresting. It'd be nice if something were felt for any of the characters, but only the Shanghai Girl rates as likable and that's only because she's played by Wu Chien-Lien. Lau Ching-Wan turns in a decent performance, but does he really deserve the Shanghai Girl? Kent Cheng produced this turkey, and he also has a cameo. Good job, Kent. (Kozo 1996)