A great movie featuring the best actor from the "seven little fortunes"

I can't believe there are only three reviews for this overlooked masterpiece.

In my opinion, with this film, Mabel Cheung delivers another love letter to her country and a heartfelt plea to all the Hong Kongers who, by the thousands, planned to emigrate before Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997.

To summarize the plot briefly, it's the story of a man who returns to China after spending 16 years in the United States, only to realize too late that happiness is never found in the neighbors backyard.

Sammo Hung demonstrates just how excellent an actor he is in a nuanced and restrained performance, as does Sylvia Chang, but we already knew that.

If you're looking for a mainstream HK melodrama like "A Moment of Romance" (1990), a film I adore by the way, I suggest you choose something else.

If, on the other hand, you're in the mood for a restrained, understated film with a simple plot and realistic, human characters, then "Eight Taels of Gold" is the film for you.

Cantonese cinema from Hong Kong is globally recognized for its action films, martial arts epics, and romantic melodramas. Its innovation in choreography, editing, and atmosphere continues to set new standards for genre filmmaking.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

Chinese ex-pat returns to his home town in China after a long absence in New York.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Chow Yun-Fat and Cherie Chung in An Autumn's Tale (1987)

Teng Shen in Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026)

Cherie Chung, Brigitte Lin, and Sally Yeh in Peking Opera Blues (1986)

Ching-Ying Lam, Wilson Lam, Michael Miu Kiu-Wai, Michiko Nishiwaki, and Wu Ma in Magic Cop (1990)

John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, and Joanne Dru in Red River (1948)

Sammo Kam-Bo Hung in Eight Taels of Gold (1989)

Sylvia Chang in Eight Taels of Gold (1989)

Eight Taels of Gold

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