Watch Who's the Woman, Who's the Man?
- 1996
- 1 hr 47 min
-
6.4 (653)
Who's the Woman, Who's the Man? is a 1996 rom-com film that follows a quirky and heartfelt love triangle between three lovers: Sam, Kam, and Mimi. Sam (Leslie Cheung) is a director who falls in love with his leading lady Mimi (Anita Yuen). However, Mimi confesses that she is a lesbian and only sees Sam as a friend, leaving him heartbroken. Meanwhile, Kam (Anita Mui), a makeup artist, has been secretly in love with Sam for years, and she sees this as an opportunity to pursue him.
Kam devises a plan to disguise herself as a man and takes on the persona of Sam himself, hoping to win his heart. Sam, unaware of Kam's true identity, is captivated by "Sam's" charm and falls in love with "him." However, Mimi also finds herself attracted to "Sam" and begins to question her sexuality. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the three must navigate their complicated emotions and come to terms with who they truly are.
The film's plot is set against the backdrop of a movie studio, while also exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and gender roles. Directed by Peter Chan, it was highly praised for its progressive portrayal of gender and sexuality, especially in a conservative society like Hong Kong at the time. The film's box office success and positive reception also helped to elevate the careers of its lead actors.
Leslie Cheung, in particular, delivers a standout performance as the lovelorn Sam, effectively capturing the character's vulnerability and inner turmoil. Anita Mui, known for her versatile acting range, shines as the assertive and confident Kam, despite the challenges of playing a cross-dressing character. Anita Yuen, who won Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her role as Mimi, shows her comedic chops as the vivacious and quirky actress.
The film's soundtrack, composed by Cacine Wong, was also a commercial success, featuring popular ballads such as "Signal to Noise" and "Entangled Time."
Overall, Who's the Woman, Who's the Man? remains a beloved classic in Hong Kong cinema, known for its heartwarming story, witty humor, and progressive message. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the triumphs of self-discovery, leaving viewers with a lasting message of acceptance and inclusivity.
Who's the Woman, Who's the Man? is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.