The newly finished 4K restoration of Life is Cheap… But Toilet Paper is Expensive is absolutely stunning. The colors really shine, and the grit really grimes. The imagery of old Hong Kong is invaluable; it really was the wild, wild east at one point. Wang has refined the movie into this new director’s cut, and it packs a punch. I have always enjoyed seeing documentary footage sewn into fictional narratives, such as Complex World and Revolt in the Year 2000. The crime story keeps your attention, helping to pave your way through the more surreal territory. It is fun to see how ahead of his time the filmmakers were with some of the lightning montages inserted in odd spots, making this a precursor to the stylistic flourishes we would see many years later in Guy Ritchie titles.
“…packs a punch.”
You may come for the shock, but you will stay for the societal reflections of tripwire capitalism. And, of course, there is Miao’s spectacular red outfit. She manages to instantly fashion icon her way across the imagination off just this film. And Wong, veteran of many wonderful movies directed by Wang and John Carpenter, is marvelous as always. I still consider his speech about magic in the opening of Big Trouble in Little China to be one of my favorite cinematic lines of all time.
An ambitious work rich with the energy of the streets, Life is Cheap… But Toilet Paper is Expensive has been hiding in the rafters for too long. The restoration makes it pop in all new and refreshing ways. If you crave a taste of old Hong Kong or vintage Wang, then find this picture.
"…come for the shock, but you will stay for the societal reflections..."
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