I think of you every time I close my eyes
You're like an alluring slogan which won't leave
In a world of deceit and betrayal
We all have to learn to protect ourselves
My beloved comrade let me believe in your loyalty
Perhaps I am not a perfect example of love
I cannot distinguish the left from the right
It's an unknown force which compels us
To lose our way or find ourselves
Comrade, my love, let me embrace you
Hand in hand
Joy and sorrow, parting and reunion the story always ends the same
Hand in hand, and unchanging face
With no regrets...
I sacrificed the blood, sweat & tears of my youth
I love you forever
Till death us do part, I love you forever
Even though I don't understand I have no regrets...
for sacrificing the blood sweat & tears of youth
If fate does not forgive us
Let my soul enter your body
Let me say I'm sorry my beloved comrade
Hand in hand
Joy and sorrow, parting and reunion the story always ends the same
Hand in hand, and unchanging face
I think of you every time I close my eyes
You're like an alluring slogan which won't leave
In a world of deceit and betrayal
We all have to learn to protect ourselves
My beloved comrade let me believe in your loyalty
The stock market was very active.
The index reached a new height of 12,000 points.
That's the end of the financial report.
...The luxury 7-day Lotus Tour to the U.S. A...
Visas arranged, daily departures.
First class hotels all the way.
We ensure you have a wonderful holiday.
The Xian Terracotta Exhibition is now on at World Wide Plaza...
Displaying 3,000 years of Chinese culture.
If you're a descendant of our superior race
You must come and see this expose of your culture.
See the Crazy Horse Girls from Paris at the Taipei Nightclub.
Make you reservation now.
Telephone 6112389. Every moment of our lives is starting point.
Add color to your life.
Cherish your every chance.
Buy insurance as a form of saving.
So long as you make no claims then in 20 years...
You get your money back with interest.
Now's your chance - wealth is at hand.
Please call 6235934.
Everyman Insurance Company is waiting for you...
Waiting for you to become part of Taiwan's new elite.
Now you'll be blindfolded.
There are some buttons in front of you.
It's up to you to press the right one.
The moment of truth.
Let's see if luck's on her side.
Are you alright?
It's not our star's lucky day!
Her hair's all wet!
Never mind.
As a consolation prize she'll get 2 dozen bottles of shampoo
Which will make her hair soft and shiny again!
The luxury sports car turned into a bucket of water.
But she's still young- Its more chance to come!
Jade, your show's up next, get ready.
See you folks next week!
Bye bye everyone!
Jade, there are always ups and downs in this business.
Your Wednesday show...
Is not getting a good audience response.
Perhaps you've had too much exposure.
We've found a new face to replace you.
Why don't you go on holiday for a while?
We'll see what can be arranged when you get back.
Also your contract is running out.
It's up to the network to decide if it should be renewed.
Many factors contribute to bad ratings.
By only changing the compere
You're making me wholly responsible
And then who will use me?
There are only 2 shows left please let me finish the season.
If you can persuade the boss, go ahead.
Every moment of our lives is starting point.
Add color to your life.
Cherish your every chance.
Now's your chance - wealth is at hand.
Jade.
My coat's caught.
I was about to leave for Hong Kong.
Why'd you need to see me urgently?
I'm sorry. I know you are very busy.
I have a problem. I hope you can help me.
In Taiwan? I have some connections here.
We are good friends. Of course I'll help if I can.
I'm not getting on with my boss.
I need a safety net.
I'm in the advertising business. We sell products.
I don't know much about television.
Selling products and people is the same.
We need connections in order to survive.
You are well connected with top management.
Would you put in a good word for me?
I need to complete the season.
Then if I leave, I won't lose respect.
Hey, isn't that your big star?
You know I sent her away on holiday.
Why did you ask her back?
The order came from above.
Some guy from Hong Kong pulled some strings.
He's helping Jade with new ideas to improve her show.
Then what about the new girl we just signed?
We've promised to make her a star.
What are we going to do about it?
These big companies!
What's your show?
Whiz Kids World.
Where's the director?
He's busy with another show right now.
Meet Mr. Ching from Hong Kong.
Mr. Cheung is the researcher for the program.
How do you do?
Got anything?
Tricky, where to find so many whiz kids?
Someone's going to be blamed for the mess.
Maybe I can help.
You're from Hong Kong?
What kind of whiz kid is that?
He's the hamburger kid.
He's practicing hard.
How do you choose these whiz kids?
Who knows?
The producer designs the program.
But now he doesn't care about the show.
He must've stepped on a lot of people to get to his position.
Lets see who gets stepped on this time.
This kid is good at chess.
I heard he's never lost a game.
He's a little Chess King!
But we won't know for sure till we meet him.
Chess King?
Are you that interested in chess?
What?
Are we actually going to look for this kid?
Yes, I want to see if he's really the King of Chess.
Why are you so interested?
Because I met a King of Chess once when I was in China.
He gave me a lot of... inspiration.
Inspiration? Is this a Taiwan show or not?
How come we do as a Hong Kong man says?
This game is going to finish me!
In 1967, I went to see my cousin in China.
The situation there was very tense.
It was the time of the Cultural Revolution.
Long live Cultural Revolution!
Long live mass participation!
Class struggle to the end!
Permanent revolution to the end!
Revolution is right. Rebellion is justified!
Whose chess piece is this?
Little comrade, it's mine. Give it back to me.
Here you are.
Thank you. Bye bye.
Ching.
Cousin!
Hurry, get on the train, or we'll be criticized.
Quick!
Don't know when we can get back.
So crowded, excuse me, must go to the toilet.
Comrade, let me tell you...
Chairman Mao says 'in industry, learn from Teaching and in agriculture, learn from Tachai'
Whatever, just don't denounce me.
Excuse me, I just can't hold on.
Comrade, hurry up.
It stinks!
It’ll break if you keep shaking it.
It's you.
The tap has no water.
Chariot moves across.
Who are you playing against?
Myself.
Yourself?
Would you like to play?
I'm a shitty chess player.
But you know how to play.
But I wouldn't play next to the toilet, it stinks.
That's why it's not crowded here.
You stepped on shit.
It's deliberate.
That's gross!
I'm used to it. Red pawn here. Check! Scholar down.
Cousin, the weirdo next to the toilet...
Wants to play chess with me.
You're a good chess player. You can beat him.
We're on our way to labor camp, it's not a holiday.
How come you always want to play?
It's only a game of chess, don't worry.
This is not Hong Kong.
Your father wants you to learn about life in China.
I'm responsible for everything that happens to you.
Is this you book?
Yes, it's mine. Thank you.
That is part of the '4 Olds' (old culture).
This is decadent material. Aren't you afraid of being purged?
His parents were literary giants.
They were denounced from the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.
Have you no party discipline in your heart?
We are alert to your kind.
You are fighting the tide of history.
I was a student at the Art Academy.
Comrade, you don't like this nude sketch?
Ok, let me draw some clothes and turn her into a Red Guard.
He's quick off the mark.
I am flowing with the tide of history.
Look They even show the private parts.
You don't want to see them? Ok, lets get rid of them.
Just scrawl it out.
From now on, if we want to learn life drawing...
we'd better know the anatomy before we leave the womb...
because we won't get a chance afterwards.
Behave yourself or you'll be criticized.
You adults criticize me all the time.
I'm used to it. Red pawn here. Check! Scholar down.
What are you talking about?
That's him, that's him. Which one? The one that was criticized.
Make a note of him. Avoid him.
Disgusting!
Lets go!
Can't they shut up?
Smells so bad.
What a game of chess? It’ll break the monotony.
Come on, there's room here.
Life is like a chess game. I've just been criticized.
You'd better stay away from me.
If you don't mind my stench, I don't mind yours.
Right, they play big chess, we play small chess.
The game's set up. You first.
How can we play with the board set sideways?
Many things don't seem right at first.
You soon get used to it.
Come. Your move.
Cannon takes horse. Don't worry you might manage another move.
Great artist.
What?
You dare play against him?
Don't you know who he is?
Who is he?
Well his name is Wong Yat Sun. He was chess champion of 28th Secondary School.
He's never lost a game.
I haven't played anybody for ages.
Come on, let's finish the game.
I've heard of him.
Every year he'd win the Inter School Chess Tournament.
And what's more...
There was an unsolved chess puzzle from the Sung Dynasty...
Which he managed to crack.
He's wasted here.
He should be an international chess champion,
someone like Chong Chi Ken,
who plays for the country.
But famous people attract denouncement
And when you're hungry, you need food, not fame.
Food's ready, Ching come quick or there won't be any left.
Quick.
Coming.
Go and get your food.
Ok I'm going.
Is the kid a boy or a girl?
I don't know.
He seems to be from abroad
His family must be crazy...
to send him to China now.
Those who are not young team leaders go to the next carriage at once!
To the 'ordinary carriage'.
You are not allowed to sit on your luggage.
Hurry up!
All the peasants are squeezing into our carriage.
We'll have to sleep standing up.
Don't offend them.
See the old woman behind you?
She could be our team leader's mother.
You really think so?
Well we'll see if she gets off at the same station as us.
Careful! You won't get another if you spill it!
Behave! One each!
Don't grab!
This rice is weird.
You can't buy it even if you have money.
The meat's off. Eat what I brought from home.
Don't let anyone see you.
Water is coming!
Incense, sir?
No, no!
Temple 18? What is it?
A temple where you make offerings to various gods.
And all your wishes are granted.
The whiz kid lives here?
Guess a whiz kid's got to live near a god.
Why do they worship that dog?
Because they believe it makes your wishes come true.
Shady types especially believe in it.
They all gather here around midnight.
It's all hustle and bustle.
Film people burn incense to the gods before shooting begins.
If it was true, no one would have to work.
The one in the dark shirt's the whiz kid.
He's here every night.
He's never lost a game.
1,2,3,4,5- you lose!
That's it, someone's here to see me.
He's not playing chess.
No he's not.
Hey kid, do you play chess?
No.
Really?
I play 'one piece' chess.
Only idiots play that.
Doesn't take any brains!
What is 'one piece' chess?
Stone, paper, scissors!
Whoever wins, takes a chess piece.
Simple as that!
You call that chess? That's called 'Chai Mui'.
Scissors, stone, paper, I win!
I lose again. Ok, I drink.
Let's swap.
The winner drinks, OK?
Best of 3 games.
Stone! Paper, I win! Scissors, I win!
Me again.
How come you always win?
What do you think? 'Five piece chess on TV?
You mean Chai Mui? Or 'one piece' chess?
No, real chess.
But he doesn't know how to play it.
He can learn. If there isn't a real Chess King... we'll invent one.
Are you serious?
It's like selling any product.
We come up with a gimmick. People get fooled.
You think you can get away with it?
Don't you have any ethics at all?
Gimmicks - ethics, it's all the same!
Hey kid, you know what a computer is?
No.
You wouldn't understand anyway.
We've programmed the chess moves into this machine.
You press this. It moves.
You've got to remember the moves you've made.
We're going to transform you.
The audience will think...
you made the moves yourself.
Now we need to find you an opponent...
to make you a TV Chess King.
Do you understand?
He's all yours.
Let's get started.
Is Professor Lau there, please?
We want to invite him onto our show.
Yes, to play chess.
Has Professor Lau really been the champion for 4 years?
You scared? It's not too late to back out.
It's you who wanted him to play the kid.
Yeah, we need a champion to make a splash.
A kid challenging a professor?
It's all part of the gimmick.
The show will be hot news.
And the compere will shine.
Then if you want to leave...
you can negotiate a better deal, right?
That's Professor Lau.
He owns several computer companies.
Lets see you persuade him.
His hair style's odd.
No taste.
This kind of guy just needs a bit of flattery.
Give him a chance to show off...
and he's anybody's!
Just watch me!
Help yourselves.
Thank you.
You win every time.
These machines are dumb, they never change.
I remember the steps and win every time.
Professor Lau, long time no see.
This is Ching. He represents Ko Shun Advertising.
Been a long time, still remember me?
Your program's a success.
Professor Lau You're a successful person.
Successful people need promotion.
We want to strengthen your public image.
Sorry. I disagree.
I believe successful people need no publicity. Why?
For example Ko Shun Advertising moved to Taiwan...
and the business is doing well here.
Yes, how do you know?
I ordered my subsidiaries to give you their accounts.
But if you don't deliver you won't get another chance.
I'm really the power behind the scenes didn't you know?
See, a successful person needs no publicity.
You play golf?
Been busy lately, no time.
It's up to you to make time.
You have the time to sit and chat with me now.
Golf is very healthy.
Mr. Ching is more eloquent...
he'll explain the purpose of our visit.
We'd like you to appear on 'Whiz Kids World'.
Whiz kid? I haven't been called that for a long time.
He is the whiz kid.
Not you, sorry.
Then what do you want me for?
We'd like you to take part...
in a chess tournament featured on the show.
Chess tournament?
Right. He's the King of 'five piece' chess.
I only play real chess.
I won again.
He's very bright. Just give me 2 weeks.
I guarantee he'll be able to challenge you.
Enough time?
Yes, if I can't make it I won't accept anymore of your work.
On fire.
What's burning?
Someone's on fire.
What happened?
The tea lady is on fire.
Don't make it up!
Fire!
Fire?
Fire! Let's go.
Let's go.
Professor Lau, we'll arrange another appointment.
Let's see how many more you remember. What's the next move?
You've unplugged it.
Sorry.
In Professor Lau's office
How did you know the lady was on fire?
Don't ask irrelevant questions.
You first.
Tell me. How did you know?
I concentrate. Then I can see.
See what?
Who are you ringing?
Hello, Chow, it's me.
What's the matter?
Come here immediately.
The stock market's going crazy.
It could be closed any minute.
Your shares are soaring.
Do you want to sell?
Forget shares. I've got another plan to get rich.
Come back now!
OK, OK.
Concentrate hard think about the numbers in the computer...
just like you did with the tea lady.
What about the chess?
Forget that.
Just tell me the numbers on the computer.
Think hard. Concentrate.
Forget everything else.
0... 0... 0... 0... 0... 1997
Jackpot!
We're going to get rich!
What are shares?
Shares? How should I put in?
You really got me this time. How should I explain this?
Simple. A certain amount of money circulates.
Just like this lighter. The amount never changes.
The companies on this newspaper are like my hands.
Now tell me, which hand has the lighter?
No, I mean which hand has the money.
Come on, tell me.
Are you OK?
Let me make it simple.
Pick out the winners and the losers.
Come on.
You idiot.
You exhausted him playing chess...
Now you want him to play the stock market.
He can foresee the future we've got to use his talent.
The fire was just a coincidence.
If he's really psychic his family will be the first to benefit.
We'll get nothing.
So much for the jackpot!
Take us to your family.
I've only got grandpa. He's over there.
Where?
There.
He's selling incense.
Which one is he?
The one without teeth.
See? If he was psychic his grandpa wouldn’t be selling incense.
You naughty boy, I'll beat you.
Don't hit him, sir.
He's a good boy. Why beat him?
You're so smartly dressed, you want my vote?
No, we're not from the electoral office.
How come your grandpa's so unkind?
My parents work abroad and haven't sent any money.
It's hard for grandpa to support me.
We're from the TV station.
TV station?
You know... TV... the screen...
No way, no way.
I'm a voter. I've registered.
Without money, forget it.
TV... draw it for him. What?
Here's a TV. People dancing, moving...
Cinema?
Strip show?
The brat went to a strip show?
No, you've got it wrong.
My cross?
Don't ever come back or I'll lay into you.
You disrupt my business!
He can't hear a word the kid says anyways.
Where'd this cross come from?
It's mine. I was chasing someone...
I accidentally threw it.
Who were you chasing? Trying to beat them up?
It was a boy's grandpa.
He's deaf as a post.
It was an accident.
Accident? What's your triad 'number'?
Big brother, I don't have a triad 'number'.
Really, no 'number'?
No, I'm a TV man...
So we believe in the same god.
Here you are.
Oops, dropped it.
I'll get it. It's OK.
Thought I would? I've got a fight to settle.
Bless me with the luck to win.
Out of the way!
Hang on, I want to find my cross.
Looking for a cross in a temple?
You're crazy - the gods won't help you!
What's the big rush?
If this 'gods' stuff works, why hurry?
The great Karl Marx taught...
That religion oppresses...
It is the opiate of the people.
Our Great Leader, Our Great Teacher!
Our Great Helmsman Chairman Mao.
He teaches us: 'strengthen determination'.
Strengthen our resolve'.
Do not fear hardship, do not fear death'
Live to put Mao Tse-tung Thought into practice!
Work to accept the poverty of reeducation!
Get to work.
Cousin, you dropped something.
Hong Kong Kid, are you looking for food?
We've found a snake over there.
We're trying to catch it.
You find a cat...
And we'll have an exotic feast tonight.
If you can't get a cat, a rat will do.
We'll eat anything.
To sail the ocean, we depend on the Helmsman'!
Revolution depends on the Thought of Mao Tse-tung'
Do not fear hardship, do not fear death'
The Thought of Mao Tse-tung glitters with golden light'
Do not fear hardship, do not fear death
There's a man coming.
Siu Mo Your 'comrade lover' has come to see you.
He thinks I'm Siu Mo.
That's not him, I don't know him.
Is Chung here?
Chung from the Art Academy?
Which Chung? You've got the wrong place.
He's probably on another hill.
What?
Go look somewhere else.
Chung, your location's miles away.
I've had to search for you.
You come all this way to play chess? You should be resting.
Actually there's a good player in our group of young intellectuals.
He's inherited his family's chess expertise.
He's descended from one of the great families of the Yuen Dynasty.
So, his background is even darker than mine.
He was on the train.
Really?
He's called Ngai.
Ngai, catch the ball.
You're so clumsy, can't even catch a ball.
You're tall but useless.
I've got a heart condition, I shouldn't play.
Basket-ball agitates me.
Ngai, someone wants to play chess.
Chung!
You're a descendant of one of the great. Yuen Dynasty families?
That's all in the past.
Call me Ngai.
If you can't pronounce my name
Call me by my nickname.
Because I'm tall...
people call me Lanky.
What's that?
Lanky.
What's your name?
I'm Wong Yat Sun, the 'Chess Freak'.
Wong Yat Sun?
Wong Yat Sun.
A good name, not bad, not bad.
I've heard you've never lost a game.
I just haven't had the right opponent.
Not bad, not bad.
After tonight's show, let's play chess.
Not bad, not bad.
You have a show every night?
It's not really 'a show' - & don't get hooked...
or you'll always be hungry.
What is this show? I dread hunger.
Where is Chung?
He always disappears around show time.
Cook, give me my portion of oil for the month.
There won't be any left.
You sure you want to take it all?
These are hard times, shouldn't be so indulgent.
You want to scrape it?
Look at his skill.
He's gathered every last drop.
The show's starting, give me a pen and paper.
Do we need to make notes?
So we can savor it later.
Here comes the host.
Have a cigarette.
Savor?
Yes.
Not bad, not bad.
Have you had dinner yet?
He wouldn't have dared come without eating.
Of course.
Tonight, I'll discuss eating bird's nest.
What?
Don't know why I need these.
To honor our guest...
our dish tonight is the delicacy 'bird's nest soup'.
What did he say?
Don't know.
You mean bird's eggs?
No, not eggs.
Bird's nest is the digested fish and shrimps that swallows eat...
which is later regurgitated as saliva.
Do you cook the bird?
Of course not. We eat its saliva.
You can eat swallow's saliva?
It's a delicacy!
My father said swallows are found near cliffs
The nests are difficult to reach...
And contain a lot of impurities.
You must clean them very thoroughly.
Then add a pigeon to the soup.
It's called 'bird's nest and pigeon' soup.
At least there's a pigeon in it!
I'll eat the pigeon - you have the saliva!
Let's imagine now...
a smooth creamy soup flowing down your throat.
It filters into your every cell.
Ager a sip or two...
a warm feeling rises from your stomach...
and the fragrance lingers in your mouth and body.
Not bad. Show over.
I've just had dinner and I'm hungry again, purge him!
Catch it quickly!
There's a rat in the women's dormitory.
Kid, if there's no bird's nest, a rat will do!
Comrade, we're here to offer reinforcements!
Reinforcements here!
The east wind blows the drum beat, who's afraid of who?
The people fear not the king the king fears the people.
Where's the rat?
Comrade! Women make up half the sky.
Even when catching rats we must be stronger than men.
Who does she think she is?
I've got it.
Bring it here.
What are you afraid of?
Hand it over!
It's not a rat - it's a snake.
Rats and snakes both crawl on their bellies!
There's nothing to be frightened of.
Is it poisonous?
You're not allowed to be afraid!
Come on.
Doesn't the snake look beautiful in the soup?
Yes, but it'd be more beautiful in my stomach.
They overcook the rice to make it swell...
so you're hungry again in 2 hours.
The food is cooked in reused oil.
So both oil and food are tasteless.
Comrade, why are we waiting?
Is he having a fit?
Charge!
Snake meat dipped in vinegar tastes like crab.
I haven't tried crab.
So you won't have tasted Shanghai crab.
Moon Festival, a glass of wine, Shanghai crab...
Someone take notes.
We're eating snake, forget about crab.
Don't waste that, we can make soup from it.
Soup as well?
Soup's here.
Good, good.
Thank god we have this snake.
Otherwise that talk of bird's nest would've killed me.
Chung, Lanky'd show is torture...
makes you so hungry.
Upheavals on a grand scale, territorial gains.
The world is a chess game unpredictable moves,
heroes rise and fall
This set is an antique - a family heirloom.
My father gave it to me.
It's carved of ebony.
And has historical value.
It was once treasured, but now...
Wong, you go first.
It's your chess set, you first.
As you wish, I'll go first.
You seem to initiate an offense but you're only defending.
You've lost a good chance.
I have lost.
Lost?
This game doesn't count, just a warm-up.
Best of 3 rounds.
You haven't lost yet!
OK.
Nobody leaves! Search this room!
We suspect there's a counter-revolutionary here.
I have a Little Red Book
Since you came in. My Little Red Book's disappeared...
It was stolen when you were catching the rat.
Whoever stole my Red Book, who is counter-revolutionary
Whoever stole my Red Book... Own up whoever you are!
I threw that away, why did you pick it up?
What is this?
Chairman Mao says 'To be frugal is to glorious'.
Whose bourgeois possession is this?
Your father was an official before liberation.
So you're one of the 'Bad Fives'. The set must be yours.
He's a counter-revolutionary. Arrest him!
Right.
It's mine.
Yours? What's your classification?
His classification is awesome!
He is the 4th generation of a super-oppressed family!
His grandfather was a beggar, his mother a whore.
Right, we were so poor I had no trousers till age 10.
His background is admirable.
So he decided to labor at chess to glorify...
the revolutionary spirit of a classless society.
Thus beating bourgeois chess players...
overthrowing the broken game of the feudal system.
He snatched this set from the bourgeoisie.
We should learn from him.
That's right, these are my credentials. What are yours?
I come from a poor peasant family too.
We are all poor. So?
We're here to look for the Red Book not discuss credentials.
Right, when we've found the Book...
we will hold a meeting,
to review how such an important Book,
could be lost.
It's a very serious incident.
It's a matter of attitude.
Use stringent methods of denouncement.
We'd better double check...
Or we could be denounced in return.
OK let's go.
It's here. Stop it!
Give it back to me!
I'm one of the 'Bad 5's'. Thanks for saving me.
Thank god you said the chess set yours.
I do have one. My mother gave it to me.
Look.
It's not inscribed.
Mom was poor & illiterate - she left me very little.
Just these chess pieces made from used toothbrushes.
She loved you very much.
She had high hopes for me.
I'm unable to live up to her expectations.
The district is holding a 'games tournament'.
You're good at chess, enter it.
The chess tournament?
Yes, the first 3 winners...
can apply for a transfer to a better place.
I'm going to enter tomorrow. Coming?
OK.
We must work hard to fulfill our parents dreams.
But can life really get better?
Yes.
That's good.
Don't lose it.
I've got the entry permit. Great.
What's your name?
Ngai. I want t enter the chess tournament.
You are so tall. Why play chess?
Play basket-ball.
He's called Ngai. He'll play basket-ball.
I...
This is your entry permit, don't lose it!
Next.
Not bad, not bad.
This way.
He gave the ball to me.
Thank you.
We should thank your team mate.
Move!
What're you doing?
How come you're always in the way?
I don't know how to play basket ball.
Then why join the team?
I was ordered to.
I didn't know. Substitute. Change.
Must've bribed his way onto the team.
Likes the limelight.
He'll pay! They'll make an example of him.
We're rich!
What?
Stock markets world wide are collapsing!
And we're getting rich?
But the stock the kid recommended...
has soared like a bird.
Tomorrow will be a better day!
I'll call Jade.
Hey little money bag, forget grandpa, I'll keep you.
Just when I need her.
Even Jade's becoming psychic.
Jade?
Hello Jade?
I'm the program director. I'd like to speak to Jade.
She's not in.
You must be Ching, the guy who helped her. Right?
The sponsors want Jade replaced.
You're in advertising, you should understand.
We rely on sponsors for financing.
As you know, the compere affects the ratings.
Why don't you change her?
We want to give her another chance.
Give her a chance? Sponsors won't give us chance!
We have to churn out something new everyday.
We need new faces& stars to attract audiences.
Hang on! Is that the soft drink company?
Don't let her go, I'm coming!
Popping pills out of the bottom of a bottle...
Could you do that?
Try.
Let's go.
Where are you taking him?
To the TV station.
Don't give away his secret.
I'm going to negotiate for Jade.
Hello Mr. Ching.
Is your client Winnie Cheung?
Yes, please don't offend her.
What's this about a chess tournament?
Didn't we agree on something more exciting?
Chess is not prime time entertainment.
You can do better than that.
Want something better? OK, I'll show you.
You've never seen this before. Get me 2 chess sets.
Turn the other way.
This lady's going to make some moves on the board.
Concentrate... and duplicate the moves, OK?
He'll repeat your moves.
You'll go this far to hook Jade?
Unbelievable.
Let's see what he's up to.
Playing there stupid games.
Uncle.
What?
I can't do it with all these people around.
The room's quiet, no one's watching.
If you don't get it right, Mr. Ching's in trouble.
Be smart.
OK.
What's this? I don't know anything about chess.
This ad man annoys me.
Hello, is Jade there?
I'm Ching. It's urgent.
We've got at 1 o'clock appointment.
I'm now at the station.
If she can't come here, we'll meet as planned.
Whoopee! This is fun!
You're meant to copy her moves. Not build a pyramid!
Don't you want to help Auntie Jade?
Have you finished? Dragon Lady's complaining.
Why are you crying?
Forget it, I've run out of gimmicks. Let's go.
It's not my day.
Mr. Chin...
Jade's not worth getting upset about.
You guys are so uncaring.
First she's a goddess, then dumped like garbage
Why not treat her like a human being?
I have to save my own skin.
Please, this way.
You're right, the kid's amazing.
You scared me to death.
No, my pants are falling down.
Good.
It's 3 o'clock, where's Jade?
What?
What are you going?
What are you think?
I get scared when you're mad.
Don't be afraid. I thought you were being naughty.
I won't lose my temper again.
Jade,
Your golf is good. Are you free tonight?
The golf course shuts at night. Give me a ring.
You're 2 hours late.
There's no phone on the golf course.
Golf course? You played with that creep?
Nothing better to do? What about your job?
They've decided to replace me?
My job?
So you knew?
I guessed. They've been acting strange.
So I went to talk to Professor Lau.
Why didn't you come to me?
He's not in the advertising business.
He's a big advertiser. He could sponsor the show.
Sponsor the show, or buy you?
How could you go after that wolf?
You involve me, then go to him! What do you want?
You can stuff your dumb program.
Ching!
You've already found a buyer for your product.
Don't come crying to me.
I'm taking the kid home now.
Fix the chess game with that jerk.
Shithead! The cross!
Don't pick up what's been thrown away.
We're not Christians, we don't need it.
The cross was given to you by Uncle.
If you throw it away, we'll lose it, then what?
My father left me a lot of things.
Aside from the cross, also an ebony chess set.
When you throw something away, don't regret it, OK?
Ching!
Didn't you take the kid home yesterday?
I can't find him.
He's disappeared.
Ngai, open up!
It's late. What's happened?
Bad news. Wong's been arrested.
Why?
After applying for the chess match
he went to the public toilet.
You know how clumsy he is.
He forgot to take any toilet paper.
So he tore bits off a Big Character Poster.
He was seen and arrested,
accused of counter-revolutionary activity.
We've got to help him.
Otherwise he has no future.
Someone with influence has to pull strings.
If only we knew the Party Secretary.
Party Secretary?
But we don't have these sorts of connections.
So what can we do?
Cousin, don't you know anyone?
Kid, you know nothing, go to sleep.
Just think before you speak.
You're criticizing me again.
Shut up or someone will really criticize you.
Better if you go now.
Does Lanky know anyone with pull?
His father did.
His father's been purged.
But before that he knew many Party Officials.
If not for Party Secretary Chun,
Ngai would've gone to prison.
So Chun would be the right person to see.
Would Ngai do it? You can only use a connection like this once.
Surely he'd save it for himself.
Thank you, mother
A bowl of good wine before I leave
Now I feel courageous
A feast is arranged for my friend and I
Long Live the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution!
Long Live the Dictatorship of the Proletariat!
Our Great Leader Chairman Mao says...
Lanky's here.
So?
I've found Chun, he's watching opera.
I'll go in.
Father. Let's go.
Come on.
Quickly!
I'm sick to death of watching this opera!
Comrades, great performance!
We serve the people!
Performing ' propaganda opera ' glorifies Chairman Mao.
Long live our Great Leader Chairman Mao!
Good health to Vice-Chairman Lam!
Let's go get changed.
Isn't the theatre glamorous?
You two, be quick.
Isn't that the tomboy in our team?
She looks so different with make-up.
He has to play in a chess competition, can you help?
Are there any of your father's antiques left? I wouldn't dare keep any of the ' Four Olds '.
What about the antique chess set?
Remember we used it a few years ago?
You beat me.
I still have it. Dad left it to me.
It's very valuable, cherish it.
I haven't played for a long time.
It's very inconvenient to carry around.
I'll try and have Wong released...
Bring me the chess set, I'll take care of it.
Whiz Kid, where are you?
He's not at Temple 18, or at school.
And he hasn't been home.
He couldn't have been kidnapped.
What should I do with my shares?
My god, my hard-earned money.
I'll kill myself if the price drops.
Have to forget about the exam questions.
What exam questions?
I figured the kid could predict exam questions...
Then I would sell them...
I'd help the students and get rich!
Look where your education's got you!
Better than you - money grabber!
Stop fighting!
You're as bad as each other!
You're one to talk.
You've no ethics when it comes to selling.
Hong Kong people look to Taiwan as an escape...
From the paranoia of 1997, they're so pathetic!
Stop bickering! The Whiz Kid's disappeared...
and you're taking it out on each other!
We need to let off steam.
Making a living a full of hassles.
Struggling -just to get by.
Took me time to adjust to Taiwan.
Now I'll have to move on again.
Oh god, please give us a break.
We're not solving anything.
Let's look at the ocean of possibilities...
Relax, and decide that anything is possible.
Take a deep breath
And say: ' Where there's a will, there's a way '.
Where there's a will, there's a way '.
And also, ' Money is not everything '.
You don't mean that!
No harm in saying it.
Money is not everything.
Tomorrow will better.
What? Aren't you convinced?
No. Remember the fire in Lau's office?
Yes, so what?
You think Lau believed in the kid's power?
How would he have known?
I mentioned it to him.
I hear you can see into the future.
Traffic jam!
It's rush hour.
Did you predict you would be here?
Uncle and Auntie are coming to get me.
Just give me some answers, then you can go home.
I want you to think hard.
What does my future hold?
Let's walk!
Hey...
Let's go!
What about my car?
Just leave it!
How powerful will I become?
I want to go home.
Who will betray me?
Will Jade be mine?
Will all my dreams come true?
Will my name go down in history?
Answer me.
What do you see?
Why are you laughing? Tell me.
Professor Lau.
This is private! Tell me!
We have an appointment with Professor Lau.
This is Jade, you've seen her on TV.
She hosts the ' Whiz Kid's World '.
Professor Lau's over there.
Professor Lau.
Tell me now!
The TV people are here. What shall we do with the boy?
Uncle. I'm here.
Uncle!
Over there!
Uncle!
How could you doing here?
What are you doing here?
Are you OK?
You alright?
Hey little money bag, take care!
What do you want?
You rich sonofabitch!
Hope he's alright.
Life's hard, even for a whiz kid.
It's all my fault. I've ruined your business.
Business?
I've struggled hard to package this city.
In the process... I've sold myself as a package product.
I'm Chinese, I thought Taiwan was home...
But I can't adjust.
Adjust? You have to force yourself.
He's OK. Minor concussion.
You call concussion minor?
Should I sell my stocks?
Is it serious?
He'll be discharged tomorrow.
Thank you.
Auntie, I'm thirsty.
OK.
I know the water is over there.
Rest now, don't use you brain.
Ask him if we should sell the shares.
He shouldn't be put under any pressure.
If he knows where the water is, he's OK.
We'll ask him in a minute.
There's water in the flask.
Sleep well. You'll be on TV tomorrow.
Don't worry about memorizing the chess moves.
Just don't give up on yourself.
I'm let out so soon?
Wong!
Chung, I thought I'd never see you again.
Lanky gave his antique chess set to Party Secretary Chun.
That's why they let you out.
What? Tell him to get it back.
I'd rather stay.
Chung!
You can't go back!
Ngai, you helped me get out...
so I could play in the competition.
But I won't go.
Your father left you that chess set.
You can't do this to your family.
It was a valuable heirloom.
Of course it was!
Otherwise Party Secretary Chun wouldn't have asked for it.
If it wasn't valuable you'd still be locked up.
You think I'll get it back if you don't compete?
If I go and ask for it now...
my crime will be far worse than yours!
You said I shouldn't do this to my family?
You think I don't want it back?
You know how it feels to give away flesh and blood?
You think I enjoyed groveling and demanding myself?
I despise that sort of behavior!
Why am I so pathetic?!
I just want to go back to my old home!
Sleep in my old bed!
I'm sorry. I don't mean to take it out on you.
No matter what, I'm not going.
Knowing what I did, I'd feel to guilty.
Find someone else.
I'm not going.
You cretin! What do you mean ' feel guilty '?
I don't know how to play chess...
but if I did, and Ngai gave me this chance...
I'd give my life for it.
Not everyone's as lucky as you.
You dumb asshole! I'll kill you!
Stop it!
Leave me alone! Chung, stop it!
I won't go!
I'll kill you!
Don't fight!
You cretin!
How dare you say that! Come back!
Let me finish him!
If I want to enter, I'll do it my way!
The rain's stopped. I'll practice basket-ball.
But you've got a heart condition.
They say I'm right for basket-ball.
And if I stay on the team, after each game...
I might get some extra food.
Not bad, not bad.
The same hand, the same blood
Surviving under the same glorious sun
If you open you eyes
And give me a promise from the heart
Thought windblown and rain swept
It's still a yellow face
Every moment of our lives is a starting point.
Add color to your life. Cherish every chance.
Wealth is at hand.
Waiting for you to become part of Taiwan's new elite.
Professor Lau, I understand now.
If you don't want to lose, you've got to win.
No, you don't have the power.
In the game of life, few are players, most are pawns.
The whiz kid's a gift has gone.
It was all a gimmick anyway.
But I'm not withdrawing from the game.
Alright, I'll be your pawn...
But I want to be on the winning side.
Good, welcome into my chess game.
Camera, standby. When the kid looks at the chess book...
zoom in on Professor Lau.
Lau's generous, he's sponsored the whole show.
Here's the book for your reference.
How come they've changed the whiz kid?
Strange.
You ever cheated before?
You'll get used to it?
Why didn't you wait for us?
Ching.
This game's between our young Chess King & Lau.
Who's that kid over there?
It doesn't matter.
Maybe not to you, but it does to our whiz kid.
His friends will make fun of him.
If they do, it's our fault.
We got him involved.
He hasn't given up.
You can't replace him.
Life has to go on.
Professor Lau and I have an arrangement.
The boy wins one game, Lau wins two.
Everything has been fixed.
Fixed?
So you and Lau fix everything?
What did you get out of it?
You're sacrificing our whiz kid - is that fair?
Fair?
I sacrifice the whiz kid?
Well, it's either him or me.
I don't want to be a pawn anymore...
discarded when I lose my value.
Why aren't you ready?
Jade take your place. Stand by.
Ready?
10,9,8,7,6,5,4.
Move! Come here!
Who's that?
Welcome to ' Whiz Kids World '.
Here is your hose, Jade Mui.
On air.
Good evening.
It's time for ' Whiz Kids World ' again.
This evening, we feature a chess tournament.
We are happy to welcome Professor Lau...
Taiwan's reigning chess champion...
And ' Whiz Kids World ' very own Chess King...
little Wan Shing Fong.
Let's give them a round of applause.
On the large chess board...
You will see the moves they make.
It's the best of 3 games.
Can he remember his moves? He might need it. Hush up, please
Good, let's start now.
Get up... where's Wong going so early?
To the tournament?
Didn't it finish yesterday?
Think so.
The 3 Chess Champions, a photo!
Hey kid, move.
What's Wong doing?
He's challenging the Chess Champions.
Sirs, the only prize I can offer is this coat.
Please play a game of chess with me.
Sir, please give me a chance...
to compare our skills.
Wong, are you crazy?
Put your coat back on.
Sirs, I beg you to play with him.
Or he'll freeze to death.
Sirs, have a cigarette.
I'm in a hurry to catch a train.
The tournament's over, wait till next year.
He's very stubborn.
He'll stand there forever.
Please, I beg you.
What if I do play with him?
When I win his coat, he'll freeze anyway.
He can borrow my cup for a photo...
will that satisfy his vanity?
He's not like that.
He's a genius born at the wrong time.
The country should develop his talents.
He's wasted being stuck here.
Anyone can call themselves a genius.
Tell him to put his coat on.
If it makes him feel better, I'll play him.
It won't take long.
You fool! I lent you this coat...
And you offer it as a prize?
Oh yeah, it's yours.
Genius, I'll wait for you at the restaurant.
Hey, what do you want? Go outside to play your chess.
Check!
I've already lost.
Keep still.
It's over already - let's go look.
Did you let him win on purpose?
Who lost?
The 2nd runner up lost.
Get up.
Let me play him.
Set up the board.
That game didn't count.
I want another game.
If you lost - you lost!
The train's leaving soon.
Don't worry, I'll play them together.
What?
Stop showing off!
That's not possible.
Sure it is. Want to play blind chess?
Blind chess?
You mean play without looking at the board?
I couldn't do that.
Well, I can.
You 2 watch the board. I won't.
I'm not leaving today. Set up the board.
Young comrade. Don't be so cocksure!
I'll take you as my student if you wish.
You ever played blind chess against 2 people?
Heard of it, never tried it myself.
Then you don't qualify to teach me.
So conceited! You character's reflected in your game.
If you don't change, your game will suffer.
Learn well from the new teachings...
And you could become a great chess player.
With your temper - I wonder about your game.
You arrogant upstart!
I am the chess champion after all.
Dammit, let me teach you a lesson!
Hands up those who want to play.
Me.
I want to.
Count me in.
Don't push. Line up!
No need. I'll play you all!
I'll play blind chess against all of you.
Your bragging is getting out of hand!
One against eight, and blind chess?
How will you do it?
You're right, the place is too small.
I'm not talking about the place.
What do you want?
We want to use this place for a chess tournament
It's over already, come back next year.
Sir...
Don't shut the door.
Over? It hasn't started.
Lanky, over here.
Over here.
Ring Party Secretary Chun, tell him I want to use this place.
Your name is Lan...
My name's Ngai.
Party Secretary Chun knows me.
Quick! Or there'll be revolutionary action.
OK! We'll start soon.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
and 9. My master is the King of Chess.
He's too old to attend. I will relay the moves.
Don't push.
One against nine.
The ninth player is a hermit.
He's the King of Chess. He's excellent.
He's here?
No, he's playing blind too.
His student will relay the moves.
Chung.
Can you make it?
Ngai told me that if I win...
I can apply to transfer to better place.
I've caused a scene, if something happens, don't get involved.
Out of all of us, you're the only one with a chance.
You've got to win.
If I don, I'll be given delicious meat...
and fragrant wine.
We'll have a feast.
If I lose...
It'll be back to square one.
But we'll stand by you till your next chance.
I've kept this bun. Take it.
We're ready. Let's see how good you are.
Let's start.
Wong. We're all waiting for a chance... It's your go first.
If you succeed, we'll all rejoice.
The chance is in the palm of your hand. Don't let it go.
Persist to the very end. Be glorious.
Ngai's very upset he lost his chess set.
My mother gave me this set. Give it to him.
I will. Do your best.
Chung, too many people, we can't get through.
Open the window up there.
It's sealed.
Force it.
Wong, your mother's watching you.
Being.
Checkmate!
You lost.
Doubt it. Lau'll be on the ball now.
Professor Lau begins the 2nd game.
If our whiz kid wins this game...
...then he's become the youngest Chess King ever.
Both contestants are ready. Begin.
That move is not in the book.
The kid's luck's running out.
I hope not.
Chariot on four up two.
Chariot on seven up two.
Horse on seven down six.
Cannon on one across five.
Chariot on eight up four.
Cannon on five across six.
Board nine. Chariot on five up one.
OK.
Checkmate!
The game is over.
What? So soon?
Yes.
What are we going to do?
It's not ad time yet.
Floor manager, tell Jade to drag it out.
You caught the Professor off guard in the first game.
Follow the book very slowly in the next game...
so when the show ends, it'll be a draw.
OK? Go ahead.
He looks exhausted, hope he's alright.
I hope so too.
Board three. Chariot on five up six.
Cannon on seven up seven.
Chariot on eight down three.
Marshal on five across four.
Horse on two down four.
Chariot on one across four.
Cannon on nine across five.
Drink some water.
Marshal on four up five.
Horse on eight up seven.
Wong, you need a break?
Pawn on three up one.
Upheavals on a grand scale territorial gains, emergence of a conqueror.
The world is a chess game unpredictable moves, heroes rise and fall.
Horse on seven up eight.
Chariot on four up five.
I've lost.
I've lost too.
You beat me.
You have my respect.
How can I call myself a champion.
Fantastic.
He beat them all.
He beat 8 player. The 9th game is not finished.
It's the old Chess King.
He's got the edge on Wong.
Make way!
Scholar on four up five.
Chariot on six across four.
Master.
The old King of Chess is here.
You must be the young King of Chess.
Good, I am old and weak.
I have to retire from the turmoil of life.
I thought I'd never meet my match this lifetime.
Your way of play is hard and laborious...
you find life where there is death.
At this point, we appear to be equals...
but you've played one against nine such inner strength.
Now I see the power of the younger generation.
I now know that amongst our fellows...
there exists a worthy successor...
So I choose to lose this game.
He wants to get up but he can't.
He's got cramp from sitting all day.
Ngai, massage his legs.
Wong, you have won.
It's a draw. There's a successor, it's a draw!
OK, it's a draw.
Wong, I haven't given Ngai your chess set yet.
Mother...
don't worry, life will be better...
He's not following the book, has he forgotten?
Perhaps he's nervous.
Don't play fast. Don't fall into his trap.
Sir no smoking in here.
If you want to smoke, go outside.
Check!
You've lost.
Whiz kid.
Get out of the way.
Are you OK?
Call an ambulance.
Don't worry, we'll be at the hospital soon.
Did you find it? Whose is it?
Cousin!
I don't know what our generation is supposed to possess.
My father left me this...
I still don't have the courage to keep it.
You're leaving for Hong Kong, take it with you.
Give it back when we meet again.
Cousin!
It belonged to my cousin.
I wonder if I'll ever meet him again.
I wish he were right. But he's lost his ability to see the future.
Stop!
What's the matter?
Don't stand there! Get out, quickly.
Mother...
Whiz kid.
Little whiz kid.
Somebody's under there.
Go in and look for him!
Hey, please help find him!
Little whiz kid.
Little Chess King, do you know me?
Do you know they're looking for you?
Yes. They want to know what their future holds.
Right, and only you know. That's why they're looking for you.
Let's carry on...