With : Leslie CHEUNG Anita YUEN, Cheung CHANG TOL
Music : Lo KOON TING
Produced and Directed by Tsui HARK
Welcome to all our guests
and the judges.
After three months of competition,
the two finalists
are Master Liu Kit
from Canton...
and representing Hong-Kong,
Lung Kwan Bo.
The judges have decided
there will be three challenges.
First, the preparation of rice.
Rice n°2.
Rice n°4.
Master Lung picked Tianjin rice.
The Tianjin climate is hot and dry.
Its rice has a tough texture.
Master Liu chose rice from southern Changjiang.
The south is humid.
The rice is dried out in the shaker, cracking its outer shell.
It becomes tender after cooking.
Comrade Liu's rice
has a hint of lotus leaf
underscoring the flavour of the rice.
Both chefs are really showing off their prowess.
The rice by Master Lung has a ginseng flavour which
stays on the palate even after swallowing.
Thanks to this sensation it earns the higher score.
The first challenge
has been won by Master Lung.
The 2nd challenge will test the chefs' sculpting skills.
Master Kit will
carve his sculpture out of tofu.
Underwater, the process remains out of view.
Master Lung starts
with a symbol.
It is a new method.
"The Treasure of China"!
Master Lung has sculpted the Great Wall.
The symbol
is a treasure chest.
It is reflected
through the door.
Comrade Liu Kit?
Your wife is not well, she's at the hospital.
Is it serious?
It may be for the baby.
Come as fast you can.
I'm in the middle of a competition.
Try to be quick.
The winning entry in
the 2nd challenge is Master Kit's tofu carving.
The contestants are tied.
The 3rd challenge will decide the winner.
Master Kit will prepare an albacore tuna soup,
while Master Lung makes "The Pearl of the Sea-Dragon".
Is my husband here?
Is he here?
"The Pearl of the Sea-Dragon".
I quit.
Comrade Liu? Your wife left this for you.
Kit, you've chosen your career over me.
So, I too have made a choice.
I don't want to have to depend on you.
I need to feel free.
Take care of yourself.
I wish you luck, Cheuk Bing.
HONG-KONG 5 YEARS LATER
Chef Auditions for Mandarin Hotel of Toronto
We need Chinese chefs.
Well, you'll find many of them in Hong-Kong.
They're eager to come here.
N°15, let's see you make sweet-and-sour pork.
What did you put in there?
I don't get it!
The sauce you gave me is expired.
Look at the Best Before date.
It's time to judge, anyway.
What?
Be ready.
The winners are :
N°8, Master Cut,
N°21, Master Lam.
And...
N°15, Master Sun.
Thank you!
Drink up! You are true professionals.
You are disqualified.
We must commit to our work.
Not like our brother.
Here he comes.
Have a seat, Sun.
Want some chicken?
So, you wanna be a chef... for shame.
Are you nuts?
Ah, leave me alone!
I've helped you guys with the loans long enough.
I'm tired of it.
Since my girl
left for Canada,
I've wanted to follow her. I've gotta become a chef,
so I can go and be with her.
Don't give my guys crazy ideas like that.
Here's a 100 grand.
Uncle, we've made a lot of mistakes.
I fear for my future.
It's not so easy to change.
- How can you ever be a chef? - Why can't I?
If I could have, I'd have changed.
I'd have been a teacher, fighting with my students all day.
You know how to fight. Come see me,
when you come to your senses.
Sun, has he changed your mind?
Give uncle this money back.
He'll need it when his luck runs out!
- Sun! - What is it?
It's difficult becoming a chef.
- Speak Mandarin! - You're worried you'll get in trouble.
That could happen in any job.
Give my card to the owner of the Qing Han.
Tell him I recommended you.
Who are you?
I work at Luk Yu restaurant. Call me Bo.
Good luck!
Lung Kwan Bo sent you?
Yup.
Fung!
You're friends?
He's my uncle.
If Bo sent you,
we'll get along great.
Thanks, Mr. Au.
Call me Master.
This punk wants to be a chef?
Fung's rival sent him.
Heh, they'll get along great!
Listen up!
The new guy was sent by Lung Kwan Bo.
Hello!
Come here.
You're new. Take some food.
- How? - With your hands.
Take what you like.
50 chickens in bean sauce!
Get on it!
I need chicken,
some peanuts and some peppers.
Where do I put it when I'm done?
Ah, I get it.
Chicken in bean sauce.
Good!
Take it apart and put everything back!
You can do it.
Orders get cancelled sometimes.
Now!
I gotta piss.
You're cute!
You're new? I'm Au Ka Wai.
I'm Chiu Kong Sun.
The other hand.
What's with the boss's daughter?
She likes to piss him off, for fun.
She doesn't like working here.
You're all useless! Come on!
You come help me.
Oh, fish!
I've killed fish before.
Bring me that fish! I'm going to bless it.
- Bless? - That's the rule for fish over 100 kg.
100 kg?
I have to carry that? I have to kill that?
Kill, yes! Or pay for it, if you want it as a pet.
Release the fish!
Should we step in?
Let him have some fun first.
They're all in on it!
What a moron!
- It's not fresh. - It was just caught.
It's still moving.
It's really fresh!
Get the fish you imbecile!
What's the matter?
Speak English. You want me to help you?
Yes, help me.
You talk to your dad in English?
Yeah, to practice.
I have to know it if I'm gonna be a star.
Speak any other languages?
French!
Really?
Get the fish, you idiot!
- I'm sick of this! - No problem.
I'll never eat fish again!
Next time, just get a smaller fish.
Damn fish!
Opportunist!
It stinks!
I don't believe this fish!
Be gentler with me than you were with the fish.
You have a lot in common.
Like what?
That fish had enough wits to cheat death.
He's crazy! That was 10 000 down the drain.
I'll deal with him personally.
Why does he hate the new guy?
It's Bo's nephew.
The boss was in line to be the president of the Chefs' Association.
And Bo got it instead of him.
Loan sharking is not a good business.
How many of you have
accepted Uncle Chuen's money?
Sun, you're having a hard time learning to cook.
You need money if you want to leave!
A boat can smuggle you to Polora.
Then you can go to Australia or America.
The interest rates are too high.
You're good with numbers.
But there's more than numbers to truth.
Sun, we talked to Uncle Chuen.
- He'll give it to us at 30 %. - We lend at 60 %.
- We make 30 %! - Shut up!
Take a salt shaker and open it.
If none of you answer me in 10 seconds, drink the salt like a shot.
10 000 at 30 % interest and 2 weeks late,
comes to how much?
10, 9, 8, 7, 6,
5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
- Say it! - 16 % interest.
No, on 100 000, we only touch 90 000.
The interest rate should be 18,77 %.
There's no more salt. Want pepper?
What?
If someone has owed money for over 3 months
and then kills himself, there's nothing to collect.
How'll you pay back Uncle Chuen?
Sun, here's the pepper.
You have the pork tongues all ready!
- The cash? - Wednesday at Fook Lam Court.
That's so long for a simple thing like that!
Love is just a little game.
Nothing more than that.
To love, the hearts of men
Aren't but a little fun.
What the hell is this?
How dare she sing?
Ask her!
I can do better than that.
I'm going up there!
We cheat ourselves.
What's love? What's passionate heat?
Guys and girls just
play the game to cheat.
If you're in love,
better play it smart!
If you're in love,
don't let it steal your heart.
What can a man do with a woman?
That chick's gotta be high!
I'm gonna try to pick her up.
Congratulations!
Sun likes that crack head!
If Sun gets with this chick, he won't go to Canada.
And he won't leave us!
Sister-in-law!
Do you like him, will you go out with him?
Please!
Shit!
Don't let her get away.
Let go my purse!
Get her a taxi!
There are none here.
I don't care, figure it out!
Call a cab.
For sister-in-law.
Hurry up.
You don't even have a car!
You want a ride home?
Come along so you can give me a ride when I go home!
Bitch!
Chill out a little.
Why?
Don't you want to get along with me?
Right now, I do!
You're nuts, that's dangerous!
You look better without it.
What is love?
I don't wanna hear you sing!
OK.
Let me entertain you.
Faster, faster!
There's a speed trap.
I'll take care of it.
I'm tired, let's go!
Damn, he didn't flip out.
Damn, that little bitch!
New job?
Your dad promoted me.
I'll help.
Alright.
Pick one.
This one.
It's a royal flush!
Why did you and Fan Jan break up?
She just stared at me all the time.
Like she was a contract killer.
She's a bitch!
That's why.
I like nice girls.
Like the Japanese.
I look sort of Japanese.
Especially as I'm waking up.
Before my eyes adjust.
You should be Japanese!
Are you Japanese?
No, but I like freedom.
Wait!
What am I doing with this bamboo?
I'm giving it to you.
To dry my laundry on?
I don't want to work in the restaurant.
I want to be free, and travel.
Alright, have fun!
Me, I want a quiet life
with someone who loves me.
I've found a guy I like.
I'm here! Where are you going?
To Canada.
I've found a steady job as a chef.
Work on your singing!
You'll make it one day!
Take care of yourself!
I'm Japanese.
Look out!
Miss Au!
Instead of flirting with him, go help over there.
Wait a minute! You want me to go help?
Yes, please. No problem.
Here, you play!
See you later.
My cards.
You can't even do the dishes!
Take out the trash!
My cards!
How many?
- Ten. - This way.
Sister-in-law, your shoes!
It's broken.
Yeah, what!
You should take it, less 30 %.
You didn't do that!
Don't even think about doing that.
We're meeting Darkie Cheong
to negotiate at Qing Han restaurant.
What? No.
Cheong, you want to keep 30 % more than agreed.
That's the only problem here.
Your sister-in-law injured ours. The 30 % is for her care.
70 000! There's nothing wrong with her!
Doesn't look good. Better call the cops.
- What are you? - Your daughter.
- Your face! - It's a disguise.
Don't drive me mad.
The triads are negotiating here.
I'm calling the cops.
No need, we're the anti-gang unit.
We've been on these guys for a while.
Will there be shooting?
Do you have insurance?
- Yeah. - Perfect.
Boss, who's serving them?
Oh yeah...
someone must be sacrificed.
Sun!
Maybe you can be a waiter. Work tables 9 and 10.
Sit.
What's up?
Cheong don't make up stories over 30 000!
My girl is really hurt.
Really.
So, you want to keep more?
- Are you armed? - No.
- You have a gun? - No.
We have one in here, Sun.
Get it and be ready.
Where did I put it? Fuck!
Let's settle this.
Do we have insurance?
Either way, we should get more.
Your ex is about to get embarrassed in front of you.
I'll count to 3. If I get to 3, you lose.
If I win, you pay my guys.
If you lose, you lose 70 000.
And you apologize to my girl.
Perfect!
1...
2...
3...
Wait.
Pay!
I told you.
I see why you got rid of her.
How can you say that?
Get her outta here!
That wasn't fair. He's not that strong.
I'll fix this.
Careful!
Thanks.
Just pay them.
I tell you to wait on them and you fight them!
I'm the owner.
This is an honour.
Please,
try my dim sum.
No!
It's on!
Don't shoot!
Come back tomorrow.
You should be after the criminals.
The police should be fired.
You wounded a cop.
Get out of here!
You're lucky,
someone took the fall for you.
Don't worry big brother.
I'm not your big brother!
OK, big big brother.
I told you this would end badly.
Like there's not enough violence.
Master!
I'm not your master!
Lung Kwan Bo wants me in a coffin.
Give me a chance.
Go to hell!
We'll get rid of him.
Boss, someone's here for you.
The president of Super Group.
I'm Au Siu Fung. What can I do for you?
Do you know how to make the "Imperial Feast"?
Of course. I was taught at Chin Hing restaurant.
I know their manager. But what's your name?
- Au Siu Fung. - There are always impostors.
Can I see your kitchen?
What about the regulations?
Who are you? You can't just waltz into the kitchen.
We're Super Group. We'll be in touch.
Here's our info.
He wants to make stir-fried beef?
That's nothing.
There are 2 difficult dishes :
stir-fried beef and sweet-and-sour pork.
To make stir-fry, you can't use too much oil.
But if you use too little, it burns.
Each noodle must taste the same.
It'll be too strong if you overdo it on the sauce.
Fry the beef.
But keep its flavour.
It should be cooked medium-rare. That way it stays tender and savoury.
When you plate it,
There shouldn't be any extra sauce or oil.
That way, it's light and healthy.
Fung, what's he doing?
That seals the flavour in inside the beef.
It's an everyday dish!
Taste my beef stir-fry.
It smells good.
It is good!
The noodles are crisp and fragrant.
The beef is juicy.
Perfect!
Let me show you my sweet-and-sour pork.
Sweet-and-sour pork?
The sauce should not overpower the meat.
The outside should be crispy.
Pork cutlets!
Flour!
His technique is strange!
It's so the meat keeps its own flavour.
Sauce!
Syrup!
Ice!
This isn't original.
You've shown me nothing.
Are you saying I cheated?
I don't like dishonest people.
I'm putting on the Imperial Feast of the Qing and the Han.
You can be my apprentice.
Your apprentice?
What could you teach me?
The Imperial Feast.
We'll see which one of us can prepare it.
Have you ever made it?
The feast was put on twice in Hong-Kong.
Fung was involved in one of them.
Really?
It takes a month of preparation.
It lasts 3 nights.
Multiple dishes each night.
Let's invite some famous chefs to judge.
We'll see who is best.
If you lose, I get your restaurant,
and become your boss.
50 million?
That's right, I'll bet 50 million.
Can you refuse that?
We'll help.
Why not?
Take him on!
Sign the contract.
You could win 50 million.
Come on!
Don't be scared.
Deal!
I'll see you at the tournament.
You're back?
I forgot my helmet.
Get it and get out!
The stock is rising? Buy more!
That restaurant isn't worth 50 million.
Cuisine is the kingdom of the Chinese.
I'll conquer it bit-by-bit.
I want to run Hong-Kong's entire restaurant business.
That restaurant has a long history. It'll be my first takeover.
We're all in this together.
This time, we're gonna win.
You'll be paid for 14 months this year.
I'll raise your wages 15 %.
Fung, I quit.
I quit.
Why quit?
The Super Group president said that if you lose,
I'll be in charge of the restaurant.
The guys will earn 30 % of the profits.
You traitors!
Don't say that.
For us, it's just better if you lose.
With the way you treat us, it's for the best.
He passed out!
The boss wants our pity!
He'll be OK, even despite that crazy daughter of his.
Master!
I'm sorry!
I'll help you save the restaurant.
Did you hear me?
"The Imperial Feast of the Qing and the Han".
Unicorn...
Moonlight on the sacred plant...
Mandarin duck... I need something easier.
Crab in a lotus leaf wrap.
It's like making eggs.
Just take it easy!
I just want your meat!
After, I'll let you go.
You're so big!
To hell with you!
Three eggs.
2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
Dash of salt.
And now,
mix and wrap.
It's gotta work this time!
Why?
It's burning!
How the hell?
What does that look like?
Can you serve that to anyone?
We need help.
Who can help?
Lung Kwan Bo from Luk Yu restaurant.
Do you have any idea how long it takes?
Do you know anyone who can make it?
Do you even know what the "Imperial Feast" is?
The feast is composed
of 108 dishes.
It lasts 3 days, there are 6 sittings.
Varied styles of cooking must be used.
It's the soul of Chinese cuisine.
Under Manchurian rule,
the Han could only occupy the lower ranks.
To unite the Qing and the Han, Emperor Kangxi
put on a banquet for his 60th birthday.
It was a mix of Han dishes and Qing dishes.
Han and Qing representatives
worked together to organize the feast.
That's how it got the name "The Imperial Feast of the Qing and the Han".
After the Wuchang uprising, commoners got access to the royal recipes.
The Beijing branch of cuisine was established.
But its followers divided up into different styles.
Their methods began to differ.
Master Wong cooks in the Niu style,
and your dad in the Chiu style.
And you, Bo?
I don't know how to make that feast.
No?
But there is someone
who knows.
He's in Canton.
In Canton.
Fish and fermented soya.
Is Master Kit here?
Who?
Master Kit.
He died a while ago.
What do we do now?
Kit, there are 2 prices on this. How much is it?
Ahh, damn it!
His name is Kit!
Great, you brought your own booze!
Will 6 bottles be enough?
- What can I get you? - Seafood Rice.
What would you like?
Stir-fried beef.
Don't draw attention to us!
I don't want him to recognize me.
You can tell a chef by what he eats.
What did he get?
What did that guy order?
Seafood Rice.
Is this for that guy?
I'll take it to him.
The boss wouldn't like that.
And you, would you like it?
Who gives a shit about the boss!
- Think he'll be pissed? - That's what I want.
If he gets mad, he'll go to the kitchen.
What are you doing?
You've made a lot of dough?
No, I worked in a hair salon.
Does that itch? Is the water hot enough?
My head is itchy.
- Oh, let me? - Don't touch me!
Do not touch me.
- Enough? - Go!
Seafood Rice.
There's no price tag!
He'll eat anything.
I wouldn't want to try his cooking!
Let's check his place for any evidence he was ever a chef.
He won't let us do that.
If he doesn't, we'll kill him.
Alright!
He's drunk enough.
He's had more than a few.
It smells like booze.
No, it's shrimp!
- Where's Queen's Road East? - In the east end.
- Where do you live? - In the west end.
- Where exactly? - 3rd floor, n°17.
- Let's go! - We'll take him too.
If we don't, we'll look like burglars.
It stinks of liquor!
Get the door!
I'll look for the light switch.
The bastard's heavy!
He's a sex maniac!
He'll jump on me if he wakes up!
What are you doing?
Hold him back!
I can't!
Get him off me!
He's the wrong guy, let's get outta here!
It's him!
"Master Kit, winner of the 18th National Cooking Championship."
He's the best chef in the world.
Don't puke on me!
My clothes!
We got him.
He's a bum!
He's dressed in rags.
He's a nut.
What do we do now?
Huh?
What?
There's someone else we have to find!
Thanks.
We've been looking for you all over.
First in Japan,
then we heard you were in Shanghai.
No need to speak Mandarin, I understand Cantonese.