THE HUMAN GODDESS

released OUT NOW! 1972 | 12 | Blu-ray

Director Ho Meng Hua Cast li Ching, Chin Feng, Peng Peng, Chao Hsiung

You may find yourself half-expecting red white and blue Mini Coopers to crash into shot during this kitsch Hong Kong fantasy, due to its pilfering of cues from The Italian Job. If they did, you wouldn’t bat an eyelid, inured to any manner of insanity.

When a goddess descends from the Heavenly Palace to visit our mortal realm, she meets a dead ringer for an old love, then uses her magical powers to help him save his orphanage from eviction. Naturally, they end up putting on a show. There’s plenty of breaking into song before that though, with our heroine delivering morally improving messages about a strong work ethic, and satirically skewering selfish socialites.

Seemingly brainstormed by an eight-year-old after one too many Tizers, the plot takes in frugging to freakbeat, a duel with a stage magician, a trip to a mental asylum, a flying car and a foodfight. The humour is broad and farcical, the tone generally so childish and sentimental that when robbers produce knives or breasts are bared it rather takes you aback.

It remains weirdly endearing though, with Li Ching making a winningly winsome lead. If you thought Shaw Brothers Studios were all about martial arts and horror, this will prove quite an education.

Extras A booklet. Ian Berriman