The Magic Touch (film)


The Magic Touch is a 1992 Hong Kong comedy film written, produced and directed by Michael Hui, and stars Hui himself alongside Leon Lai.

Plot

Hui Wai-kuk tells people's fortunes by feeling their bones. In reality, he is a scam who is able to read minds of others because he has gathered information about them in advance; he is able to make a lot of money. The wife of Commissioner David Ho of the Inland Revenue Department is suspicious that her husband is cheating on her. Hui tells Mrs. Ho the name of the mistress. She then scolds Ho in his office.
Ho sends junior assessor Yau Ho-kei to investigate Hui's income. Yau does not work seriously, but he wants to stand out. During the investigation, Hui sustains a brain injury causing his coma. After he wakes up, he discovers that he has gained super abilities, being able to feel people's bones and see their future.
At this time, the IRD is investigating businessman Hung Sam for tax evasion, but the case is progressing slowly. Yau arranges for Hui to get close to Hui for a chance "touch" to find out where Hung's accounting book is hidden.
At first, Hung thought Hui and Yau were gay and avoided them at all costs. But after discovering that Hui is a fortune teller, he hires the two, greatly trusts them, and reveals to them about his drug business. Yau then reports information about Hung's drug business to Commissioner Ho. The case is cracked, Yau is then promoted to investigation superintendent and Hui, having assisted in the case, does not have to pay the tax that he owed for many years.

Cast

Critical

Andrew Saroch of rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The Magic Touch features a constantly watchable narrative and a number of hilarious scenes; foremost among these is Hui's attempts to feel the villain's knuckles in a number of different and highly amusing situations."

Box office

The film grossed HK$36,399,307 at the Hong Kong box office during its theatrical frun from 24 January to 19 February 1992 in Hong Kong. It remains as Michael Hui's highest-grossing film in his career.