HONG KONG – A new promotional campaign for the eagerly awaited Lunar New Year comedy, The Great Jackpot (金多寶), has revealed stunning visuals of the film’s central backdrop: a luxurious, secluded mansion known as the “Dream House.” Directed by Alan Kwong, the film features popular MIRROR member Edan Lui alongside award-winning actress Elaine Jin and Michelle Wai, promising a blend of absurd humor and heartwarming family dynamics set against a quintessential Hong Kong narrative of sudden, albeit fabricated, wealth.
The mansion, now prominently featured in the latest movie poster, is more than just a set; it becomes the principal stage for the Lin family’s chaotic and ultimately transformative experience. Described as elegant and expansive, the villa features sprawling gardens, a private swimming pool, and breathtaking mountain views, perfectly embodying the absurdity of “instant millionaire” life.
Director Alan Kwong emphasized the film’s cultural resonance, stating that The Great Jackpot explores the profound importance of familial bonds through the lens of a thoroughly bizarre premise: winning the lottery without actually having bought a ticket. Kwong drew parallels between his work and classic Cantonese comedies, noting, “It’s a very ‘Hong Kong’ story. Some have mentioned the box-office hit It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World, which I admire, especially its social satire. But The Great Jackpot is far from a simple comedy; I believe it holds many surprises, particularly in the lead performances, which truly exceeded expectations.”
The Deception at the Heart of the Narrative
The plot hinges on a delicate, well-intentioned deception. The matriarch, Kam Mui-tai (Elaine Jin), has faithfully wagered on the same set of numbers for over a decade. During the coveted Lunar New Year “Fat Choy” draw, her “lucky numbers” hit the staggering HK$88.88 million jackpot. However, her granddaughter, Lam Tin-ching (Michelle Wai), failed to place the bet that time.
Unable to shatter her grandmother’s lifelong dream, Tin-ching concocts a lie, borrowing a multi-million-dollar villa—originally intended for a film shoot—from her workplace colleague, Lai Cho-him (Edan Lui), and claiming the jackpot money purchased it. This move sees the extended Lin family—including the parents and younger brother—move into the opulent residence.
This forced proximity, brought about by the “mansion lie,” initially sparks humorous conflicts but gradually facilitates the healing of previously distant family relationships. Their temporary life of luxury, however, is fragile, and the story builds toward the inevitable moment when an accident threatens to expose the truth.
Production Challenges and On-Set Synergy
Elaine Jin recounted the demanding production schedule, noting that shooting commenced during a typhoon, causing delays. Compounding the pressure was a hip injury she sustained, leading to constant back pain. She credited the cast and crew for their relentless effort to keep the production on track. Jin also revealed that the incorporation of a dog—a first-time canine actor—added unexpected hilarity to the set.
Edan Lui, whose character Cho-him reluctantly agrees to lend the villa and sometimes acts as the family’s pseudo-butler, highlighted the comic potential of the situation. “The plot device of borrowing the villa is hilarious,” Lui commented. “My character takes on the challenging role of caretaker for this ‘fake wealthy’ family. Filming in this environment every day made me feel like I had won the jackpot myself. I look forward to meeting the audience during the New Year festivities.”
The Great Jackpot promises a satirical yet touching exploration of aspiration, class, and the enduring strength of the Chinese family unit, poised to be a major release during the competitive Lunar New Year box office season.
