HONG KONG/MACAU – Award-winning director Philip Yung (翁子光) marks his foray into Lunar New Year blockbusters with the release of his heartwarming comedy, The Goldfinger (金多寶), which premiered today, January 13, across Hong Kong and Macau. The film centers on the deep bonds of family, humorously exploring an audacious deception perpetuated to fulfill a matriarch’s lifelong dream of winning the lottery.
The narrative focuses on Grandma Kam Mei-ti (played by Golden Horse winner Elaine Jin 金燕玲), who for years has meticulously played the same set of lottery numbers. A pivotal moment arrives when her granddaughter, Lin Tin-ching (Louise Wong 鍾雪瑩), misses placing a bet for the special “Goldfinger” New Year draw. In a twist of fate, the family discovers those very numbers have hit the HKD 88.88 million jackpot. To spare Grandma Kam the crushing disappointment and grant her the joy of a lifetime, the entire family orchestrates an elaborate scheme, borrowing a luxury villa and pretending they are sudden millionaires, leading to a story that is both absurdly funny and deeply touching.
Ensemble Cast Ignites Lunar New Year Screen
The Goldfinger boasts a stellar ensemble cast, a hallmark of traditional Hong Kong Lunar New Year cinema. Headlining the film are Jin and Wong, alongside prominent actors Edan Lui (呂爵安) of MIRROR fame, Sunny Lee (李尚正), and Harriet Yeung (楊詩敏, aka “Haatou”).
The film is further bolstered by a glittering lineup of cameo appearances, including veteran comedian Michael Hui (許冠文), Louis Koo (古天樂), Pau Hei-ching (鮑起靜), and Charlene Choi (蔡卓妍, aka Ah Sa), ensuring plenty of festive surprises for audiences.
Director Yung revealed that the project is a personal tribute, dedicated to his late grandmother. He emphasized his intention to revive the nostalgic spirit of classic Hong Kong New Year comedies, aiming to bring genuine laughter, warmth, and shared emotions to viewers during the holiday season.
Cinematic Collaboration Yields Poignant End Credit Song
Beyond the cinematic narrative, the creative collaboration extended to the film’s soundtrack. The movie’s company released the end credit song, “The Good Fortune” (萬幸), written collaboratively by Sunny Lee and Louise Wong, who portray a father-daughter duo in the film.
According to behind-the-scenes insights, the entire composing process, including the lyrics, was completed in a single night during a break in filming. The unusual partnership was sparked by Lee expressing an interest in lyric writing, leading to the unexpected joint effort.
Edan Lui, who plays Jo-him—a character described as an outsider closely tied to Grandma Kam’s family, observing their journey—provided insight into the track’s meaning.
“This film is inspired by Director Yung’s actual relationship with his grandmother, meaning this song truly encapsulates the inner voices of many characters,” Lui explained. “It represents what the whole family holds in their hearts. When I read the lyrics and recorded it, I reflected on the importance of cherishing time with family. I believe this kind of everyday happiness is the ultimate ‘good fortune.’”
Sunny Lee, expressing humility about his newfound lyrical role, added his appreciation: “It was an incredible honor to participate in lyric writing under the guidance of the beloved Ms. Wong and to have the legendary Mr. Lui perform it. I still find it unbelievable.”
Lui expressed excitement for the film’s premiere, noting his delight in participating in a Lunar New Year release. “I hope we can deliver a sense of warmth to our audiences as they celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse.” The Goldfinger promises a timely and touching exploration of family bonds that resonates deeply during the annual festival focused on reunion and joy.
