Rob-B-Hood
Rob-B-Hood | ||
---|---|---|
Hanyu Pinyin bǎobèi jìhuà | | |
Yue: Cantonese | ||
Jyutping | bou2 bui3 gai3 waak6 |
- Jackie Chan
- Alan Yuen
- Benny Chan
- Benny Chan
- Jackie Chan
- Willie Chan
- Solon So
- Wang Zhonglei
- Jackie Chan
- Louis Koo
- Michael Hui
- Charlene Choi
- Gao Yuanyuan
- Chen Baoguo
- Yuen Biao
- Matthew Medvedev
companies
- Emperor Motion Pictures
- JCE Movies Limited
- Huayi Brothers
Emperor Motion Pictures
- 2 January 2006Venice Film Festival) (
- 29 September 2006 (Hong Kong)
Rob-B-Hood (
Originally announced in 2005, the film marked Benny Chan's third collaboration with Jackie Chan, following
Rob-B-Hood was released in Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia on 29 September 2006 based in Hong Kong to generally positive reviews.[3][4] The film topped the Chinese box office in October 2006 and despite not being given a release in most European and North American countries, it grossed over US$20 million worldwide.[5][6] The film was nominated for Best New Performer and Best Action Choreography at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Plot
Friends Thongs and Octopus evade security guards in a hospital, having stolen money and cancer medication from the safe. Meanwhile, a newborn baby to the wealthy Lee family is snatched by Max, the mother's ex-boyfriend, prompting the security guards give chase, ignoring the burglars, and corner Max on an escalator. Following a violent struggle, Max and the baby fall over the side—the baby is caught by Thongs, while Max plummets to his death. While the guards are distracted, Thongs and Octopus leave in the Landlord's minivan.
A few months later, the Landlord finds his flat burgled, his life savings gone. He receives a phone call from his middleman Uncle Seven, offering him a job to kidnap baby Lee on behalf of a triad boss, who claims the baby is his grandson. Enticed by the HK$7 million reward, Thongs and Octopus accept the job without knowing its objectives, finding out only after the Landlord has fled the Lees' mansion with the baby. Disgusted by the idea of kidnapping a baby, Thongs threatens to return him, but relents after the Landlord tells him of his predicament. En route to their rendezvous point in Sai Kung, the trio encounter a police road block which the Landlord attempts to outrun, only to crash his van down a hill. As the police close in on them, the stuck Landlord instructs Thongs and Octopus to leave with the baby. While in custody for reckless driving, the Landlord learns of the baby's value through the news. He phones Thongs, instructing him not to hand the baby over to anyone prior to his release so he can jack up the price. Over the next few days, Thongs and Octopus take care of the baby, developing a strong bond with him. The two begin to regret their vices: Thongs resists the urge to gamble, while Octopus feels sorry for cheating on his wife Pak Yin, who is getting pregnant. Meanwhile, both the triads and the police are after the baby. The triad boss, enraged by the non-delivery of his "grandson", sends his men to retrieve the baby from Thongs' flat. Confronted by both the triads and Police Inspector Mok, Thongs and Octopus go into hiding with the baby.
Shortly after his release, the Landlord is brought to the triad boss, who increases his offer to HK$30 million for the baby. He finds Thongs and Octopus at the hospital, where the baby is being treated for fever. The Landlord informs the two of the triads' latest offer, but Thongs and Octopus are more concerned about the baby's welfare than the cash. However, the two agree to bring the baby to the triad boss' mansion, where the Landlord will meet them with the rest of the money. They reach the triad boss' mansion and hand over the baby reluctantly. As the trio are about to leave, they hear the baby crying for them as a
Thongs and Octopus are taken to the triad boss, who insists the baby is his grandson, only to be proven wrong by the
Cast
- Jackie Chan (成龍) as Thongs (人字拖): A professional burglar who has stolen a variety of expensive goods. A compulsive gambler, he has fallen out with his family over his lifestyle, resulting in his father having a stroke. Despite his vices, Thongs maintains a sense of ethics, making him reluctant to kidnap the baby. The name "Thongs" refers to his flip-flop footwear.
- Louis Koo (古天樂) as Octopus (八達通): A fellow burglar working with Thongs. He uses the money he steals to buy expensive cars and to court a rich girl.
- Michael Hui (許冠文) as The Landlord (包租公): The mentor of Thongs and Octopus for over 20 years. Unlike his trainees, the Landlord does not spend his share of the loot, instead stashing it in a safe in his home.
- Matthew Medvedev as Matthew the Baby: The infant son of the wealthy Lee family, kidnapped by Thongs, Octopus and the Landlord on behalf of a triadboss.
- Yuen Biao (元彪) as Inspector Steve Mok (莫史迪): The policeman in charge of the case involving the baby's disappearance.
- Teresa Carpio as The Landlady (包租婆): The Landlord's wife. Driven mad by the death of her only son many years earlier, the Landlady carries a doll of a baby boy with her at all times.
- Gao Yuanyuan (高圓圓) as Melody: A student nurse from the Peking University, who works as a part-time childcare consultant, teaching Thongs and Octopus how to take care of the baby, and later becomes Thong's love interest.
- Charlene Choi (蔡卓妍) as Pak Yin (白燕), Octopus's pregnant wife who was being neglected, forcing her into a series of dead end jobs to make ends meet.
- Terence Yin (尹子維) as Max: The former boyfriend of the baby's mother who claims the baby as his. He dies from a fall following a struggle for the baby in a hospital soon after it is born.
- Cherrie Ying (應采兒) as Lee Man-yee: The girl of the wealthy Lee family who is the baby's mother.
- Triadboss: Having lost his only son Max, the triad boss will stop at nothing to capture the baby.
- Ken Lo (盧惠光) and Hayama Go (葉山豪) as Balde and Tokyo Joe: Two high-ranking minions of the triad gang.
- Conroy Chan and Gill Mohindepaul Singh as McDaddy and Hairy: These two are visited Thongs and Octopus residents when the both are finding him.
- Daniel Wu as Daniel (cameo appearance), a security van driver.
- Nicholas Tse as Nicholas (cameo appearance), a security van driver.
Jackie Chan stunt team
- Chan Man-ching
- Nicky Li
- Ken Lo
- Wu Gang
- He Jun
- Park Hyun-jin
- Lee In-seob
- Han Guanhua
Production
Rob-B-Hood was a joint production from
Development and writing
Jackie Chan contacted
Chan co-wrote the film and designed the action sequences, whilst director Benny Chan wrote the film's dramatic elements,[12] completing the script by October 2005.[13] Two additional protagonists were designed as Thongs' partners in crime, with the intention of increasing the comedic value of the film through their interactions.[2] The film's Chinese title is Bo Bui Gai Wak (Cantonese: 寶貝計劃, literally Project BB, with "BB" being a homophone for "Baby"), a reference to Chan's award-winning 1983 film Project A (Cantonese: A Gai Wak, A計劃).[14]
Casting
The cast of Rob-B-Hood includes actors ranging from newcomer Gao Yuanyuan to veteran actor Chen Baoguo.[15] Daniel Wu and Nicholas Tse, who both starred in the film New Police Story, make cameo appearances as homosexual security van drivers during a car chase in the film.[16][17]
Octopus, Thong's partner in crime, is played by
The Landlord, the leader of Thongs and Octopus, is played by
Rob-B-Hood features a collaboration between Jackie Chan and
Over 100 auditions were held before the suitable baby was found to star in the film.[2] Benny Chan chose Matthew Medvedev, a one-year-old infant of Chinese and Colombian descent. Medvedev, known as Baby Matthew, was literally recruited off the street when an assistant director spotted him with his parents on the MTR. Although his family was simply visiting Hong Kong, they agreed to stay and let Matthew appear in Rob-B-Hood.[19]
Filming and post-production
Rob-B-Hood is the third Jackie Chan film directed by Benny Chan, following Who Am I? and New Police Story.[2] With a budget of HK$16.8 million, principal photography took place in Hong Kong, began on 14 December 2005 and concluded on 26 April 2006.[21][22][23][24] Filming locations included Central, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Ocean Park, Cyberport, Tai Po Waterfront Park and Victoria Prison.[25][26]
Benny Chan described the filming process as some of the darkest days of his career, explaining that the baby was a factor beyond his control, and could not work more than eight hours a day. Whenever a scene involving the baby was shot, the crew members had to be silent, communicating in sign language. Benny Chan stated it took time, patience, and money to guide the baby through each shot, and numerous retakes were required due to the baby's constant crying and napping. As a result, production went over budget.[2] Special methods were sometimes used to coax the baby into co-operation. One scene required the baby to suckle Chan's nipple. The baby was initially hesitant, but relented after the crew brushed a large amount of honey onto the nipple.[27]
Jackie Chan was the stunt director of Rob-B-Hood, having choreographed all the stunts with the
In the post-production process, the editing was held by Benny Chan's frequent collaborator Yau Chi-wai, while Chan Fai-young served as a score composer for the film.
Release
Theatrical release
Rob-B-Hood had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on 8 September 2006. After the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, several scenes highlighting the personal relationships between characters were deleted from Rob-B-Hood prior to its release to the general public. Benny Chan explains that including too many dramatic scenes may distract the audience from the plot.[12] The uncut version of Rob-B-Hood is included in the DVD release as the "Extended Version" feature.[30]
The cut version of the film was released simultaneously in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries on 29 September.[31][32][33] Afterwards, Rob-B-Hood was released in Japan on 7 April 2007.[34] Greece remains the only European country in which Rob-B-Hood was released, on 13 February 2007.[35] The film is rated IIA in Hong Kong (unsuitable for children), G in Singapore and U in Malaysia.[32][33][36]
The Japanese title of Rob-B-Hood is プロジェクトBB (Purojekuto BB), literally Project BB, the name initially proposed for the film.[34] In Greece, the film is known as Ασύλληπτοι Απατεώνες (transliteration: Asulliptoi Apateones), meaning Inconceivable Frauds.[35] In the United States, the film is known as Robin-B-Hood.[37]
Home media
The first pressing of the DVD was released in Hong Kong in November 2006 on Region 0. This has since been discontinued and the subsequent standard and limited edition releases were on Region 3. All Hong Kong versions contain two discs: a movie disc and an extras disc. The movie disc features both the cinematic and uncut versions of the film, along with a commentary track by Benny Chan. The extras disc contains a "behind-the-scenes" video, the post-production press conference, a collection of deleted scenes and the music video of the theme song.[38]
The limited edition DVD is housed in a box-file style box and contains various pieces of merchandise including branded sandals and door signs. An even more limited release of 5000 units was briefly available, and handed out at various film festivals. This edition contained a crystal dummy, an imitation bank note and a branded 2007 calendar in addition to the merchandise in the other limited edition release.[39]
The DVD was later released in other East Asian countries, including China (Region 6), Japan (Region 2), South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia (Region 3).[36] On 26 December 2007, the DVD was released in the US (Region 1) by Dragon Dynasty in a "two-disc ultimate edition", which contains much of the same extras as the Hong Kong releases, including the commentary by Benny Chan, though with US trailers replacing the domestic ones. However, the runtime for this release is 126:28, which is somewhere between the theatrical cut (121:46) and the director's cut (135:11) on the Hong Kong releases.[37]
On 24 May 2010, DVD was released by Cine Asia in a two-disc ultimate edition at the United Kingdom in Region 2.
Reception
Critical response
Rob-B-Hood was generally well received by critics. Jay Weissberg of Variety described the film as "a mildly fun ride that banked on Jackie's tried-and-true comic charm in a standard baby kidnapping farce enlivened by just enough action sequences to keep hoary diaper scenes from soiling the playpen".[7] Credit was given to the stunt choreography and the acting partnership of Jackie Chan and Louis Koo, although some reviewers were disappointed about the absence of Sammo Hung.[40]
The plot of Rob-B-Hood received mixed reviews: The Chinese newspaper Xiao Xiang Chen Bao found it concise, hilarious and touching,
Box office
Rob-B-Hood grossed HK$1.2 million the day it was released in Hong Kong.[31] In China, the film topped the box office during the four-day National Day holiday weekend, grossing ¥8.9 million.[45] It went on to top the Chinese box office in October with box office figures exceeding ¥90 million.[5] Rob-B-Hood performed well in Southeast Asia, grossing US$404,000 in Singapore, US$400,000 in Malaysia and US$604,000 in Thailand during its first four days.[46] In total, Rob-B-Hood had a worldwide gross of US$20,434,179 despite not being released in North America and most of Europe.[6]
Accolades
Awards | Category | Recipient(s) | Result(s) |
---|---|---|---|
26th Hong Kong Film Awards | Best New Performer | Matthew Medvedev | Nominated |
Best Action Choreography | Jackie Chan, Nicky Li, Jackie Chan Stunt Team | Nominated |
See also
References
- ^ Rob-B-Hood Budget Archived 13 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c d e f g "Interview with Benny Chan". LoveAsianFilm. 2006. Archived from the original on 12 August 2007. Retrieved 13 August 2007.
- ^ "Rob-B-Hood at RottenTomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. 8 September 2006. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ "Collection of reviews of Rob-B-Hood by various papers according to Sina" (in Chinese). Sina. 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
- ^ a b 宝贝抢钱9000万《宝贝计划》票房雄踞10月影市. Nanfang Daily (in Chinese). Sina. 10 November 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
- ^ a b "Rob-B-Hood worldwide gross". The Numbers. 26 October 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
- ^ a b c d Jay, Weissberg (14 September 2006). "Rob-B-Hood Review". Variety. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
- ^ "Jackie Chan: From action maestro to serious actor". China Daily. 24 September 2004. Retrieved 9 June 2007.
- ^ a b 成龙:我不能演大坏人 (in Chinese). The Beijing News. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 15 August 2007.
- ^ 成龙首次尝试反派 联手陈木胜再拍动作喜剧. Sina (in Chinese). 30 December 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2007.
- ^ "Chan's not such a bad guy". South China Morning Post. Associated Press. 24 September 2006.
- ^ a b 專訪《寶貝計劃》主創 導演陳木勝談新片. Sina (in Chinese). China Movie Database. 9 September 2006. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
- ^ 成龙:自己完成新片剧本 将与洪金宝元彪再聚首. Huaxiangbao (in Chinese). Sina. 11 October 2005. Retrieved 9 June 2007.
- ^ a b "Rob-B-Hood Film Review". LoveHKFilm. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ^ Kang, Xiaoning (29 March 2006). "陈宝国重新回归大银幕 《BB计划》演黑帮头目". Shenyang Daily (in Chinese). Sina. Retrieved 30 August 2007.
- ^ Sutherland, Stewart (2006). "Rob-B-Hood review". Hong Kong Cinema UK. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2007.
- ^ Tee, Linus (2006). "Rob-B-Hood Review". MovieXclusive. Retrieved 18 October 2007.
- ^ a b 许冠文《宝贝计划》不动手 古天乐受欢迎. Sina (in Chinese). 11 April 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
- ^ a b Pajee, Parinyaporn (28 September 2006). "Jackie's bundle of joy". The Nation. Retrieved 17 August 2007.
- ^ 成龙:自己完成新片剧本 将与洪金宝元彪再聚首. 金羊网-羊城晚报 (in Chinese). 11 October 2005. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 17 August 2007.
- ^ 《宝贝计划》开镜 成龙古天乐高圆圆出席. Xinhuanet (in Chinese). Sina. 30 December 2005. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
- ^ 北京关机 成龙:我不能演大坏人. New Beijing Daily (in Chinese). Sina. 12 April 2006. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ^ "Rob-B-Hood Movie Information" (in French). Allocine. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
- ^ "Picture of Jackie Chan during the night shooting at Ocean Park". Official Jackie Chan Website. 29 January 2006. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
- ^ "The Final Scene of ROB-B-HOOD (aka. PROJECT BB) at a Hong Kong Prison". MonkeyPeaches. 27 April 2006. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
- ^ "Picture of Jackie Chan while filming Rob-B-Hood in Ocean Park". Official website of Jackie Chan. 29 January 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
- ^ Jackie Chan (2006). Rob-B-Hood Outtakes (DVD/Cinema). Hong Kong: JCE Pictures.
- ^ a b Jackie Chan (2006). Rob-B-Hood (DVD). Hong Kong: JCE Pictures.
- ^ "Stunt mishap sends Jackie to Hospital". Official website of Jackie Chan. 23 March 2006. Retrieved 12 August 2007.
- ^ Jackie Chan. Rob-B-Hood Festival Version (DVD). Hong Kong: JCE Productions.
- ^ a b Yeung, Man Li (1 October 2006). 《寶貝計劃》開畫收120萬 (in Chinese). Ming Pao.
- ^ a b "Rob-B-Hood release information". Yahoo Singapore Movies. 2006. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ a b "Information of Rob-B-Hood". Golden Screen Cinemas Malaysia. 29 September 2006. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ a b "Official Website of Rob-B-Hood in Japan" (in Japanese). 7 April 2007. Archived from the original on 10 August 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ a b Maurommatis, Pantelis (13 February 2007). "Review of Rob-B-Hood" (in Greek). Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ a b Martin, Peter (22 January 2007). "Rob-B-Hood Review". Twitch. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ a b McHugh, Kenna (15 December 2007). "Robin-B-Hood DVD review". Screenhead. Retrieved 3 January 2008.
- ^ "Jackie Chan's Rob-B-Hood DVD now available". Screen Power. 2 November 2006. Archived from the original on 28 July 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ "Rob-B-Hood (Extended Cut) (Limited Edition) + Souvenir Set". Product listing. 14 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
- ^ Lawson, Steve (2006). "Rob-B-Hood film review". Official website of Steve Lawson. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 1 September 2007.
- ^ 《宝贝计划》一场欢笑一把泪. Xiao Xiang Chen Bao (in Chinese). Sina. 28 September 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
- ^ Cheong, Felix (29 September 2006). "Jackie Chan now has a diaper-disaster movie to his name". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 22 October 2006. Retrieved 24 August 2007.
- ^ Fonoroff, Paul (28 September 2006). "Rob-B-Hood review". South China Morning Post.
- ^ Sun, Andrew (7 October 2006). "Hollywood East". South China Morning Post.
- ^ 《宝贝计划》票房飘红 黄金周国产电影成牛市. 金羊网-新快报 (in Chinese). Xinhua. 9 October 2006. Archived from the original on 12 January 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2007.
- ^ Rothrock, Vicki (4 October 2006). ""Rob-B-Hood" has $5 million opening session". Variety. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 27 August 2007.
External links
- Official website
- Rob-B-Hood at IMDb
- Rob-B-Hood at AllMovie
- Rob-B-Hood at Rotten Tomatoes
- HK cinemagic entry