Even though I consider myself a fan of Shu Qi and Tony Leung Chiu Wai, I never gave a second thought to watch any of Jackie Chan's movies. As luck would have it I came across Shu Qi, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, and Jackie Chan in their fabulously made collaboration Gorgeous which assembles various film genres including comedy, martial arts, and romance with surprisingly fresh results.

Shu Qi portrays exuberant Abu who chases after her knight in shining armor after she receives a romantic message in a bottle from Hong Kong at her rather remote Taiwanese village. She heads for Hong Kong, not knowing that the message was meant for a guy as the sender (Tony Leung Chiu Wai, in an over-the-top role) prefers male partners. Just when it seems as if Abu's fairytale trip has come to an abrupt end, she stumbles into C. N. Chan (Jackie Chan), a well-to-do Hong Kong businessman tired of life's triviality. Can Abu's charms and lovely appearance leave a lasting impression on the happy-go-lucky playboy?

Not as action-filled as some of Chan's other pure martial arts fare, Gorgeous still has some very stunning battle scenarios going for it, including fights against much smaller fighter-for-hire Alan (Bradley James Allan) whose appearance may be a bit deceiving. Packing a good punch combined with swift kicks, he at least gives Jackie a good workout in the film. A little reminiscent of Bruce Lee's showdown against Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon, this movie offers a somewhat relaxed take in which Chan gets a few bruises before things start to look better for him in the later return match.

Balancing between amusing and more emotional moments with occasional martial arts bravura presented by Chan, Gorgeous promises to charm with the winning smiles and expressions of Shu Qi. Tony Leung Chiu wonderfully supports the silver-screen couple with his relaxed but engaging portrayal of gay hair stylist Albert. Richie Jen also gives a memorable performance in his role as Abu's lovelorn village neighbor, while Emil Chow seems to have enjoyed acting as Chan's counterpart, C. N.'s cunning but overall good-hearted business rival. Underlined with a honey-sweet music score and a trademark Canto-pop duet by Kit Chan and William So, Gorgeous stays true to its title.