Directed by: Sammo Hung
Written by: Joyee Cheung, D&B Creative Team
Starring: Sammo Hung, George Lam, Deanie Ip, Michelle Yeoh
Year: 1984
Country:Â Hong Kong
Running time: 99 mins
BBFC Classification: 12
AÂ perhaps less well known Sammo Hung comedy gets a welcome dust off and new shiny release of life thanks to 88 Films. The Hong Kong legend directs and stars here alongside George Lam as two crooks, Owl (Lam) and Bumbo (Hung), who decide for various reasons to give up the criminal life to try and go straight. However, their non-criminal life is interrupted fairly quickly when tarnished police officer (Stanley Fung) blackmails the two into helping him out with certain challenges and cases to seemingly restore his reputation. The two bumbling would be good guys end up helping out at a youth detention centre, where they help the troubled youngsters better themselves all the while romancing some of the staff, before taking on a greedy land developer in a flurry of finale fight action.
Made during the Hong Kong movie heydays, The Owl vs Bumbo is a low key but charming effort from Sammo Hung released in and around the time when he was churning out action juggernaut classics such as Wheels on Meals, My Lucky Stars, and Heart of Dragon et al. The focus here is much more on comedy, the film very light on Sammo’s usual brand of intricate fight action. There is a little, especially towards the end when Hung takes on genre stalwarts Dick Wei and Tai San but those expecting a surfeit of Sammo Hung choreographed fight action may be disappointed. That said, The Owl vs Bumbo is still a very enjoyable old school comedy. Silly for sure but gentle and charming, particularly when the two leads are trying to romance the two ladies, they’ve taken a fancy to: Deanie Yip and in her first movie role, Michelle Yeoh.
There is some affecting drama courtesy of the young cast you play the youths the two leads come to help. Proceedings on occasion become quite poignant as the youngsters share the troubles they’ve had to endure, meaning there is bit more going on than just two bumbling crooks trying to go straight. The tone may be a bit wayward for those uninitiated with Hong Kong films from the 80s, it see-sawing between over-the-top comedy, serious drama, and the occasional bit of fight action. The two leads share good chemistry though and Hung is at his gentle charismatic best here even if he doesn’t get to cut loose in much fight action. Though he does get to lead an aerobics class in one the film’s funnier scenes, so there is that! Silly and charming, The Owl vs Bumbo may not be up there with the likes of the aforementioned Wheels on Meals, My Lucky Stars, and Heart of Dragon but is a worthwhile watch for a lighter Sammo Hung experience that showcases his knack for comedy and charm.
88 Films will release The Owl vs Bumbo on Limited-Edition Blu-ray 26th October 2026.
LIMITED EDITION FEATURES:
- DOUBLE-WALLED O-RING FEATURING NEW ARTWORK BY SEAN LONGMORE – not available at time of review.
- REMOVABLE U-CARD LEAVING THE O-RING FREE OF MARKINGS – not available at time of review.
- DOUBLE-SIDED FOLDOUT POSTER – not available at time of review.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- HD (1080p) Blu-ray presentation from a 2K Remaster of the original camera negative
- Cantonese Mono with English subtitles
the film looks and sounds the best it probably ever has, this new remaster giving warmth to the photography and making the colours pop. Coming from an era when filmmakers weren’t afraid to use colour, Sammo Hung’s film really shines here in this new restoration. - Audio commentary by Hong Kong film expert David West – interesting and fact packed commentary.
- Those Who Kam-Bo Teach – Ricky Baker on The Owl VS Bumbo – fun little interview with Baker giving some insight into the film.
- Original Cantonese trailer – fun retro trailer that plays up the mix of comedy and action.
- Image gallery – nice collection of promotional and behind the scenes stills and posters.
- Reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong art – not available at time of review.
