Is Dickman Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Dickman, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ho Ko-chun suffers from ‘Small Penis Syndrome’. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Ho Ko-chun suffers from ‘Small Penis Syndrome’. As an adolescent high school student, Ko-chun often feels miserable about his penis size. Only until he meets the cheerful Lok Tsz-kwan, he can finally be energized and uplifted. Tsz-kwan reveals to Ko-chun that he, like Ko-chun, doesn’t have normal penis size. They soon build a perfect bond of friendship. They call themselves as the 'little birdmen'. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long. Tsz-kwan has to leave Hong Kong for his study while Ko-chun stays. After many years, they meet again and they never forget each other. Yet, Tsz-kwan even persuades Ko-chun to become a male prostitute with him...Career could have changed but their friendship remains the same."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Eric Leung Ka-Chun, the performance in Dickman feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Lit Ka-wang is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 24 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Dickman truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Dickman explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lit Ka-wang respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Dickman is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Eric Leung Ka-Chun or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Dickman is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.