
Is Fascination Amour Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1999)
Lau is a spoiled playboy who’s on fiancée number 8 - and makes sport of getting rid of them. With his entourage (including an amusing Anthony Wong) in tow, he boards the cruise ship Fascination with the intent of ridding himself of his latest set-up. However, he didn’t count on falling for heiress Sandy who is - no surprise here - the only girl who can withstand his “money buys all” attitude. Things aren’t that simple - she’s losing her fortune and won’t let money buy her. Lau must prove that he can be a normal guy so he follows her ashore with a backpack and $10 in his pocket.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Comedy, Romance cinema, then Fascination Amour offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1999 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Fascination Amour, a standout production of 1999, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Romance landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Lau is a spoiled playboy who’s on fiancée number 8 - and makes sport of getting rid of them. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Romance 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: "Lau is a spoiled playboy who’s on fiancée number 8 - and makes sport of getting rid of them. With his entourage (including an amusing Anthony Wong) in tow, he boards the cruise ship Fascination with the intent of ridding himself of his latest set-up. However, he didn’t count on falling for heiress Sandy who is - no surprise here - the only girl who can withstand his “money buys all” attitude. Things aren’t that simple - she’s losing her fortune and won’t let money buy her. Lau must prove that he can be a normal guy so he follows her ashore with a backpack and $10 in his pocket."
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. In Fascination Amour, we see Andy Lau utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.
The direction by Herman Yau 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 95 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 Fascination Amour 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, Romance, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.5/10 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, Fascination Amour explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1999 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Herman Yau 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, Fascination Amour serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Andy Lau or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Fascination Amour is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.