Is The Ugly Tycoon Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1984)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Ugly Tycoon (1984), audiences are invited back into the world of various. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A girlie bar singer Shih Mei-na is wooed by an underworld tycoon Chia and marries him after he agrees to provide for her family. Her childhood friend, a young film star Yen Fang-fang, is seduced by Chia’s handsome employee Johnny and is cheated out of a large sum of money. Yen is later forced to become a notable’s mistress."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Ai Ti does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Ugly Tycoon worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Ugly Tycoon is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.