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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1989
Runtime1h 23m
LanguageCantonese
CertificationNR
GenresCrime, Comedy
Votes16
DirectorWayne Wang
WritersAmir Mokri, Spencer Nakasako, Wayne Wang
TypeFeature Film
Rating4.7 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsLife Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive
About Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive
A man is hired by a group of people he believes to be gangsters to escort a briefcase from America to Hong Kong. When he arrives, however, his contact is nowhere to be found. With no further instructions, he decides to take in the sights of Hong Kong, which consist of him taking part in a great deal of blood, sex and general weirdness, all while wearing a briefcase handcuffed to his arm.
Directed by Wayne Wang, Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive leans on a strong ensemble — Victor Wong, Lo Lieh, Lo Wei — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1989.
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