Mr Ghost Cheater

A down-and-out scholar Atsai is so disillusioned with life that he tries to commit suicide in a dilapidated temple. At that very moment, a female ghost appears on the scene. As she is on the verge of killing him, a male ghost also shows up. The male ghost saves him, but Atsai gives him a scolding for his trouble. Then they start sharing their woes, and end up drowning their sorrow in wine. Unfortunately, the wine is drugged and Atsai dies. Forty years later, a Taoist priest meets the ghost of Atsai, who asks for his help because he is being controlled by an old demon and cannot be reborn.

Directed by Kevin Chu, Mr Ghost Cheater leans on a strong ensemble — Liu Chun, Peng Chia-chia, Peng Peng — 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 comedy titles of 1987.