Miss Shampoo Review: Vivian Sung-Daniel Hong Star in a Delightful Romantic Comedy

This goofy and emotional rom-com, starring Vivian Sung, Daniel Hong, Kai Ko, Emerson Tsai, Ying Wei-min and others, is written and directed by Giddens Ko. Also known as 請問，還有哪裡需要加強 or Qing wen hai you na li xu yao jia qiang, this movie has a runtime of 120 minutes and follows the love story between a hairdresser and a gangster, who ends up at the former’s shop while running from others. What starts off as a dangerous circumstance ends up being a happy turn of events for both. However, the gang life isn’t done with them just yet.

Miss Shampoo is a Funny Ride

The film starts on a rather morose note, and after setting the stage for Fen and Tai to meet, we jump right into the insanity that is this movie, which is high on goofy moments, silly banter and awkward romance. The movie’s strong point is the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it seems like Giddens Ko is having too much fun to let the movie actually get into anything serious. Which is fine; sometimes we all need something light and stupid to watch, and this is the perfect one to forget your woes for 2 hours.

There’s something extremely charming about this movie that is both insanely silly and extremely smart. None of the scenes overstay their welcome, and they are all giddy with either Fen or Tai’s excitement about their jobs or falling for each other. It’s so cute to watch the two’s budding romance as well as the professional lives of both of these individuals. Although the protagonists are really awkward and cute, it’s the lackeys and the colleagues in the hair shop that really add to the humour and make you laugh. Although there are some very suggestive jokes that will make you feel like you’re back in school, sometimes it’s quite fun.

The movie is just so incredibly funny that for most of its runtime, you can’t help but cackle at the absurdity of the situation. There’s a scene where Tai tries to have sex with Fen, and it’s just such an insane moment that he has to share with her family that it made me roll on the floor. However, it’s not all fun and games, and the emotional moments are what ground this movie into something tangible. You feel heartbroken when the two of them face obstacles and difficulties. At the end of the day, both of them are different people with different lives, and it is showcased really well – it touches your heart.

I think it’s the second half that goes off the rails a bit too much and is packed with exposition and emotion. I think the movie should’ve backed off from the overbearing flow of past baggage and kept at it with the funny and silly moments, but then again, I guess some of it adds something more dynamic to the story instead of just being a love story. The end is oddly emotional and heartbreaking, and just when you’re ready to give up, things take a happier turn (maybe)! You will just have to watch the movie to find out.

Believable Performances

The most interesting aspect of the movie is the fact that it juggles the different sides of its characters instead of showing this one-dimensional story or characters. All the characters have different aspects that they think about and what shapes them as real people with hopes, aspirations and dreams. It’s nice watching a softie gangster who doesn’t jump to cutting off people’s fingers. Other than Tai, Fen is also interesting, albeit a little more flat than her gangster lover, but she’s lovable and truly someone you’d like to watch.

The other characters are fun and add another layer to the humour that is equally wacky and watchable.

It’s the Earnest Performances

Vivian Sung and Daniel Hong feel at place in their roles and are just so watchable in every frame. The supporting characters, however, are my favourite of the lot as they play a bunch of bumbling buffoons, Fen’s confused family or her whimpering colleagues. Kai Ko as Long Legs, who is just unhappy with his new boss’s chill demeanour, is the best of the lot and a delight to watch.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the movie, the gangsters’ changing hairstyles are what gave me life. Although they are people who murder and extort others, they still are softies on the inside and can all rock a mean perm. That being said, this movie is a through-and-through entertainment that will keep you laughing! Although a shorter runtime would’ve made for a tighter watch, it’s not the worst sin out there, and there are enough merits in this eccentric movie to keep you hooked till the end.

The movie is streaming on Netflix.

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