Original subtitles

what's wrong?

I'm worried about you.

I've been trapped here for more than ten years.

You've only just arrived and may be stuck even longer.

Maybe my luck will be better than yours.

I was optimistic once, too, but I'm still here now.

I don't want you to end up like me.

Uncle, you're so nice. People up above are really hypocritical.

If everyone was like you, I wouldn't be stuck here now.

Yeah, you're right! I've been here a long time, but you're new.

I hope you can free yourself eventually.

Uncle, are you all right?

I'm fine. This hole's getting bigger and the draught is giving me a cold.

After I've left, you can have my place.

Someone's coming.

- It's a fat guy. - He's mine.

- Uncle, you can't take him. - Why not?

- He'll get me out of here. - You're just like all the rest.

No, I'm not. I'm just being realistic.

- You old git! - Young man, calm down.

Calm down?! I don't want to be like you and waste more time here.

Even here there is order. Don't start an internal conflict.

- May the best man win. - Fine!

Leave me some, you old git!

That was really scary!

- You scared me! - You scared me!

- A nightmare? - How did you know?

Why else would you be screaming like that?

I dreamt about two ghosts who must have been mad.

They wouldn't stop chasing me.

It was just a dream. You're always boasting about how brave you are.

Of course! My bravery is known far and wide.

- The spirits will haunt you. - Why?

The poorer you are, the more likely you are to be haunted.

You'll be the one that's haunted.

Being chased by ghosts is still better than sleeping with you.

- This cloth... - It looks good on me, doesn't it?

- Where did you get it from? - I bought it myself.

You bought it? It must have cost a fortune.

I didn't buy it with your money!

You didn't?! Whose money was it then?

- My... my money. - Yours? You haven't got much money!

I save up a little every day, and it gradually mounts up!

Save up a little every day?!

It's time you went to work.

The Ghost Festival is on today, Mr Tam gave me a day off.

- Are you coming out for breakfast? - No.

It's up to you. See you later.

Tasty buns!

Ah Dooh? Here so early! Eat whatever you want. I'm paying.

Bold Cheung, you're bold by name and bold by nature.

That's very true! Everyone here knows I'm no coward!

I don't think you're that wonderful. You're just a show-off!

I know this Western game which foreigners are scared of.

It even scares foreigners? Tell me how to play it.

It's called Peel-Apple. You only need...

Peel-Apple?! I thought it was something new.

- He's not done yet, let him finish. - OK, carry on.

At midnight, you get an apple,

then you light a candle and look in the mirror.

You have to peel the apple in one go, without breaking the skin.

- Once you have finished... - What happens?

...you'll get whatever you want. - Are you serious?

What happens if it breaks?

If that happens, you'll experience something really terrifying.

- And what's more... - Bullshit! I don't believe it.

Is that so? Are you brave enough to have a go?

Sure, as long as one of you buys my breakfast.

OK, I'll pay for your breakfast tomorrow. Come to my place tonight.

OK, help yourself. Someone else is paying.

Waitress, one more setting here.

There's a free breakfast tomorrow. Don't forget to come.

Now!

I broke the skin.

Something really bad is going to happen to me.

Come here, come here.

Why is she wearing men's shoes?

That mole looks very familiar.

It must be Ah Dooh. I'll teach him a lesson.

Come out, come out! Hurry up!

I'm coming!

How dare you make fun of me! I'll beat you up right now.

- It was a joke. - You scared the shit out of me.

That's impossible! You're fearless!

Stop it! He knows!

He knows it's a joke. Stop that.

- How does he know? - So you teamed up against me?

That's enough. You light the candles.

We didn't mean to embarrass you.

You're very bold, no question.

You lit the candles.

- What's up? - Ghost! Let's get out of here!

- How did you come out of the mirror? - That's easy. Come with me.

The mirror is movable, you can see me if I slide it down.

You can't see me when I push it up again.

I might be afraid of real ghosts, but not joke ones like this.

If you ever try that again, I'll...

Please... Breakfast is on me. I'm really sorry.

You really live up to your reputation.

- You really... - I've accepted your apologies.

I'd better go now.

Hey, no more jokes.

Are you trying to scare me again? You're making me angry!

Where is he?

He's winding me up!

Where are they?

Ah Mo! Ah Pang!

What's this?

Cheung!

Yes, Mr Tam?

Remember, don't tell anyone where I'm going.

Don't worry, Mr Tam. I'm not stupid.

You've already told me. I wouldn't forget your orders.

I'm rich and well respected.

I'm even running for mayor.

If people knew what I was doing, my reputation would be ruined.

Yeah, it would ruin your reputation.

- Be smart. I won't forget you. - OK.

I really don't get it, Mr Tam.

You're so wealthy.

You can have any girl you want. Is it worth all this trouble?

But I'm a squire, and in my position I have to be discreet.

And besides, I love the danger of it.

I know what you mean.

Here we are.

Careful, Mr Tam.

I'll be back to get you once the incense is finished.

Mr Tam, this way.

This sweet tofu is so good.

A bowl of tofu, please!

- No problem. You're late today. - I was with Mr Tam.

Hurry up! The boss is waiting for you.

Thanks, Uncle Fok.

- Thanks. - Hurry up.

I'm surprised so many of you young people are doing that job.

- What's wrong with it? - It's easy and we get lots of tips.

- Yeah. - You get lots of tips.

- Let me tell you a story. - Great!

- Hey, woman! - What do you want?

Go and buy me some sugar.

- And what if I eat it coming home? - I don't care. Just go.

Years ago there was this guy who had a similar job to yours.

He had a cart with him, and went to work every day.

He had a very good life.

While you guys would be here having lunch,

he would be off flirting with the ladies.

But one day, he left work early.

He got back home and noticed...

- Guess what his wife was doing? - What?

- What was she doing? - Making love.

So he quit his job,

and together with his wife he started selling sweet tofu.

That's a true story!

You bastard! You're telling them our story.

I cheated on you. You should be ashamed of yourself!

I didn't say you cheated on me, I said you were making love.

Making love with someone else is the same as accusing me of cheating.

- I wouldn't dare say that! - Here's the money!

- Just wait till I get you home! - Stop this messing.

Leave me alone.

- Good stuff! - Yeah, yeah.

- Well? - You Peeping Toms. Get lost!

Open the door!

Open up! Open up!

Be careful.

- Where is he? - Who?

The bastard who was in bed with you!

The bastard who was in bed with me?

You're saying I was cheating on you!

- Look at the bed yourself! Go on! - I did see someone here.

Oh, I see...

you're not happy with me, and you're looking for excuses to divorce me.

Go on, then, divorce me! Divorce me!

- Write up the divorce papers, then! - I... l...

You think you're so wonderful, that you are a great catch!

I've been working hard, and I was just taking a nap.

You even wanted to kill me with that knife.

Kill me! Kill me! You bastard! Go on, kill me!

- Whose shoe is this? - It's yours.

It's too big for me. Where's the other one?

Well, precisely, it's too big, so I've taken it back.

- It's an old shoe. - You always buy old shoes.

Look at them! You just disgraced me in front of all these people!

I don't want to live any longer!

- Kill me! Kill me! - Honey, please stop it!

I'm late!

Honey, it's all my fault. I have to get back to work now.

You can't just leave like this. You can't leave!

Mind your own business.

Go away!

This must belong to her lover.

You and your wife shouldn't argue like that.

Are you looking for me, my lord?

You've had enough of Cheung's wife, haven't you?

No, but he nearly caught me red-handed today.

Why's that? Didn't you send someone to keep an eye on him?

I don't know what got into him today.

He suddenly came back home and checked on his wife.

- Did he see you? - No!

Otherwise I'd be dead now.

But he found the shoe I left behind.

That's not a problem, it doesn't prove anything.

If he threatens his wife, she could still tell him everything.

If it was anybody else, it would be hard to say,

but I'm sure Cheung's wife won't breathe a word.

I hope not.

- I'm still worried. - My lord, you mean...?

Get rid of Cheung!

But it has to be a clean job,

otherwise we might end up in big trouble.

Don't forget Cheung's kung fu is very good.

That's right.

A friend of mine knows witchcraft.

- Witchcraft? - Yes, that's it.

Does it work?

If it didn't, it wouldn't be so popular here.

- What's his name? - Chin Hoi.

He'll do anything for money.

Master Chin, the deal...

- I've thought it over. - So?

I'll do it.

- But... - But what?

I'll need to set up an altar at your place.

- Really? - It's for your own safety.

I'll leave everything to you.

"Master Chin's Residence"

Come in.

Hi, brother.

This is Mr Lau - my colleague.

- I'd better be going now. - This way.

Right.

What can I do for you?

There's this rich man who feels threatened by someone.

And he wants to be rid of this person.

Kill him?

No need to get our hands dirty, all we need is an altar.

But our skills are for saving lives.

We've saved so many lives, it's no harm to take just one.

Remember the rules of our sect. One, you must not be greedy.

Two, you must not kill. Three, you must not insult our god.

- Four... - You must not behave badly.

But there's nothing better than money.

And our teacher died a long time ago.

- You... - Are you going to help me or not?

I'm afraid not.

Fair enough. But promise not to tell anyone.

Otherwise I will punish you severely.

- Coward! - Master, he...

There's Bold Cheung.

You can go now.

Change your clothes first.

Hurry up!

- I'm sorry. - I'm sorry.

- You're Bold Cheung, aren't you? - You are...

- I'm Fa Kau. - Fa Kau?!

That's me.

- We used to drink together. - Really?

Are you still as bold as you used to be?

If I claim I'm the boldest man here, no one would dare challenge me.

- I don't think so. - That's up to you.

- Let's wager ten taels of silver. - Ten taels?

- Correct! - Tell me more!

It's yours if you stay one night at the Temple.

- Stay one night at the Temple? - Yes, that's all you have to do.

It's a deal.

- I'm sorry. - That's all right.

- My friend... - Did we also use to drink together?

- No! - That's OK, then.

Do you know where the Temple is?

Turn left once you're out of the forest.

Why is he going there, too?

What are you going to do there?

- To collect a corpse. - What corpse?

A fat guy's going to spend the night there.

He's going to die and I must collect his corpse.

I'm going to check the place out first.

- Am I fat? - You're enormous!

I'm the fat guy.

You're doomed!

Doomed? Did Fa Kau send you?

I don't know him.

- My colleague said you'd die. - Who's your colleague?

- He's a master of witchcraft. - Witchcraft is magic, isn't it?

I don't believe it... Unless you could produce money out of thin air?

You're asking too much.

I can produce phony money, though.

- Show me, then. - Hold this.

Watch this!

One, two, three, four, five!

Change!

One, two, three, four, five!

One, two, three, four, five!

That's great!

But can you save my life?

- Do you believe me now? - Of course, I believe you!

OK, I'll tell you what to do.

Once you arrive at the Temple, wait until it gets dark.

Nothing will happen before 1:00am.

At 2:00am, you must climb onto the roof.

And you must keep quiet, no matter what!

It'll be quiet at 3:00am. But at 4:00am...

- What'll happen? - You must lie underneath a coffin.

What about at 5:00am?

The sun comes out at 5:00am, and then you'll be fine.

Right. Let's go.

- I'm not going now. - Why?

You're not going to die, so there's no need for me to be there.

- I forgot to ask your name. - My name's Tsui, I live in Kau Li.

Remember what I just said.

I'll remember, don't worry about that.

You'd better get it right.

Bold Cheung, what's the matter with you?

- Quick, let's go. It's getting dark. - All right, all right.

You can go in now. Go on!

Go in!

It doesn't get dark for a while.

I'll find a place to sleep.

Master, this is ready.

- Get the light. - Yes, sir.

Time to get moving.

I can't find him.

It's fine.

Water... Water...

- All gone. - Gone.

Master Chin, are you OK?

Shit! The sun's up.

Go back!

Bold Cheung.

Bold Cheung.

'He must be dead! '

Bold...

Bold Cheung. Let's have one more wager.

What about 50 taels for spending another night there?

- 50 taels? - That's right. 50 taels!

Great, it's a deal.

You said it.

Come back!

Wait!

I'm doomed. I'm going to die tonight.

That's it.

It depends on your wit and luck.

- What do you mean? - When are you going to meet them?

- At 6:00pm. - What time is it now?

- 4:00pm. - There's still time.

Go and get fifty eggs, four dog's legs and some dog's blood.

- Right. - They must be chicken eggs.

Hello... Fifty eggs, please. I'll be right back.

- Fifty? - Chicken eggs.

- OK. You can pick them up later. - Thanks.

Ten.

Twenty.

Thirty.

Forty.

Oh, no. I haven't got fifty.

"Duck Eggs"

Now, I have fifty.

"Abattoir"

- Are they ready? - They're ready. Thanks.

Take all the stuff to the Temple.

Everything's ready!

- OK. - What's next?

Where should I sleep tonight?

On top of the coffin.

Are you scared?

- No... just a little. - You'll be fine.

When you're lying on the coffin, you must have the eggs with you.

At 2:00am you'll hear noises from the coffin.

Throw an egg into the coffin when it opens.

Then the coffin will close. If it opens again, throw another egg in.

By the time you've used up all 50 eggs, the sun will be up.

If the eggs fail to keep the coffin closed,

throw the dog's blood and legs onto the corpse.

That's better.

Then the corpse won't be able to hurt you.

That's horrible!

I'm leaving tonight.

- You should quit gambling. - Where are you going?

You'll find me at the Man Fok Cemetery.

Horrible! Horrible!

I'm going to bed. You stay here.

OK. Sleep well.

What happened?

I don't get it.

Master, are you all right?

Piss off!

Water.

- Water... - That's all.

What's going on here?

What should we do, then?

- Will it work? - It's never failed!

- That was quick, Mr Tam. - I'm a bit under the weather.

You need to take care.

You can go after you've taken me home.

Thanks, Mr Tam.

You better be good. Don't do that again.

Do you understand?

'I've got you this time.'

Blood.

What happened to my house?

Sweetheart! Sweetheart...!

Make way!

Inspector, I was just coming for you.

No, you were trying to escape.

I think my wife may have been murdered.

She has been murdered! Where's her body?

- I don't know. - So you've destroyed the evidence?

- No! - Can you prove it?

- Have you got an alibi? - I was...

Carry on!

I was eating tofu at Uncle Fok's.

- Bring Uncle Fok. - Yes, sir.

Come here.

- Put it there. - Yes.

- Are they the same? - Exactly the same!

- These must be yours as well. - I suppose so.

You killed your wife and took the body into the kitchen.

But you couldn't hide it under the stove.

So you carried the body out through the window.

- I... - Why did you kill your wife?

Love, hate or money? Which one?

- No, I didn't do it. - We've got a witness.

- You first. - You first. Speak up.

Inspector, this couple were always fighting.

He even threatened his wife with a knife.

And...

That's enough. You can go now.

- Did you hear what they said? - I...

Uncle Fok's here.

- But he just had a stroke. - That's your last hope.

Can you tell the Inspector I ate your tofu today?

I...

How could you have a stroke at a time like this?

Tell him! Or I'll be doomed! Uncle Fok!

- Stop interfering with the witness! - I didn't.

If you can't talk, then write. Bring some paper!

Just write yes or no on the paper.

Yes. Yes...

"No"

He wrote "no". What you have got to say?

Take him away!

I'm innocent! I'm innocent...

Mr Tam.

- Mr Lau. - Why did you murder your wife?

I'm innocent, Mr Tam. I was waiting for you when she died.

I haven't told anybody.

Please get me out of here, Mr Tam.

We don't think you killed her.

Mr Tam is doing his best to help you.

I've spent a lot of money on you because of this case.

- Just be patient and wait... ...to go to hell.

- Thank you very much, Mr Tam. - We'd better be going now.

- Let me see you out. - No need for that.

Then I'll say goodbye. See you, Mr Tam.

What a big meal! Mr Tam must have spent a lot on this.

You'd better enjoy that. You won't get any tomorrow.

- Are you going to free me tomorrow? - Free you! In a way, yes.

What do you mean?

Your head will be freed from your body.

You'll be beheaded tomorrow. Do you understand?

Eat your meal!

It must be a mistake.

Did you send the food to the wrong cell?

It's not the wrong cell. Eat your food.

But Mr Tam has spent lots of money on me.

It must be a mistake.

I'll eat your food!

That's more like it!

- Can we have some, please? - Please...

That's mine.

- That's mine. - That's mine...

It hurts!

It hurts! It's killing me!

He's got an upset stomach.

Let him die here.

It'll save us from having to go and collect his body tomorrow.

- He's still hungry! - Let's give him something else.

Let's go in.

You're breaking the plates. Beat him!

Please, don't hit me!

They are all like that.

He needs a good beating.

Please don't hit me! Please! Stop it!

Please don't hit me!

He was asking for that. Damn it.

We'll leave them to it.

We finish early tonight.

- Are we going out? - We'll talk about it later.

I didn't mean to break your coffin. I'm so sorry.

Both of us are having bad luck!

This is a cheap coffin.

If I had money, I'd get you a better one.

I'm so sorry!

Where can I sleep?

Can you lend me some of your wood?

I'll leave as soon as the sun comes up. I'm so sorry!

- How did he escape? - How do I know?

We were just unlucky!

- Sorry to have bothered you. - Let's get him!

Where is he?

I can't see him.

'He must be under my influence. He copies whatever I do.'

You're too smart, I can't handle you!

'Just wait until the sun's up! '

'I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea.'

It's Bold Cheung!

- He's coming this way. - Now I'll get him.

- He's coming! - He's coming!

Give me the knives!

Help!

Help me!

Hurry up. Hurry up!

- Get him off! - Yes, sir.

Hurry up!

Burn him!

Are you all right?

- I'm fine. Get him! - Yes, sir!

What? Not again!

Bold Cheung!

What are you doing here?

The law is after me!

Can you hide me? They'll be here soon!

Follow me!

- What are you doing? - Get in the coffin.

In the coffin?! There's...

Nothing. Hurry up!

Get in. Hurry up!

This way!

Anyone in?

Can't you see me sitting here?

- Have you seen anyone come in here? - Yes, I have.

- Where is he? - Right beside me!

- I mean before we arrived. - Then, no.

- Spread out. - Yes, sir!

- Hello? - Hello?

Hello? Hello...

We can't find him.

Open the third coffin.

- I think you'd better go yourself. - Useless!

He died a long time ago.

That corpse is rotting away.

It really stinks.

Think about it.

- Am I right? - Yeah.

It really stinks!

Are you sure?!

- I told you... - That's enough.

- If you see this man, let me know. - Yes, I will.

Let's go.

You can come out now.

- They've gone? - Yes.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

What about staying here as my assistant?

That would be great!

Thanks a lot. Here you are.

See you.

- Did you kill your wife? - No, I didn't!

- Do you know who did? - Yes, I do.

- The owner of this shoe! - Who is that?!

Who?

- I don't know. - Nonsense!

- Let's find a place to eat. - OK, I'm starving!

- What kind of tea would you like? - Po Li, please.

This restaurant does good tea and good food as well.

This place is famous for its ribs and rice.

- Want some? - Yeah!

- Waiter! - What would you like?

- Two bowls of ribs and rice. - OK!

Two bowls of ribs and rice.

"Bold Cheung, Born May, 1876"

- What's the matter with you? - I don't know.

My food!

What are you doing?

- What's the matter with you? - I don't know.

What's going on?

What's going on? Maybe he's...

It's nothing to do with me!

Stop!

I'm fine now!

You...

You'd better not...

- You're no colleague of mine. - You said it.

Don't get in my way!

But there's no need to kill him.

I've been paid to do it.

- OK! - Bugger off!

You'd better let him off, or...

I'll let him off. I will!

I'm leaving. You...

You'd better watch out.

Date of birth.

- Sorry. - Sorry.

I'm sorry.

- I'm terribly sorry. - Leave!

- He messed up the whole place. - Get lost!

Bold Cheung, you can't get away this time.

- I told you I didn't kill my wife. - Get him. Kill him if you have to.

Kill him. It doesn't matter how!

Kill him!

Useless!

Step aside!

What are you doing?

- What's going on? - What are you waiting for? Let's go!

What has got into you?

- Who knows your date of birth? - Only my wife and Mr Tam.

- Mr Tam? - Yeah.

- Has he got an adviser called Lau? - Yes, how did you know?

It must be your boss who's been trying to kill you.

Mr Tam. It can't be.

He's treated me so well, why would he kill me?

You can't judge a book by its cover.

If it wasn't him, how has my colleague got your date of birth?

- What should we do? - Get changed and then find Mr Tam.

We should get the answer from him. Let's go.

What are we doing here?

- You're going to have a wash. - Have a wash here?!

You're going to take a good long bath.

I want my student to have a clean body.

- Your student?! - That's right.

My colleague is more skilled than me and I can't always protect you.

I don't want you to get killed.

You should have taught me before, then!

But you may not be able to have children.

Hold it.

We're running out of time.

Hurry up. Hurry up!

Is it going to work, Master Chin?

Don't worry, Mr Tam. I will kill him.

Honey...

Why did you come out of your room?

I want to see how Bold Cheung's going to die.

He won't survive. Go back to your room.

- Go back to your room. - It's none of your business!

I'll shut up...

Master, it's about time.

Light the candles!

Heaven and Earth be my guide...

Let the sacred light be my protector...

I see and hear nothing...

Paper is your face, paper is your body.

The sacred light will breathe life into your body.

You can hear sounds from both Heaven and Hell.

Your scream will scare the devil off.

I command the gods to appear.

Please don't move!

You've painted his body, haven't you?

Master, we're on the same side now.

Now we're on the same side.

- What was that for? - A wizard can't wear good clothes.

And he must know how to stamp on the ground.

Stamp on the ground?

To get power from the gods and the demons.

- What are you doing? - I can't do it.

It takes at least 49 days.

49 days? I haven't got that much time.

Put it on.

Is it knife-proof?

No. But it may help you survive.

Master, here comes more trouble.

From one o'clock to twelve o'clock, be gone!

The wooden sword!

All the demons are under my control. I command the gods to appear!

- Where are you setting up the altar? - Longevity Inn.

Longevity Inn.

- You've succeeded, right? - I was foiled by my colleague.

- They're coming here. - Here?

What are we going to do?

Tell your men to raise the altar!

- Did you hear that? Raise the altar. - Yes, sir.

Let's get out of here.

Go inside and you'll be paid.

- Master Chin? - They are helpless now. Don't worry.

Show me your face!

Mr Tam!

It really was you!

- Bold Cheung. - Stay cool!

- That altar is very high. - You think so?

Do you remember what our teacher used to say?

When two opponents are matched in strength,

the one with the higher altar will win.

How could I forget our teacher's words?

- You're dead. - We'll see.

Bold Cheung. Raise the altar.

- Raise the altar! - Yes!

My altar's not so low now, is it?

- Light the candles! - Yes, sir.

The Five Thunders Palm?

Bold Cheung. Stay where you are!

Bold Cheung.

He's invoking the spirits!

Spirits, I invoke you in the name of the gods!

The Dragon Slayer on my left!

The Tiger Fighter on my right!

Answer my prayer! Grant my wish!

Spirits, I invoke you in the name of the gods!

The Monkey God be on my side!

Answer my prayer! Grant my wish!

The red slip!

The sound of the drum will shake the world!

Give me the strength of all wizards!

Help me to destroy all demons! Grant my wishes!

The Sacred Sword!

The smell of incense will reach the sky!

He who wears a red slip,

he who carries a spear,

is the reincarnation of the War God!

Grant my wishes!

Are you all right, Mr Tam?

I'll... I'll shut up.

'Does that shoe really belong to Mr Tam? '

Bold Cheung, throw the shoe!

Not this one, the one on your back!

What's happening to my foot?

Stop! Please...

Please... Please...

Master! Master! Are you all right?

That was a very nasty fall.

Master! Master!

Master!

Honey...

- Are you all right? - Sweetheart?!

- Sweetheart. - I'm really scared!

- Your boss was trying to rape me. - I know...

I know you're lying!

Bitch!

Subtitles by European Captioning Institute