The Great Surprise (1983)

A sparkling diamond ignites pandemonium in this fast-paced Taiwanese comedy starring Brigitte Lin and Sylvia Chang.

The Great Surprise - Movie Information

  • Original Title: 1938大驚奇
  • Release Year: 1983
  • Directed by: Kevin Chu
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Runtime: 1h 26m
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 25, 1983 (Taiwan)
  • Alternative Titles: Big Surprise of 1938 (TW)

The Great Surprise - Plot

Taiwanese comedy. A large diamond named "The Light of Shanghai" is given as a gift to the boss of Shanghai Beach, a local gang, and it triggers a battle among the thief Luo Ping, the prostitute Su San, and others.

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The Great Surprise - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Kevin Chu

Main Cast

  • Brigitte Lin
  • Sylvia Chang
  • Hsu Pu-Liao
  • Wang Fei
  • Sun Yueh

Writers

  • Chang Yi

The Great Surprise - FAQs

Where can you stream The Great Surprise online?

Streaming availability for The Great Surprise is limited given its age and regional origins. You can check current viewing options and platform availability in your region by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming, rental, and purchase options for this 1983 Taiwanese comedy.

Who are the main actors in The Great Surprise?

The Great Surprise features a notable cast including Brigitte Lin as the thief Robber Robin, Sylvia Chang as the prostitute Su San, Hsu Pu-Liao as San Ba Bie, Wang Fei, and Sun Yueh. Brigitte Lin and Sylvia Chang were both prominent stars of Taiwanese and Hong Kong cinema.

What is The Great Surprise about?

The Great Surprise is a Taiwanese comedy set around a legendary diamond called "The Light of Shanghai," gifted to the boss of a Shanghai gang. Its arrival sets off a chaotic scramble involving the cunning thief Luo Ping, the resourceful Su San, and a colorful cast of underworld characters.

When was The Great Surprise released?

The Great Surprise was released on September 25, 1983, in Taiwan. It is also known by its alternative title Big Surprise of 1938 in Taiwan, and its original Chinese title is 1938大驚奇.

Who directed The Great Surprise?

The Great Surprise was directed by Kevin Chu. The screenplay was written by Chang Yi, a notable figure in Taiwanese cinema who also worked as a director and actor. The film was produced in Taiwan and released in 1983.

What genre is The Great Surprise?

The Great Surprise is a comedy film. Rooted in Taiwanese popular cinema of the early 1980s, it blends slapstick humor with a caper-style plot involving gangsters, thieves, and a priceless diamond, making it an entertaining example of the era's lighthearted genre filmmaking.

How long is The Great Surprise?

The Great Surprise has a runtime of 86 minutes, making it a briskly paced comedy. At just under an hour and a half, the film keeps its comedic caper moving at an energetic clip, fitting comfortably within the conventions of Taiwanese genre entertainment from the early 1980s.

What language is The Great Surprise in?

The Great Surprise is a Chinese-language film spoken in Mandarin. It was produced in Taiwan and reflects the Taiwanese Mandarin-language cinema tradition of the early 1980s, a period that saw a flourishing of popular genre films featuring major stars like Brigitte Lin and Sylvia Chang.

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