“CJ7… you’re not a toy, are you?”
synopsis
A poor construction worker, Ti, struggles to raise his young son Dicky while barely making ends meet in modern-day China. One day Ti brings home a mysterious green toy he found at a junkyard. The odd little creature soon reveals extraordinary powers, helping Dicky deal with bullies, school pressures, and the hardships of growing up poor. What begins as a silly alien companion story gradually becomes a touching tale about family, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism of an overworked father.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Stephen Chow, famous for wild comedy, surprises audiences here with something softer and more heartfelt. While the film still delivers playful slapstick and visual gags, its emotional core is sincere. The relationship between father and son anchors the film, turning what could have been a simple kids’ fantasy into something warmer and more emotional than expected.
Takeout noodles and a relaxed evening when you’re in the mood for something goofy but unexpectedly heartfelt.
Absurdist's Corner
An alien with advanced cosmic abilities somehow ends up discarded in a junkyard like a broken toaster.
fun facts
• Directed by and starring Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer).
• The child actor playing Dicky, Xu Jiao, is actually a girl.
• The alien mascot design helped turn the film into a huge merchandising success in Asia.