Plot Summary
In 1898 AD, due to Yuan Shikai's betrayal, the Hundred Days' Reform failed and Emperor Guangxu was imprisoned by Empress Dowager Cixi in the YingTai. Lu Er, a generation of masons who were repairing the Forbidden City, in order to take over the remaining project at the Old Summer Palace (Yuan Ming Yuan), tattooed on his body the secret plan plotted by Emperor Guangx. Under the pretext of robbing a money shop, he entered the Heavenly Jail to rescue the Grand Secretary. Xu Sandao, a Tianjin thug, got beaten up by Hong Zhong and his East-West-North-South Storm gang for fighting over territory. When Xu found an opportunity to assassinate Hong Zhong, he was arrested by Chief of Police Sherlock Fu as a reformist rebel and thrown into the jail.
Inside the jail, a hired killer broke in wanting to kill the grand secretary but mistakenly helped Lu save the official instead. Xu Sandao also took the chance to escape.
Outside a casino, Lu Er and Hong Zhong mistakenly thought each other was causing trouble and started a fight. Chief Sherlock arrived to arrest the escaped prisoners but ended up in another misunderstanding with Hong Zhong and his gang, getting beaten up again. Hong Zhong and his East-West-North-South Storm had no choice but to run away. Unexpectedly, they ended up staying at a black inn owned by their sworn enemy Xu Sandao. Unknowingly, Hong Zhong's little brother Dongfeng discovered that Lu Er and the grand secretary were also staying at this inn. Moreover, Lu Er's tattoos concealed a huge secret about a treasure. Meanwhile, Xu Sandao and the madam of the inn were plotting a crazy plan...
At a Tianjin brothel, Pirate No.7 Changjiang from Singapore was waiting for Lu Er to send the grand secretary overseas. But Sherlock Fu and Japanese ninjas had already received news and laid an ambush there. Hong Zhong and his followers also tracked them down. Lu Er and the grand secretary hurried to the scene, only to discover Yuan Shikai drinking flower wine. The furious grand secretary insisted on killing Yuan Shikai personally to avenge the reformists. Reluctantly, Lu agreed to assassinate Yuan Shikai. Just then, they saw Huo Yuanjia...
Film Highlights
After "The Second Best", director Feng Chao is currently shooting another comedy film "Royal Tattoo". Huang Xiaolei, who won the Best Newcomer Award at the 2008 University Student Film Festival with "The Second Best", continues to play a major role in "Royal Tattoo" as the female lead "Hong Zhong". At the filming site, Huang Xiaolei showcased her dance skills, staging a "Hot Dance Party".
"Hong Zhong", one can tell from the name, is another very interesting character played by Huang Xiaolei. She revealed, "This character 'Hong Zhong' is a personality we discussed for a long time with Director Feng Chao. In Hong Zhong's words: 'My personality is like my mom's, silly and天真; but my temper is like my dad's, impulsive and violent!' Her best martial arts are 'Xi Shua Shua Fist' and 'Lady Fist', possessing immense strength and formidable kung fu." This time, Huang Xiaolei will continuously perform pole dancing, belly dancing, knee dancing, classical dance, and waltz in the movie. Sometimes solo, sometimes partnering with Zhang Tong for a waltz, she even danced a thousand-armed Guanyin with the Hua'er Band, creating a very amusing scene.
This time, all the new stars joining the cast have been quite active in the film and television industry recently. Huang Xiaolei, Hua'er Band, Zhang Tong, "Big Mouth - Li Xiulian" Jiang Chao, etc., are all characters with "laughter effects". Additionally, six Singaporean actors have joined, ensuring that the lively atmosphere in "Royal Tattoo" surpasses that of "The Second Best".
Huang Xiaolei expressed, "This time shooting 'Royal Tattoo', gathering young friends who love movies together for comedic creation itself is a particularly joyful thing. Everyone worked tirelessly, without considering remuneration, brainstorming collectively, creating a very lively atmosphere, often drawing friends from other groups to our site to watch. Being able to 'hang out' every day with these few 'funny jokes' such as Teacher Wang, Dà Zhāngwěi from Hua'er, Wénbó, and Guōyáng is really enjoyable. During this period, I estimate countless small fine lines will appear around my eyes."
This large-scale ancient costume martial arts comedy film "Royal Tattoo" has poured in the efforts and sweat of many people. Directed by Teacher Wang Jingsong from the Beijing Film Academy, it tells the story of some extraordinary individuals with unique skills causing a series of crazy and funny events for a batch of national treasures. "Royal Tattoo" continues the humorous style of the movie "The Second Best", integrating comedy, parody, martial arts, and special effects into one, determined to carry on with the humor.