CJ7
CJ7 is a 2008 Hong Kong-Chinese science fiction comedy film co-written, co-produced, directed by, and starring Stephen Chow in his final acting role in a feature film.[1][2] The story revolves around Ti, a poor single father and construction worker played by Chow, and his elementary school son Dicky, portrayed by child actor Xu Jiao, who discover a mysterious glowing orb in a junkyard that hatches into an adorable alien creature they name CJ7.[3] This extraterrestrial companion, with its magical abilities and childlike innocence, disrupts their modest life while teaching them valuable lessons about family, perseverance, and dreams amid everyday struggles.[1] Blending slapstick humor, heartfelt family drama, and innovative visual effects—including practical puppetry for the alien—CJ7 marks a departure from Chow's earlier martial arts comedies like Kung Fu Hustle, aiming for a broader, family-oriented audience.[4] The film features supporting performances by actors such as Kitty Zhang as Dicky's teacher and Lam Ka-tung as Ti's coworker, and it was primarily shot in Hong Kong with a focus on Chow's signature mo lei tau (nonsensical) comedy style tempered by emotional depth.[5] Released on 30 January 2008 in China and 31 January 2008 in Hong Kong, CJ7 quickly became a box office hit in Asia, grossing over $47 million worldwide despite a modest budget, driven by strong opening weekends in China where it earned $3.9 million on its debut day amid challenging weather conditions.[6][7] Critically, CJ7 received mixed reviews, praised for its charming creature design and Chow's directorial warmth but critiqued for uneven pacing and overly sentimental moments, earning a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews.[4] In the United States, it had a limited release and grossed just $206,678, reflecting its niche appeal outside Asia.[4] The film's legacy includes inspiring a 2010 animated sequel, CJ7: The Cartoon, where Chow reprised his voice role, and it remains a notable entry in Chow's oeuvre for showcasing his evolution toward more poignant storytelling.[8]Synopsis and characters
Plot
Ti is a poor widowed construction worker living in mainland China, who toils endlessly at a construction site to afford sending his young son Dicky to an elite private school, despite their impoverished circumstances.[9] Dicky faces relentless bullying from his wealthier classmates due to his shabby clothes and lack of toys, highlighting the social stigma of their poverty.[10] Ti, while scavenging in a junkyard for affordable items, discovers a mysterious glowing green orb, which he brings home as a surprise toy for Dicky, who has been envious of his classmates' expensive CJ1 robot dog toys.[9] Overnight, the orb hatches into CJ7, an adorable, furry alien creature with advanced abilities, including rapid self-repair, shape-shifting into various forms, and granting simple wishes through its magical energy.[9] CJ7 quickly bonds with Dicky, acting like a playful pet, but its childlike curiosity leads to mischievous antics that disrupt their home, such as knocking over furniture or activating gadgets unexpectedly.[10] At school, CJ7 sneaks into Dicky's backpack and causes chaos during classes; it revives Dicky's deceased class pet hamster, earning him temporary popularity, and later assists him in acing an exam by providing subtle hints and in a sports day event by enhancing his performance with its powers.[9] In one dream sequence, Dicky imagines CJ7 revealing futuristic technologies, like a device that cleans clothes instantly or solves math problems, fueling his fantasies of escaping poverty.[10] However, CJ7's transformations, such as turning into a schoolbag or a toy car, often backfire comically, leading to awkward situations with teachers and peers.[9] Tragedy strikes when Ti suffers a fatal accident at work during the collapse of a skyscraper under construction, falling from a great height and being pronounced dead at the hospital.[9] Devastated by grief, Dicky clings to CJ7 for comfort, but the creature's energy begins to deplete as it desperately tries to revive Ti.[10] In a poignant sacrifice, CJ7 expends all its remaining life force to heal Ti's injuries, seemingly dying in the process and leaving Dicky heartbroken once more.[9] Miraculously, Ti recovers and awakens, leading to an emotional reconciliation with Dicky, where they affirm their unbreakable bond and Ti's unwavering love despite hardships.[10] CJ7 regenerates weakly and, after a tearful farewell, departs to search for its parent spaceship, which arrives as a massive UFO filled with similar alien creatures of various colors.[9] The family's life improves subtly, with Ti finding better work, underscoring themes of parental sacrifice, perseverance, and the magic found in everyday familial devotion.[10]Cast
The principal cast of CJ7 centers on the familial and school dynamics, with Stephen Chow leading as the protagonist father figure alongside child actor Xu Jiao in a breakout role. Supporting performers portray key antagonists and authority figures that highlight themes of class disparity and parental sacrifice. The alien creature CJ7 is rendered through CGI without a credited voice performer, relying on sound design for its expressive communications.[5]| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Chow | Ti Chow | An overworked and devoted single father working as a construction laborer to support his son's education. |
| Xu Jiao | Dicky Chow | Ti's intelligent young son, a student at an elite private school where he faces bullying due to his impoverished background.[10] |
| Zhang Yuqi | Miss Yuen | Dicky's compassionate and attractive teacher, who becomes a romantic interest for Ti. |
| Lei Huang | Johnny | Dicky's affluent and antagonistic classmate who frequently bullies him over social and economic differences.[5] |
| Lam Chi-chung | The Boss | Ti's demanding construction site supervisor, representing the harsh workplace environment.[11] |
| Jiro Lee | Mr. Cao | Dicky's strict and germaphobic homeroom teacher, who exerts pressure on underperforming students.[10] |
| Min-hun Fung | P.E. Teacher | The school's physical education instructor, involved in disciplinary scenes with the students.[12] |