The war of the bananas has moved from the radio airwaves to the silver screen. The 'inside scoop' on the rival films Banana Club and Top Banana Club would probably make for a better screenplay than anything on view in either movie.
For those not in tune with banana culture, some background information: Banana Club was a popular call-in radio show hosted by, among others, Anthony Wong Chau-sang and Lui Yiu-yeung.
When they parted ways, each proceeded with his own film version of the racy, raunchy, irreverent programme. Though neither celluloid Club will recruit many new members, they both shed glimmers of light on life and love in the big city.
But the two films take very different approaches. Top Banana Club is the less traditional in format, with a screenplay by director-star Anthony Wong and co-stars Siu Kwok-wah and Dayo Wong Chi-wah.
The trio, joined by former Banana Club radio show member Lam Hiu-fung, perform multiple roles: as DJs dispensing flippant advice to the lovelorn who phone in their tales of woe; and as the lovelorn themselves, men whose stories are re-enacted on film.
The movie is composed of three tales, in which the guys pursue such love interests as a pair of lesbians and an idealised girl-next-door, portrayed by Vivien Chow Wai-mun.