Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive 1989
Wayne Wang's quirky 1989 dark comedy *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive* follows an unsuspecting traveler who arrives in Hong Kong with a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist, only to find his mysterious contacts vanished.
Director: Wayne Wang
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive* (1989) about?
The film follows an American traveler who's hired to transport a mysterious briefcase to Hong Kong, only to find his contacts disappeared upon arrival. Left stranded with the handcuffed briefcase, he drifts through the city's chaotic underworld, encountering bizarre characters and unexpected dangers.
Who directed *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive*?
The film was directed by Wayne Wang, a filmmaker known for his insightful portraits of cultural clashes and urban life, as seen in his acclaimed works like *The Joy Luck Club*.
Who stars in *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive*?
The cast includes Victor Wong, Lo Lieh, Lo Wei, Spencer Nakasako, and Cora Miao, with Allen Fong rounding out the ensemble.
Is *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive* (1989) worth watching?
While the film doesn't have an IMDb rating, its unique blend of crime, dark comedy, and Hong Kong's vibrant atmosphere makes it a cult favorite. If you enjoy offbeat, character-driven stories with a touch of absurdity, it's definitely worth seeking out.
How long is *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive*?
The runtime is 83 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive (1989) — Wayne Wang's offbeat Hong Kong crime-comedy cult classic
Wayne Wang's quirky 1989 dark comedy *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive* follows an unsuspecting traveler who arrives in Hong Kong with a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist, only to find his mysterious contacts vanished. Left to navigate the city's chaotic underbelly, he stumbles through a surreal world of neon-lit streets, unexpected violence, and eccentric encounters, all while clinging to his enigmatic package. The film blends crime and comedy with a surreal, offbeat energy, painting Hong Kong as a vibrant yet unpredictable playground where nothing is as it seems.
As the protagonist drifts between strangers and sketchy figures, the briefcase becomes both a burden and a symbol of the absurdity around him. Wang's direction infuses the story with a raw, observational charm, capturing the city's frenetic pulse during a time of cultural and economic transformation. With its dark humor and unflinching look at urban life, *Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive* (1989) is a cult gem for fans of unconventional storytelling and the vibrant weirdness of 80s Hong Kong cinema.