Dicky

When you have nothing, you can make it your own.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky's Father (Ti)

The richest man is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Dicky's Father (Ti)

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Sometimes, it's the little things that can change your life.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Teacher

Every child should be loved, even if they have to dream big amidst the struggles.

Teacher

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

You can't buy happiness, but you can create it!

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

If you want something, you have to work for it!

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Laughter is the best medicine, no matter how tough life gets.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Sometimes, believing is seeing.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

Friendship can be found in the most unexpected places.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Teacher

Dreams are like stars; sometimes they feel so far away, but you must keep reaching.

Teacher

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

It's not about what you have, but who you have beside you.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

Curiosity can lead to amazing discoveries!

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

You are stronger than you think; don’t let the world tell you otherwise.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Life is about creating memories, not just chasing money.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky's Mother (in flashback)

Love and laughter can overcome any obstacle.

Dicky's Mother (in flashback)

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

Believe in the magic that exists around you.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Sometimes, the things that look strange can turn out to be the greatest adventures.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Being a good person is worth more than all the money in the world.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

Never stop dreaming, because dreams can sometimes come true.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

Life’s greatest gifts often come wrapped in the strangest packages.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive
Ti

You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be yourself.

Ti

CJ7, Reelive
Dicky

Sometimes, we need to look beyond the surface to see what really matters.

Dicky

CJ7, Reelive

Waltz For CJ7

Waltz For CJ7 by Xiaogang Feng, Playful scenes featuring CJ7

CJ7 Theme

CJ7 Theme by Xiaogang Feng, Main theme throughout the movie


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The Arrival of CJ7

In a touching moment, after spending the day searching for treasures, Dicky finds a strange, green, rubbery ball in the junkyard. He takes it home, and it magically transforms into CJ7, a small, adorable alien creature. This scene marks a turning point in Dicky's life, shifting his mundane existence into something magical. The startling transformation captivates both Dicky and the audience, sparking joy and curiosity.

Context: Dicky is a young boy living in poverty, trying to cope with the struggles of his school life and finances. His father, Tiger, can't provide him with the luxuries his classmates enjoy, further isolating Dicky. This moment represents hope and the promise of friendship for Dicky.

Dicky and CJ7 Play Together

Dicky and CJ7 share a playful afternoon, filled with laughter and innocence. Dicky learns that CJ7 can perform incredible stunts, like flying and changing shapes. The joy and laughter create a whimsical atmosphere that emphasizes childhood wonder. The scene beautifully showcases their bond, as Dicky finds solace and happiness in CJ7’s magical presence.

Context: Dicky is overwhelmed by his struggles at school and at home. This moment serves as a much-needed escape from his harsh reality, highlighting themes of friendship and the importance of imagination.

Tiger's Sacrifice

Tiger, Dicky's father, is faced with a choice between getting a better job and spending time with his son. Instead of putting work first, he chooses to be with Dicky. This moment highlights his love and determination as a father, emphasizing the emotional depth of their relationship. The scene is filled with raw emotions as Tiger tells Dicky how important he is to him.

Context: Tiger struggles to provide a better life for Dicky amidst financial hardships. His sacrifice reflects the theme of parental love, showing that material wealth is less important than emotional bonding.

The School Talent Show

During a school talent show, Dicky feels pressured to win and impress his peers. CJ7 hilariously transforms and surprises everyone, helping Dicky steal the spotlight. This moment represents Dicky’s newfound confidence and the magic of friendship, as he learns to embrace who he is—an underdog with a unique friend.

Context: Dicky's insecurities about his social status at school weigh heavily on him. The talent show is meant to be a chance to shine, and CJ7 helps him realize that being different is also special.

Father and Son Talk

Tiger has a heart-to-heart conversation with Dicky, discussing dreams, ambitions, and the importance of family. This emotional exchange brings clarity and a sense of connection to both characters. It emphasizes the sacrifices parents make for their children, while reminding Dicky that he is loved and supported.

Context: With their financial struggles, the family often feels distant. This moment reinforces their bond and provides Dicky with encouragement to keep pursuing his dreams.

Dicky Stands Up to Bullies

In a powerful moment, Dicky confronts a group of bullies at school. With CJ7’s help, he gains the courage to stand up for himself, turning the tables on his tormentors. The scene is electric, showcasing Dicky's bravery, and the love he has for his alien friend gives him strength. This moment is pivotal in Dicky’s development.

Context: Dicky often feels powerless against the bullying he faces. Standing up to them signifies a turning point in his journey toward self-acceptance and confidence.

The Departure of CJ7

As the story takes a heart-wrenching turn, CJ7 must leave Dicky to return to its home planet. The emotional goodbye, filled with tears and heartfelt words, resonates deeply. Dicky’s heartbreaking realization of loss and his desire to keep his magical friend lead to a poignant moment of growth. The visuals capture the pain of saying goodbye to something so precious.

Context: After experiencing the joys of friendship with CJ7, Dicky faces an emotional crisis. This moment emphasizes the theme of loss and the importance of memories.

Tiger’s Reflection

Looking at old photos of Dicky, Tiger reflects on his own childhood and the struggles he faced. This moment reveals Tiger’s vulnerabilities and offers a deeper understanding of his character. The scene elicits empathy, as both father and son navigate their challenges together.

Context: The nostalgia serves to connect the dots between generations, exploring how love and sacrifice are universal themes in any family.

Dicky Finds Hope

In the aftermath of CJ7’s departure, Dicky feels lost. However, he finds strength in the lessons he learned from his alien friend. The scene ends with Dicky smiling at his father, suggesting acceptance and hope for the future. This moment beautifully encapsulates growth, healing, and the strength that comes from love.

Context: Dicky’s journey is one of self-discovery. This final moment signifies resilience and highlights how friendships shape us, even after they end.

The Magical Retrieval

Dicky uses a magical object left by CJ7 to bring back a piece of their bond, illustrating that love can transcend dimensions. The visuals are enchanting, signifying that memories can keep friendships alive, no matter the distance. This scene is uplifting, showing the viewer that connections don't necessarily end, even when physical presence does.

Context: After CJ7's departure, Dicky seeks to hold onto his memories. The magical retrieval is a powerful metaphor for love's enduring nature.

The School’s Change in Attitude

Dicky returns to school and finds that his classmates respect him more, influenced by his newfound confidence. His peers start treating him differently, and he realizes how far he has come. The moment showcases growth and the principles of acceptance and camaraderie, making Dicky feel empowered.

Context: Dicky’s journey teaches him that being true to oneself brings about positive change. Seeing respect from his peers deeply validates the character development throughout the film.

CJ7’s Return

In a heartwarming finale, Dicky receives a surprise visit from CJ7, who has returned to Earth. The reunion is filled with joyous laughter and tears, as they celebrate their unique bond. The scene highlights the importance of relationships, suggesting that true friendship never dies.

Context: After going through loss and growth, Dicky learns that love can overcome any distance. This scene is the culmination of his struggles, showcasing that hope remains.

Love in the Air

Dicky’s father meets someone special, and their budding relationship adds a new layer of happiness to their family life. The scene reflects the possibility of new beginnings and love blossoming. It’s a touching moment showing that even amidst struggles, life can present unexpected joys.

Context: This new relationship brings back a sense of normalcy and hope that the family will find happiness together again, affirming the importance of human connections.

Dicky’s Gift

In a heartwarming gesture, Dicky gives his father the toy that resembles CJ7, signifying that all their experiences have made them closer. The sharing of this simple gift encapsulates the entire journey they have gone through together. This moment reflects their mutual love and understanding.

Context: The movie has focused on Dicky and Tiger’s relationship, and the gift serves as a reminder of their bond, closing the emotional loop beautifully.

A Lesson Learned

Dicky shares the lessons he learned from CJ7 during a school presentation. His confident delivery impresses both classmates and teachers. This marks a significant change in Dicky's attitude towards life, reinforcing the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness.

Context: Dicky's growth is highlighted by the confidence he shows in this presentation, demonstrating how his experiences have shaped his character.

The Truth About CJ7

Dicky explains to his friends the truth about CJ7, sharing the stories of their adventures. The wonder in his voice captures the audience's attention, showing how his imagination allowed for extraordinary experiences. This moment reinforces Dicky's growth and acceptance in sharing his reality.

Context: The children’s response to Dicky’s tales symbolizes acceptance and highlights how different perspectives illuminated his relationships with his peers.

Family Traditions

Dicky and Tiger create new family traditions, reinforcing their bond. Whether it's eating dinner together or engaging in playful activities, the scene emphasizes the strength of family ties. The warmth radiating throughout signifies new beginnings, where they cherish each moment with joy.

Context: After the ups and downs, this moment signifies healing—a healthy, progressing relationship between father and son.

Embracing Change

Tiger and Dicky gather with friends and show gratitude for the experiences they've had. They address their past difficulties, embracing change and growth with open hearts. This moment emphasizes acceptance, showing the audience that overcoming hardship can lead to new opportunities and friendships.

Context: This scene symbolizes resolution and the embrace of new chapters in life. It encapsulates the movie's overarching theme of hope and love.

Dicky’s Invitation

Dicky invites his friends to play with him and CJ7, signaling his acceptance into the group. As laughter fills the air, the audience feels the joy of belonging and friendship. It’s a triumphant moment that echoes Dicky’s journey toward acceptance and happiness.

Context: Dicky's previous feelings of isolation are transformed into camaraderie, and his growth is reflected through his newfound confidence.

Reflections of Joy

The film ends with Dicky reflecting on his adventures with CJ7, and a sense of happiness washes over him. As he looks at the stars, the audience can sense the bittersweet nature of memories. This powerful closing gives weight to the themes of love, loss, and the beauty of life's journey.

Context: This ending serves to remind viewers that though relationships may change or fade, the experiences shared always remain cherished in our hearts.

The Lesson on Kindness

In a crucial classroom moment, a teacher shares a lesson about kindness, resonating deeply with Dicky and his friends. The message underscores the value of empathy and understanding, influencing Dicky’s perspective on relationships. The scene's emotional depth has lasting effects on both characters and viewers.

Context: This lesson acts as a catalyst for growth, illustrating the impact of education on character development, especially in children.

Resilience in Adversity

Tiger faces immense challenges at work but continues to show resilience to provide for Dicky. His unwavering determination exemplifies the theme of perseverance amidst struggles. This scene instills a sense of hope: that hard work and love can lead to a better future.

Context: Tiger’s journey emphasizes the relentless pursuit of a better life for his son. His sacrifices become a poignant thread woven through the film’s narrative.

The School Reunion

Years later, Dicky and his classmates reconnect, sharing stories of their own journeys. The moments of nostalgia emphasize growth, acceptance, and the eternal bond of childhood friendships. This reunion encapsulates the essence of the film, showcasing that relationships evolve but remain cherished.

Context: The reunion serves to remind viewers that time and distance cannot diminish the importance of meaningful connections established during youth.


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The Creation of CJ7

The character of CJ7, the alien pet, was created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, with director Stephen Chow closely overseeing the design.

Why it matters: This blend of techniques helped create a charming and believable character that resonated with audiences, enhancing the film's fantasy element and emotional core.

Stephen Chow's Dual Role

Stephen Chow not only directed but also starred in the film as the main character, Ti, juggling both responsibilities on set.

Why it matters: Chow's dual role allowed for a unique vision in storytelling, making his performance authentic and deeply personal, which is evident in the film's emotional depth.

Casting CJ7

The role of the son, Dicky, was played by Jiaozi, a child actor handpicked by Chow after extensive auditions.

Why it matters: Jiaozi's unfiltered performance added a sense of realism and charm, which strongly influenced the movie's heartwarming themes of family and imagination.

Last-Minute Script Changes

Several scenes were rewritten just days before filming began, particularly to enhance comic elements.

Why it matters: These last-minute changes added spontaneous humor and depth to the narrative, showcasing Chow's ability to adapt and improve jokes in real-time.

Physical Comedy Influences

Chow incorporated elements of silent film and physical comedy, taking inspiration from the likes of Charlie Chaplin.

Why it matters: This homage enriches the film's comedic style, allowing for universal humor that appeals across different cultures and generations.

Himself in the Role

Chow admitted to drawing from his childhood experiences, using real-life inspirations to shape Ti's struggles and hopes.

Why it matters: This personal touch resonates with viewers, making Ti's journey relatable and poignant, elevating the film's narrative beyond mere fantasy.

Collaborative Visual Style

The cinematographer, Poon Hang-sang, crafted a vibrant visual palette to match the whimsical nature of CJ7.

Why it matters: The film's bright colors and dynamic camera work underscore the enchantment of childhood, making viewers feel immersed in Dicky's imaginative world.

Stunning Special Effects Team

The special effects team behind CJ7 included some of the same talents who worked on Chow’s previous hit films.

Why it matters: Their familiarity with Chow’s style allowed for a seamless blend of effects that supported storytelling, making CJ7 visually stunning while remaining emotionally grounded.

Cultural References

Several scenes reference Hong Kong culture and childhood activities, grounding the story in a specific socio-cultural context.

Why it matters: These references enrich the narrative, making it culturally resonant for local audiences while inviting curiosity from international viewers about Hong Kong life.

Improvised Lines

Many of the film's funniest moments came from improvised lines delivered by Chow and Jiaozi during filming.

Why it matters: This spontaneity adds authenticity to their interactions, contributing to the natural chemistry between characters, which enhances viewer engagement.

Chow's Signature Humor

Chow's unique style blends slapstick, satire, and heartfelt moments, creating a movie that balances humor and emotion.

Why it matters: This signature approach ensures that CJ7 stands apart from typical family films, resonating with both children and adults alike.

The CJ7 Toy

Merchandise, including CJ7 plush toys, was developed alongside the film, promoting a deeper connection for young viewers.

Why it matters: These toys not only extended the film's reach into children's playtime but also reinforced the emotional bond between Dicky and CJ7, fostering continued engagement with the film's themes.

Shooting Locations

Filming took place in various locations around Hong Kong, including schools and neighborhoods to enhance authenticity.

Why it matters: Utilizing real-world settings adds a layer of realism that supports the narrative, making the fantastical elements stand out even more sharply.

Element of Surprise

Some scenes involving CJ7 were shot using puppetry to create a more tangible interaction between characters.

Why it matters: This choice enhances the authenticity of Dicky's relationship with CJ7, presenting a believable emotional connection that rivals purely CGI characters.

Focus on Family Values

The script emphasized strong family messages, reflecting Chow's views on the importance of parental connection.

Why it matters: This thematic focus resonates with viewers, making the story not just a fantasy adventure but also a heartfelt exploration of familial love.

Parental Guidance Feedback

Initial screenings included feedback from parents to refine comedic timing suitable for children.

Why it matters: This collaboration ensured that humor remained age-appropriate, thus broadening the film’s appeal and securing its place as a family-friendly comedy.

Endearing to Adults

Several jokes included in the script serve as cultural commentaries that adults would appreciate more than children.

Why it matters: This layered approach to humor ensures that parents can enjoy the film alongside their children, creating a shared viewing experience.

Chow's Love for Animals

Chow is known for his love of animals, which influenced his decision to create a child-friendly alien pet like CJ7.

Why it matters: This personal passion adds a heartfelt layer to the character of CJ7, making it relatable to children who desire pets and the friendships they represent.

Unique Marketing

CJ7 was marketed with unique tie-ins, including contests for children to win toys and meet the cast.

Why it matters: This innovative marketing approach focused on engaging children directly, bolstering the film’s popularity among younger audiences.

Emotional Climax

The climax of the film was designed to evoke tears as well as laughter, combining dramatic and comedic elements.

Why it matters: This emotional range sets CJ7 apart from similar films, creating a memorable impact that resonates deeply with viewers.

Influence from Past Works

Chow drew on his previous films’ successes and failures to refine the narrative structure of CJ7.

Why it matters: Leveraging his past experiences led to a more polished and engaging storyline that captures the audience's attention effectively.

Intimate Animation Process

Animation and design for CJ7 included close collaboration between animators and Chow to achieve his vision.

Why it matters: This close collaboration ensured that CJ7's demeanor matched the comedic and emotional tone of the film, making it a beloved character.

Real-Life Inspiration

The film's themes of imagination and hope are drawn from Chow's childhood dreams and aspirations.

Why it matters: This ensures a sense of authenticity and relatability, inviting viewers of all ages to reflect on their childhood imaginings.

Post-Production Adjustments

In editing, several scenes were rearranged to improve pacing, balancing humor with poignant moments.

Why it matters: These adjustments clarified the film’s themes, ensuring it delivers its messages effectively without losing narrative flow.


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