The Diary of a Big Man

The Diary of a Big Man

Year: 1988

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Chor Yuen

ComedyRomance

A duplicitous bigamist teams with his longtime friend Chi Hung, concocting endless schemes to hide his two wives. A meddling police officer and a chain of mishaps expose the ruse, leading the wives to discover the deception. Joined by Chi Hung’s frustrated fiancée, Ka Lai, they exact revenge on the two men.

The Diary of a Big Man (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Diary of a Big Man (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a rain‑slick Hong Kong that feels simultaneously mundane and fantastical, a charismatic schemer named Chow Ting‑fat chases a dream of wealth and endless admiration. He moves through bustling streets and cramped apartments with the swagger of a man convinced he can master life’s timing, while the city’s neon glow and perpetual downpours set a comedic, slightly absurd backdrop for his ambitions.

Joey, a stylish boutique owner, and Sally, an air‑hostess with a bubbly temperament, become the two women at the center of Chow’s carefully plotted double life. To keep his worlds from colliding, he enlists his loyal confidant Chi‑hung, a longtime friend whose patience is tested by the ever‑growing list of alibis, and Chi‑hung’s own determined fiancée Ka‑lai, who senses that something is amiss. Meanwhile, the ever‑present Inspector Cheng circles the periphery, his meddling curiosity adding another layer of tension to the already precarious charade. The film’s tone balances slapstick misdirection with sharp wit, turning each elaborate excuse into a playful dance of deception.

As mishaps multiply and the police officer’s investigations inch closer, the fragile balance of Chow’s scheme begins to wobble. The two wives, initially unaware of each other, start to sense the cracks in his narrative, and their unexpected connection draws Ka‑lai into a joint front against the duplicitous trio. The story swirls with farcical set‑pieces, rapid‑fire wordplay, and a bustling urban rhythm that keeps the audience wondering just how long such a tangled web can hold together before the inevitable showdown unfolds.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Farce and Foolish Schemes like in The Diary of a Big Man

Comedies where elaborate lies and frantic cover-ups spiral into chaos.If you liked the chaotic energy and elaborate deceptions in The Diary of a Big Man, you'll enjoy these movies. This section features comedies filled with frantic scheming, double lives, and the hilarious fallout when lies unravel. Find similar fast-paced farces about characters whose plans spectacularly backfire.

farciCalchaoticmischievousdeceptiveplayfulbreezyscheming

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often charmingly flawed, as they initiate a deception that quickly escalates beyond their control. The plot is driven by a series of close calls and hastily concocted schemes to avoid exposure, building momentum until the entire ruse collapses in a whirlwind of comedic chaos, usually resulting in a humbling but not entirely tragic resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared foundation in farcical structure: a fast pace, a light tone that treats tension as a source of comedy, and a focus on the absurdity of human deception. They deliver a specific kind of playful, mischievous entertainment where the fun is in watching the intricate web of lies tumble down.

Playful Betrayal and Comeuppance like in The Diary of a Big Man

Stories where deception is met with clever, humorous payback rather than drama.Fans of The Diary of a Big Man will appreciate these movies about betrayal met with clever revenge. These films feature deceptive partners or friends whose lies are uncovered, leading the victims to orchestrate a humorous and fitting payback. Discover similar lighthearted stories where justice is served with a smile.

playfulrevengesatiricalbittersweetcatharticmischievousclever

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc involves a deception being uncovered, which shifts the power dynamic to the wronged parties. Instead of wallowing in sadness, they band together to devise a playful and elaborate plan to expose and humiliate the deceiver. The journey is more about clever plotting and ironic justice than deep emotional trauma, often ending on a note of poetic, humorous resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific tonal blend: they involve betrayal, a theme that could be heavy, but consistently approach it with a light touch, playful execution, and a focus on cathartic, humorous revenge. The experience is about the enjoyment of seeing a clever plan unfold and a flawed character get their deserved, yet not cruel, comeuppance.

Unlock the Full Story of The Diary of a Big Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Diary of a Big Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Diary of a Big Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Diary of a Big Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Diary of a Big Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Diary of a Big Man Summary

The Diary of a Big Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Diary of a Big Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Diary of a Big Man Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Diary of a Big Man

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Diary of a Big Man. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Diary of a Big Man

More About The Diary of a Big Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Diary of a Big Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Diary of a Big Man

Similar Movies to The Diary of a Big Man

Discover movies like The Diary of a Big Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.