The Banquet

The Banquet

Year: 1991

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Cantonese

Comedy

Developer Tsang Siu Chi, assisted by his agent, purchases two of a quartet of adjacent properties. Rival developer Boss Hung acquires the remaining two. Both men enter a fierce contest to obtain all four parcels, intending to clear the sites and erect luxury hotels.

The Banquet (1991) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Banquet (1991) 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 the glittering heart of Hong Kong, two rival developers lock horns over a coveted quartet of adjoining lots that could become the foundation of the city’s next luxury hotels. The stakes are as high as the skyline itself, with each side eager to secure all four parcels and reshape the urban landscape in one bold sweep. The competition is less a quiet boardroom duel and more a theatrical showdown, where deals are struck amid flashing cameras, glossy brochures, and the ever‑present hum of an ambitious metropolis.

Tsang Siu Chi is a sharp‑witted entrepreneur who has already secured two of the sites, leaning on the savvy of his longtime agent Jacky Cheung. Across the street, the formidable Boss Hung holds the remaining two, turning the battle for the land into a city‑wide spectacle. To tip the scales, Tsang devises a grand gesture: a lavish banquet designed to win the favor of a visiting billionaire, Prince Allabarba of Kuwait, whose signature on a billion‑dollar contract could clinch the deal. The plan hinges on a meticulously staged display of familial harmony, drawing in Tsang’s estranged father Richard Ng, his devoted wife Carol Cheng, his ever‑eager assistant Tony Leung Chiu Wai, as well as his sister Rosamund Kwan and her husband Tony Leung Ka Fai.

The world of the film shimmers with Hong Kong’s signature flamboyance. The banquet itself becomes a bustling stage where countless industry icons weave in and out, blurring the lines between reality and performance. Television crews, celebrity chefs, and an eclectic troupe of entertainers turn the evening into a live‑broadcast feast, creating a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and intrigue that mirrors the city’s own nonstop energy. This high‑gloss tableau is both a celebration of Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage and a satirical look at the art of selling dreams.

Across the polished tables and under the bright lights, the tone balances razor‑sharp satire with genuine affection for the characters’ ambitions. The film invites the audience to linger on the tension between appearance and intention, to wonder how far a man will go to rewrite his own narrative, and to watch a city where fortunes are negotiated not just in boardrooms, but over sumptuous meals and televised spectacles.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 04:44

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.

Scheming comedies with elaborate deceptions like The Banquet

Outlandish deceptions spiral into chaos as characters put on a show.Find more movies like The Banquet, where outlandish schemes and satirical performances drive the plot. These stories feature characters using deception in a comedic, over-the-top way, often leading to chaotic and hilarious outcomes. If you enjoyed the farcical energy of The Banquet, you'll appreciate these con artist and social satire films.

satiricaldeceptivechaoticperformativefarcicalover-the-topwittyambitious

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically involve a central, ambitious character or duo who hatches a complex, often ill-advised, plan. The narrative follows the setup and execution of this performance-based deception, which inevitably spirals out of control due to unforeseen complications or internal betrayals, culminating in a chaotic but satisfying climax.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared comedic tone, focus on performative deception, and satirical edge. They often feature a steady pacing that builds to a frenetic finale, with a light emotional weight that keeps the mood playful despite the high-stakes premise.

Social satire movies mocking ambition like The Banquet

Cutting comedies that mock the ridiculous hustle of the wealthy elite.Explore films with a similar satirical bite to The Banquet, which cleverly mock the foibles of the ambitious and wealthy. If you liked the wry take on real estate tycoons and performative family values, you'll enjoy these comedies about class clash, social climbing, and the absurd pursuit of status.

satiricalbustlingshowycompetitiveabsurdwrysocial-climbingfarcical

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a clash between characters from similar or competing social strata, often in a professional or societal arena. Their conflict escalates through increasingly absurd one-upmanship, exposing the hypocrisy and emptiness behind their displays of wealth and power, leading to a mixed outcome where ambition is both rewarded and ridiculed.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects movies through their shared satirical perspective on ambition and social performance. They possess a specific vibe: a bustling, showy energy combined with a wry, observant humor that pokes fun at the characters' self-importance without becoming overly cynical.

Unlock the Full Story of The Banquet

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Banquet 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 Banquet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Banquet Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Banquet, 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 Banquet Summary

The Banquet Timeline

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

The Banquet Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Banquet

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Banquet

More About The Banquet

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Banquet: 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 Banquet

Similar Movies to The Banquet

Discover movies like The Banquet 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.