The New King of Comedy 2019

Comedy

Box Office

$96M

Budget

$8M

Runtime

91 mins

Language

Cantonese

Directed by

Stephen Chow

Made by

Star Overseas

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The New King of Comedy Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The New King of Comedy (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Ru Meng is a determined actress in her thirties who struggles to make a mark in a heavily competitive industry due to her unremarkable looks and modest stature. For over ten years, she has toiled as an extra and stunt double on various film sets, constantly chasing her dream of being a leading lady. Unfortunately, each passing day presents new challenges, with rejection and mockery becoming routine. Her lack of support from her father and peers weighs heavily on her aspirations, as they remain skeptical of her ambitions.

Despite her father’s tough exterior and dismissive remarks regarding her dreams, he shows his care by surreptitiously visiting film sets to ensure she receives fair treatment. The lone supporter in her corner is her boyfriend, Charlie, to whom she entrusts her modest earnings, dreaming of the day they can use them for their wedding.

A turning point occurs when Ru Meng and her close friend Xiao Mi cross paths with a talent scout during a shopping trip. However, the scout is only drawn to the more conventionally attractive Xiao Mi. Yet, Ru Meng’s fortunes take a small upswing when she secures a minor role in the much-anticipated international film Snow White, featuring her childhood idol, Ma Ke, who portrays the prince. Once a dazzling star, Ma Ke has seen a decline in his acting prowess and audience acclaim, which leads to a complex dynamic filled with arrogance and insecurity. This makes Ru Meng’s experiences working with him both draining and humiliating.

As if her professional life weren’t tumultuous enough, Ru Meng uncovers the shocking truth about Charlie: he is a male escort—dubbed a “contract boyfriend”—and a con artist who has been manipulating her affections and finances. This betrayal plunges her into despair, culminating in a near-fatal car accident during a heavy downpour.

In the aftermath, Ru Meng rescinds her ambitions of stardom, retreats to her parents’ home, and takes up a job as a waitress. Then, fate intervenes; Ma Ke, experiencing an unexpected resurgence in his career, visits her with exciting news—she has been shortlisted for an audition for a new film helmed by the renowned director Stephen Chow.

With renewed resolve and bolstered by her parents’ encouragement, Ru Meng attends the audition. Drawing on the pain from Charlie’s deceit, she delivers an emotionally charged performance that ultimately earns her the coveted role. Fast forward a year, and at a glamorous film awards ceremony, Ru Meng stands tall as she is honored with the prestigious Best Actress award, finally realizing her lifelong dream.

The New King of Comedy Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The New King of Comedy (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Ru Meng's Aspiration

Ru Meng is introduced as an aspiring actress in her thirties, struggling to stand out in a competitive industry. Despite her dreams, she faces constant rejection and the skepticism of her family and friends regarding her acting ambitions.

Extra and Stunt Double

For over a decade, Ru Meng works as an extra and stunt double on various film sets. This grueling experience serves as a backdrop for her hopes of one day achieving stardom, yet it highlights her ongoing struggle to move beyond these minor roles.

Over a decade Film Sets

Father's Quiet Support

Even though her father dismisses her acting aspirations, he secretly advocates for her by visiting film sets to negotiate for better treatment. This contrast showcases a deeper bond and concern he has for her well-being, despite his tough exterior.

Film Sets

Support from Charlie

Ru Meng's boyfriend, Charlie, stands as her only source of unwavering support amidst her struggles. She entrusts him with the little money she earns, dreaming about their future together and saving for a wedding.

Encounter with a Talent Scout

While out shopping with her close friend Xiao Mi, Ru Meng meets a talent scout. However, it is Xiao Mi who captures the scout's attention, leaving Ru Meng feeling invisible and overlooked once again in her pursuit of fame.

Shopping Mall

Role in 'Snow White'

Ru Meng lands a small role in the international blockbuster 'Snow White,' featuring her childhood idol, Ma Ke. However, she soon realizes that acting opposite him is a challenge, as he grapples with his own faded fame and personal issues.

Film Set of 'Snow White'

Discovering Betrayal

An emotional turning point occurs when Ru Meng discovers that Charlie is actually a male escort and a serial con artist. This revelation devastates her, shattering her trust and leaving her feeling both betrayed and heartbroken.

Near-Fatal Accident

Overwhelmed by the betrayal and multiple setbacks, Ru Meng nearly loses her life in a traffic accident during a rainstorm. This incident marks a critical low point in her journey, forcing her to reevaluate her dreams.

City Streets

Resignation from Acting

After her trauma, Ru Meng gives up on her dreams of becoming a leading actress. She returns to her parents' home and takes a job as a waitress, leaving behind the glitz and glamour of showbiz to focus on a more grounded life.

Surprising Visit from Ma Ke

In a twist of fate, Ma Ke pays a visit to Ru Meng to inform her about an audition opportunity for a new film directed by Stephen Chow. His career resurgence reminds Ru Meng of her own unfulfilled potential and reignites her dreams.

Attending the Audition

With her parents' encouragement, Ru Meng decides to seize the audition opportunity. Drawing from the raw emotions of her recent experiences, she channels her feelings into a powerful performance that captivates the judges.

Winning the Role

Ru Meng's passionate audition pays off when she wins the role in the upcoming film. This success represents a turning point in her career, marking her transition from an overlooked extra to a recognized talent in the industry.

Best Actress Award

A year later, at a star-studded film awards ceremony, Ru Meng is honored with the prestigious Best Actress award. This moment validates her perseverance and hard work, signifying her ultimate triumph in the face of adversity.

One year later Film Awards Ceremony

The New King of Comedy Characters

Explore all characters from The New King of Comedy (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Ru Meng (E Jingwen)

Ru Meng is a determined yet vulnerable aspiring actress who faces numerous hurdles in her quest for fame. Her character evolves from a hopeful dreamer into a more grounded individual who learns to confront her disappointments and ultimately finds success. She embodies resilience and reflects the struggles of many seeking validation in a superficial industry.

🎭 Aspiration 💪 Resilience ❤️ Betrayal

Ma Ke (Wang Baoqiang)

Ma Ke is a once-celebrated actor struggling to reclaim his former glory, serving as both a mentor and a foil to Ru Meng. His character embodies the complexities of fame, mixing insecurity and arrogance, revealing how the entertainment industry can deteriorate talent and pride. His journey highlights the dual nature of ambition in a competitive world.

🌟 Fame 😞 Insecurity 🎬 Acting

Charlie

Charlie is a charismatic yet duplicitous character who initially supports Ru Meng but ultimately betrays her trust. His role as a 'contract boyfriend' emphasizes themes of deception and the complexity of relationships built on illusions. His actions serve as a catalyst for Ru Meng's personal growth and decision-making.

💔 Deception 🚶‍♂️ Support 😡 Betrayal

The New King of Comedy Settings

Learn where and when The New King of Comedy (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the current state of the film industry and society's perceptions of beauty and success. In this era, auditions and talent scouting are commonplace but heavily influenced by appearance and marketability. The character struggles against societal expectations, embodying the dreams and disappointments of many aspiring artists today.

Location

Film Sets, Ru Meng's Home

The movie takes place on various film sets where aspiring actresses try to make their mark in the industry, as well as in Ru Meng's home, which serves as a backdrop for her family's dynamics and support. Film sets are known for their hustle and bustle, where dreams can quickly turn into reality, or remain unfulfilled. Ru Meng's home reflects her family's mixed support of her ambitions, illustrating the balance between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities.

🎬 Film 🏠 Home

The New King of Comedy Themes

Discover the main themes in The New King of Comedy (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Betrayal

The theme of betrayal is central to Ru Meng's journey, particularly illustrated by her relationship with Charlie, who deceives her for personal gain. This emotional turmoil drives her to reevaluate her dreams and makes her growth compelling. The impact of betrayal not only affects her romantically but also shakes her professional aspirations.

🌟

Dreams and Aspirations

Ru Meng's story is driven by her dreams of becoming a leading actress in an industry that often overlooks talents deemed less glamorous. Her struggles highlight the harsh realities faced by many who pursue their aspirations against overwhelming odds. The eventual realization of her dreams serves as a reminder that perseverance can lead to success, even after hardships.

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Support

Family plays a crucial role in Ru Meng's life, showcasing both support and skepticism regarding her aspirations. Despite her father's initial dismissal, his secret efforts to protect her reveal a deep-seated care that runs through familial relationships. This theme emphasizes how important family can be in navigating personal challenges and achieving one’s dreams.

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The New King of Comedy Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The New King of Comedy (2019). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In a world where image often outshines talent, Ru Meng toils on the fringes of the film industry, working as an extra and stunt double for more than ten years. Now in her thirties, her unassuming appearance and modest bearing seem to work against her at every turn, keeping her perpetually on the sidelines while she nurses an unwavering dream of becoming a leading lady. Each day brings fresh rejection and quiet ridicule, yet her resolve to break through the barriers of the entertainment world remains undiminished.

Her journey is shaped by the people surrounding her. Her father, outwardly stern and skeptical of her ambitions, masks a deeper concern for her well-being, while her boyfriend, Charlie, stands as her most vocal supporter, offering the kind of encouragement she rarely receives elsewhere. Through her close friend Xiao Mi, she glimpses how easily opportunity can favor those who fit conventional standards of beauty — a reality that stings with each missed chance and overlooked audition. The disparity between her perseverance and her circumstances fuels the quiet tension at the heart of her story.

A turning point arrives when Ru Meng secures a modest role in an international blockbuster, placing her on set opposite Ma Ke, her childhood idol and once-dazzling star whose own career has long faded. The collaboration proves far more grueling than she imagined, as Ma Ke wrestles with the demons of a diminished reputation, his arrogance and insecurity transforming what should be a dream opportunity into an emotionally demanding trial. Beneath the glamour of film sets and the flash of spotlights, the story captures the relentless grind of those who refuse to abandon their aspirations despite a world that seems determined to dismiss them.

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