Oily Maniac (1976)

Director: Meng-Hua Ho
Writer: Lam Chua (as Tsai Lan)
Stars: Danny Lee, Ping Chen, Lily Li

The film tells the story of a crippled and down-on-his-luck Hong Kong man who learns of a magic spell that can turn his life around. Performing the spell transforms him into a grotesque and malevolent creature – an ‘oily maniac’. Along with other supernatural capabilities, he can simultaneously appear or disappear, serving as the city’s vigilante. Based on the legend of the Orang Minyak, which has endured over the years with various reiterations – taking on the roles of villain, hero, and supernatural figure – Oily Maniac (1976) is a remake of this multifaceted folklore that has insidiously slunk its way into contemporary culture.

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