The Cat (1992): Cult Hong Kong Movie with An Alien Cat and Epic Monster Battles

The Cat (1992) is a Hong Kong sci-fi horror oddity where an alien cat battles monsters, gangsters, and even a guard dog in one of the wildest films ever.

Adaptation of the Wisely Pulp Novel Old Cat

The Cat may have a simple title, but it contains some of the most bonkers moments in Hong Kong cinema. It requires some background information, but this does not interfere with its enjoyment as a standalone picture.

Based on the novel Old Cat from the Wisely pulp adventure series by Kuangthe Ni, the story follows the titular protagonist, a rich yet humble guy with an extraordinary life.

This series also inspired The Seventh Curse, starring Yun-Fat Chow, equally known for its unbridled lunacy.

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A Plot That Defies Categories

The Cat is a unique combination of horror and sci-fi. The plot is easy to follow, with a simple mystery kicking off events.

A friend of Wisely’s has a strange encounter, which the authorities dismiss. However, Wisely’s intuition tells him otherwise. His investigation reveals more than meets the eye, and things become dangerous for everyone.

At the center of the mystery is a cat with mysterious powers, which could be the answer to life and death for everyone in the city.

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The film balances genres well, combining horror from the initial setup and an unstoppable antagonist with whimsical sci-fi elements.

There is also enough action to rival an Arnold Schwarzenegger film. This action is in part what gives The Cat its reputation, but half the magic comes from its exceptional creativity.

However, a common issue with a film that tries to be several different things is a lack of focus, but The Cat avoids this with good writing and a brisk pace.

The tones never clash, and nothing is left out, including the titular cat from outer space, also known as The General. He is definitely a highlight, and ensures the movie does justice to its title.

The General: An Alien Cat Hero

One stand-out scene features a junkyard battle between a dog and a cat that is one for the ages.

Wisely rents a guard dog, Pu Lao, who is an adorable big boy. He is dedicated, strong, and a worthy match for The General.

Viewers may be worried about Pu Lao at a few points, but dog lovers can take heart knowing he is okay.

Also, the mix of real animals, puppets, and stop-motion means no real creatures were harmed.

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There are several encounters between The General and a mysterious alien that takes the form of a homicidal mass of fungus.

The good aliens can only beat it back temporarily until they gain more power.

The fungus soon possesses the body of the last surviving police officer during a raid. Now in a position of authority, the creature arms itself to the teeth with as many guns and ammo as it can to destroy its enemies before they can return to their home planet.

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This leads to an action-packed sequence that entertains, even if it may be slightly traumatic for book lovers. Thousands of bullets are fired, and explosions are plentiful. We witness a pointless sacrifice and numerous extraordinary moments before the heroes escape and gain the needed power. Just in time, too, as the creature sheds its human body in favor of its most alien form yet.

In the end, a film that starts with hyper-intelligent cats committing museum heists (to retrieve important alien objects) ends with a battle between a cat and a giant monster.

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The ever-changing creature never has a consistent form, even in the finale, where the film’s most creative design is on full display: a mix of man and monster. It is something to behold and makes the final encounter stand out.

The creature’s demise is jaw-dropping, mainly because of how seriously it is presented. 

From Shape-Shifting Fungus Monster to Political Subtext

The Cat is a ridiculous film, but one with a lot of confidence. After a satisfying ending, it is bound to leave most viewers with a grin.

The Cat is a film where things are not always what they seem. The dead are not always dead, nor are the living alive. Many humans and animals are not what they appear to be. The titular feline might be a formless alien in a cat’s body, but it could also be the ultimate feline life form.

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However, while the film may seem irreverent with its goofy plot, it has some thoughtful themes.

The good aliens are formless yet individualistic. The villain, on the other hand, is an all-encompassing blob that consumes everything in its path.

The film takes place in Hong Kong only a few years before the handover to China, a point mentioned throughout. The author of the Wisely books was known for his anti-Communist views. This adds an interesting dimension to the film, yet one that never feels preachy and could go unnoticed in favor of a straight alien adventure.

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One of Hong Kong’s Weirdest Movies

The Cat deserves its growing reputation as one of China’s weirdest films and has substance to boot. Director Ngai-Choi Lam hit it out of the park with this one, though it still ranks second to his previous classic, Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky aka Lik wong (1991). 

The Cat has even made me want to read the Wisely book series. Although considering that means procuring 156 novels and learning Chinese, that may be a little more than I bargained for. But it should be worth it to get more adventures in this vein.

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The Cat (1992): Where to Watch

The Cat (1992) is currently available on Blu-ray.

Watch the Famous Cat vs. Dog Showdown from The Cat (1992) on YouTube.

About the Author

CHRIS HEWSON is an Australian film buff who reviews movies on his blog, Not This Time, Nayland Smith. He has seen some of the craziest movies, such as the Chinese sequels to The Gods Must Be Crazy and a Macedonian post-apocalyptic arthouse film about Santa bringing about Armageddon. His latest project is a comedic short-story collection centering on sexism, B-movies, and the golden age of Hollywood.

Discover more movies with cats in my book Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies.

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