Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive

Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive

1989 · 83 min · ★ 4.7 · Crime, Comedy

A man is hired by a group of people he believes to be gangsters to escort a briefcase from America to Hong Kong. When he arrives, however, his contact is nowhere to be found. With no further instructions, he decides to take in the sights of Hong Kong, which consist of him taking part in a great deal of blood, sex and general weirdness, all while wearing a briefcase handcuffed to his arm.

Directed by Wayne Wang · Written by Amir Mokri

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

Eternal Family
Provider data from JustWatch via TMDB →

Cast

More from Wayne WangSee all →

Happy TownHappy Town · 2011
Happy Town
10.02011
SeriesAnimationComedy
Slaying the DragonSlaying the Dragon · 1988
Slaying the Dragon
8.01988
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
A highly-critical documentary about the history of Asian-American actresses in Hollywood. Features interviews with pioneering Asian-American actresses and clips from classic films, such as "The Thief of Bagdad," "The Good Earth" and "The World of Suzie Wong," interspersed with Asian/feminist sociological commentary.
These Amazing ShadowsThese Amazing Shadows · 2011
These Amazing Shadows
7.42011
MovieDocumentary
Tells the history and importance of The National Film Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself.
Last HolidayLast Holiday · 2006
Last Holiday
7.32006
MovieAdventureComedy
The discovery that she has a terminal illness prompts introverted department store saleswoman Georgia Byrd to reflect on what she realizes has been an overly cautious life. With weeks to live, she withdraws her life savings, sells all her possessions and jets off to Europe where she lives it up at a posh hotel. Upbeat and passionate, Georgia charms everybody she meets, including renowned Chef Didier. The only one missing from her new life is her longtime crush Sean Williams.
SmokeSmoke · 1995
Smoke
7.21995
MovieComedyDrama
Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
It Came from KucharIt Came from Kuchar · 2009
It Came from Kuchar
7.22009
MovieDocumentary
It Came from Kuchar is the definitive, feature documentary about the legendary, underground filmmaking twins, the Kuchar brothers. George and Mike Kuchar have inspired two generations of filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists with their zany, "no budget" films and with their uniquely enchanting spirits.
The Joy Luck ClubThe Joy Luck Club · 1993
The Joy Luck Club
7.11993
MovieDrama
Through a series of flashbacks, four Chinese women born in America and their respective mothers born in feudal China explore their pasts.
Chan Is MissingChan Is Missing · 1982
Chan Is Missing
6.81982
MovieDramaMystery
Two cabbies search San Francisco's Chinatown for a mysterious character who has disappeared with their $4000. Their quest leads them on a humorous, if mundane, journey which illuminates the many problems experienced by Chinese-Americans trying to assimilate into contemporary American society.
American PlayhouseAmerican Playhouse · 1982
American Playhouse
6.61982
SeriesDramaComedy
American Playhouse is an anthology television series periodically broadcast by Public Broadcasting Service in the United States.
Blue in the FaceBlue in the Face · 1995
Blue in the Face
6.51995
MovieComedy
A wacky group of locals visit the neighborhood cigar shop, looking for good times and finding plenty of hilarious fun. But when the greedy owner threatens to close the shop for good and turn it into a trendy vegetarian restaurant, the neighborhood proves they'll do just about anything to save their favorite hangout.
Because of Winn-DixieBecause of Winn-Dixie · 2005
Because of Winn-Dixie
6.52005
MovieFamilyComedy
A girl, abandoned by her mother when she was three, moves to a small town in Florida with her father. There, she adopts an orphaned dog she names Winn-Dixie. The bond between the girl and her special companion brings together the people in a small Florida town and heals her own troubled relationship with her father.
Maid in ManhattanMaid in Manhattan · 2002
Maid in Manhattan
6.12002
MovieComedyDrama
Marisa Ventura is a struggling single mom who works at a posh Manhattan hotel and dreams of a better life for her and her young son. One fateful day, hotel guest and senatorial candidate Christopher Marshall meets Marisa and mistakes her for a wealthy socialite. After an enchanting evening together, the two fall madly in love. But when Marisa's true identity is revealed, issues of class and social status threaten to separate them. Can two people from very different worlds overcome their differences and live happily ever after?
Snow Flower and the Secret FanSnow Flower and the Secret Fan · 2011
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
6.12011
MovieDramaHistory
A story set in 19th century China and centered on the lifelong friendship between two girls who develop their own secret code as a way to contend with the rigid cultural norms imposed on women.
Anywhere but HereAnywhere but Here · 1999
Anywhere but Here
6.11999
MovieDramaComedy
Single mother Adele August is bad with money, and even worse when it comes to making decisions. Her straight-laced daughter, Ann, is a successful high school student with Ivy League aspirations. When Adele decides to pack up and move the two of them from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, Calif., to pursue her dreams of Hollywood success, Ann grows frustrated with her mother's irresponsible and impulsive ways.
Dim Sum: A Little Bit of HeartDim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart · 1985
Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart
5.91985
MovieComedy
San Francisco's Richmond District. A widow welcomes the Chinese New Year. 62 years old, she wants to make a trip to China to pay last respects to her ancestors. A fortune teller has told her this is the year she'll die, and a daughter, Geraldine, remains unmarried. Geraldine's boyfriend lives in Los Angeles and she's not sure she's ready for marriage, nor does she want to leave her mother alone in her declining years. Mrs. Tan's cheerful brother-in-law, Uncle Tam, tries to help out.
Chinese BoxChinese Box · 1997
Chinese Box
5.81997
MovieDramaRomance
The story of Hong Kong, from New Year's Day to June 30th, 1997, when the British left their colony and turned it over to the People's Republic of China.

More Like This

Burn After ReadingBurn After Reading · 2008
Burn After Reading
6.72008
MovieComedyDrama
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
KontrollKontroll · 2003
Kontroll
7.22003
MovieComedyCrime
A subway enforcement officer working in the oppressively gray Budapest metro gets a chance at love — but first he needs to find out why passengers are jumping — or being pushed — to their deaths onto the tracks.
The LadykillersThe Ladykillers · 1955
The Ladykillers
7.31955
MovieComedyCrime
Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.
SupervixensSupervixens · 1975
Supervixens
5.61975
MovieComedy
Clint must flee after his wife is killed by a psychopathic cop, who tries to pin the murder on him.
The NorthernersThe Northerners · 1992
The Northerners
6.91992
MovieComedyDrama
A black comedy set in the 1960s in a small Netherlands community, populated by a cast of eccentrics, all of whom hold a range of sexual obsessions and frustrated desires.
Pee-wee's Big AdventurePee-wee's Big Adventure · 1985
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
6.51985
MovieComedyAdventure
The eccentric and childish Pee-wee Herman embarks on a big adventure when his beloved bicycle is stolen. Armed with information from a fortune-teller and a relentless obsession with his prized possession, Pee-wee encounters a host of odd characters and bizarre situations as he treks across the country to recover his bike.
Up!Up! · 1976
Up!
5.61976
MovieComedy
Adolf Hitler is hiding out in California under the identity of Adolf Schwartz; however, he is soon murdered by a mysterious assailant. This coincides with the arrival of a mysterious woman in a nearby town. Whatever the case might be, nobody seems interested in investigating the crime, but there are many who are interested in her.
Glengarry Glen RossGlengarry Glen Ross · 1992
Glengarry Glen Ross
7.31992
MovieCrimeDrama
Times are tough at Premiere Properties. Shelley "the machine" Levene and Dave Moss are veteran salesmen, but only Ricky Roma is on a hot streak. The new Glengarry sales leads could turn everything around, but the front office is holding them back until these "losers" prove themselves. Then someone decides to take matters into his own hands, stealing the Glengarry leads and leaving everyone wondering who did it.
ElectionElection · 1999
Election
6.91999
MovieComedyDrama
A high school teacher meets his match in an over-arching student politician.
The Way of the DragonThe Way of the Dragon · 1972
The Way of the Dragon
7.41972
MovieActionCrime
After a Chinese restaurant in Rome is threatened by the mafia, who will stop at nothing to acquire the property, the owner recruits a family friend in Hong Kong, kung fu expert Tang Lung, to help them defend their business.
The Adventures of Ford FairlaneThe Adventures of Ford Fairlane · 1990
The Adventures of Ford Fairlane
6.11990
MovieComedyCrime
To the Los Angeles elite, Ford Fairlane is known as "Mr. Rock 'n' Roll Detective." This loudmouthed ladies' man serves an exclusive rock star clientele, who depend on his keen eye and smug discretion. So when a heavy-metal musician dies mid-concert, Fairlane is on the case before the lights come up. But things turn shocking when radio personality Johnny Crunch hires Fairlane to find a missing groupie mere hours before he is electrocuted live on air.
Double ImpactDouble Impact · 1991
Double Impact
6.21991
MovieThrillerAction
Jean Claude Van Damme plays a dual role as Alex and Chad, twins separated at the death of their parents. Chad is raised by a family retainer in Paris, Alex becomes a petty crook in Hong Kong. Seeing a picture of Alex, Chad rejoins him and convinces him that his rival in Hong Kong is also the man who killed their parents. Alex is suspicious of Chad, especially when it comes to his girlfriend.
Crocodile DundeeCrocodile Dundee · 1986
Crocodile Dundee
6.51986
MovieAdventureComedy
When a New York reporter plucks crocodile hunter Mick Dundee from the Australian Outback for a visit to the Big Apple, it's a clash of cultures and a recipe for good-natured comedy as naïve Dundee negotiates the concrete jungle. He proves that his instincts are quite useful in the city and adeptly handles everything from wily muggers to high-society snoots without breaking a sweat.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter