He's a Woman, She's a Man (1994)

Peter Chan's *He's a Woman, She's a Man* stands as a quintessential example of his early career brilliance, masterfully blending romantic comedy with insightful social commentary. Chan elevates a classic screwball premise – a young woman (Sammi Cheng) disguising herself as a man to enter the male-dominated pop music world – into something deeply profound, exploring themes of identity, gender fluidity, and the complex nature of love and attraction. Propelled by a trio of captivating performances from Leslie Cheung, Anita Yuen, and Sammi Cheng, Chan’s deft direction allows these characters to navigate their emotional landscapes with humor and genuine pathos, making their journey of self-discovery both entertaining and profoundly touching. More than just a box-office hit and critical darling, the film showcases Chan's signature ability to blend commercial appeal with thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. His sensitive handling of the characters' evolving relationships, particularly the nuanced exploration of attraction that transcends conventional gender norms, marks it as a daring and progressive film for its time. *He's a Woman, She's a Man* firmly belongs on a "Best Peter Chan Movies" list because it perfectly encapsulates his empathetic vision, crafting a romantic comedy that is not only laugh-out-loud funny but also incredibly heartfelt and emotionally resonant, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of warmth and understanding about the multifaceted nature of love.