For Y'ur Height Only

For Y’ur Height Only 

Dir. Eddie Nicart 

1981 

Philippines 

I suspect that many would avoid this film at first glance let alone take the time to critique its cinematic merit, but I’m giving it a go.  Amongst the many parodies of Ian Fleming’s James Bond franchise this film has it’s noticeable differences, the star of this ‘80s Filipino spy flick is dwarf actor Weng Weng as ‘00’. Unlike most spy films, Bond or otherwise Weng Weng dosen’t portray a villain or a seconded fiddle sidekick, he’s the man of the hour. At little over three feet Weng Weng has large shoes to fill, but Weng Weng doesn’t just follow in 007’s footsteps, he beats his own path. 

 Born in the Philippines, where physical differences are commonly looked on with disdain and publicly mocked. Weng Weng birth was considered a miracle living past a few days. This led Weng Weng to be looked at with awe in his community. Weng Weng was a mischievous child but became an obsessive martial artist, though a series of fortunate events Weng Weng eventually became a regular guest in the house of the controversial president Ferdinand Marcos, who made Weng Weng an honorary badge carrying secret agent. In 1981 First Lady Imelda Marcos organized the Manila International Film Festival, it’s purpose was to showcase the culture of the Philippines, amusingly the only film that sold was; For Y’ur Height Only. 

Unfortunately not currently available in its original Tayalog dialogue, the English dub leaves Weng Weng with a rather high distracting voice, elsewhere, certain familiar traits of  Bond appear to have been lost in translation, It’s difficult to believe Agent 00 as a womanizer, as when 00 is asked by one of his several female acquaintances “Are you a sexual animal”, 00 replies “I dunno”. 

 Fortunately the film isn’t all incompetent voice acting and womanizing, in keeping with the spirit of the original bond films there’s plenty of high-energy action. As a competent swordsman, a weapons expert and of course a martial arts master, 00 shoots, stabs, jumps, kicks and punches the backside of any thug or henchman that gets in his way; aided naturally by his impressive array of gadgets, among his vast arsenal is the classic tracking device, shoe knives, poison detection ring, x-ray glasses and his remote controlled flying saw hat, quick-assembly scaled down machine gun and last but not lest no spy would be complete without a custom miniature jet pack! 

 Every inch of 00 is put to the test to catch the notorious drug lord and white slave Mr. Giant. After 00 thwarts a major drug transaction, Mr. Giant kidnaps the eminent Dr Von Kholer in an attempt to procure the Dr’s dreaded N Bomb in his plan of world domination. Then, to make matters worse, Mr. Giant kidnaps Irma, 00’s fellow agent and lady of the hour. 00’s mission ends in a duel with Mr. Giant that is not to be missed. 

 For Y’ur Height Only may not be the Bond or Bourne we have become used to but this true cult spy classic deserves respect for its naive charm and its unique hero Weng Weng, the Philippines’ biggest little star.