| Dubbed the "Banana Ripening" series, Over The Rainbow, Under The Skirt is the direct, slightly inferior sequel to Samson Chiu's wonderful Yesteryou, Yesterme, Yesterday. Still designed to be just like The Wonder Years, this Lau Ching Wan narrated continuation of Bo's (John Tang) development towards adulthood needs to replicate the original vision. However, director Joe Ma does not feel like he's being saddled with a lazy task and he comes through in spades as the new head of the series, from a career point where he had not yet become way too comfortable in his industry position. We still get very direct and frank views when with Bo's trains of thoughts, usually concerning sex but at center is Bo's very fragmented character still in development. Possessing hints of being a bully, a homophobic, he equally learns from his past wrongdoings and appreciates what he has; a true on and off love with Ting (Ellen Lo) and a family to look up to. The poster art with Eileen Tung's character alongside a kid is very telling as Bo is quite far behind everyone else. Anyone who wants to become a man, can. Bo's love affair with the university student played by Tung is one of many stepping stones towards that, all wrapped in an off-beat and sweat atmosphere by Joe Ma. Samson Chiu simply had a better grasp on all issues and emotions but slightly inferior is nothing to be ashamed of. Aside from Fung Bo Bo, who is replaced by May Law, most key cast returns in addition to Leslie Cheung and Clifton Ko making cameos as themselves. |
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