| Both locally and internationally acclaimed, this Peter Chan Ho-sun project swept not only the 1996 Hong Kong Film Awards, but also received many prestigious trophies at various film festivals around the world. Maggie Cheung Man-yuk and Leon Lai Ming star as mainland Chinese immigrants vying for success and prosperity in their new home in Hong Kong, only to develop a romance along the way. Li Xiao-Jun, however, has a girlfriend back in mainland China, for whom he still has feelings.
This film spans several years and cities in the lives of the characters, constantly torturing the audience with Li Xiao-Jun and Li Chiao's unfulfilled relationship. We want them to be together but there is always something getting in the way.
Maggie Cheung is amazing in her role. She has played the flower vase in many a film, which is a shame given her talent. Leon Lai is decent but is generally overshadowed by Maggie.
This film also has a really cool ending, which theoretically was intended as somewhat of a surprise, but which observant viewers will not be shocked by. Nonetheless, it works well, bringing the film full circle. Excellent and superbly textured performance by a well rounded cast (including seasoned character actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai and heralded cinematographer Christopher Doyle), along with beautiful cinematography by Jingle Ma helps make this masterpiece the best Hong Kong production of 1996. |
Viewer Comments:
