 |  |  | | | Just the subject matter and the way it is treated are enough to stir up controversy about A Queer Story. That the film is directed by none other than Shu Kei and that he had not been bashful about praising himself open it up for criticisms. Ideological arguments not withstanding (though being able to draw such vigorous response is itself a certain measure of success), the film is at once accomplished and flawed. In general, despite a few preachy scenes, the film's production as well as its finesse in direction, in comparison to other mainstream movies of the same category, is above average. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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| | | | | Even if we can set aside ideology and forgive the handling of homosexuality and hetero-phobia as strategic bargaining -- to portray minority sensibilities without infringing too much on mainstream values (though provoking discontent in more progressive critics is expected) -- the rigidity of the film's cinematic language, the inadequate control of its rhythm (especially the last part) and the poor design of some scenes (like the singing of Can't Forget You) combine to diminish A Queer Story's overall accomplishment. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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| | | | | Denial, denial, and .... still denial. Someone who has lived in the closet and wrestled with coming out for most of his life should have something penetrating to say. A self interrogation from inside the closet is acceptable but an open sharing would surely be better. The problem with such mutter is that talking to one's own navel while surrounded by four walls is nothing but a self confession. Those of us standing by the side can only respond with indifference. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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| | | | | Women or men at forty can either be youthful or weathered - - such dichotomy is not something to get excited about. A Queer Story is about a middle-aged man's "secrets and lies" and exudes a relish of life through simplicity. Its earnest treatment of homosexuality is rare for Hong Kong movies. If criticism is to be leveled, it should not be focused on "correctness" but in the inadequate depiction of relationships and characters. The story seems forced in George Lam's inability to let go of Jordan Chan despite efforts to conceal his homosexuality and in Christine Ng's wishful wait for Lam. But compared to other Hong Kong films of the day, this is still an above average film. | | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! |
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