| Not surprisingly, the critical and financial success of Derek Yee's C'est La Vie, Mon Cheri triggered this production, centering on terminal disease. Writer/director Chan Hon gives us a well performed package in Farewell My Dearest though. Achieving excellent chemistry between stars Simon Yam and the luminous Alice Lau is a big key to make this epic 100 minute drama come to life for one. Starting out in the 70s, we're "treated" to a not so convincing youth version of Yam's character (patterned after Sam Hui at this point) but Alice pulls off the youth and gradual aging with aplomb. Emotional to a pretty high degree but deservedly so, some missteps are taken as Chan punishes all too much but in the end, he bounces back and nails his heartfelt message concerning persevering and making sure what's best for your perfect love. It takes something to avoid failing with a storyline and message like that. Chan Hon certainly does not. Appearing in support is Lau Siu-Ming and Ann Mui, who like her sister Anita Mui also tragically past away after losing her battle to cancer (in 2000). |
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