A story that tugs at the heartstrings
By Xu Wei |
March 16, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE critical and commercial success of Hong Kong film "A Simple Life" shows cinema-goers want more than just visual effects and that honest, genuine emotions can be the basis for a good story.
On the first screening day of director Ann hui's latest film, the national box-office of "A Simple Life" rocketed to 12.7 million yuan, nearly twice of that of Steven Spielberg's epic motion picture "War Horse," which was released a week earlier and has been on the top since.
Actor Andy Lau is part of the appeal.
According to the film's production/distribution company Bona Film Group, the nationwide box-office reached 36 million yuan in the first four days of screening. By yesterday, the box-office in Shanghai was 3.7 million yuan, according to Shanghai United Cinema Lines, the city's biggest cinema chain.
As its name suggests, the film has a simple story line. The movie centers on the late years of altruistic maid Sister Peach (Deanie Ip), who after suffering a stroke quits her job and moves into a nursing home to avoid being a burden to the family she worked for. At that time Roger (Andy Lau), the only member of the family still living in Hong Kong, realizes just how important she is to him and decides to take care of her.
With many people today suffering a crisis of trust and loyalty in this fast-paced society, the film shows the meaning of life. The maid has devoted her life to serving and caring for four generations of the Leung family since she was 13. In return, she deserves the respect and love from each member of the household.
What impresses many people is Sister Peach's dignity. She is proud and happy to be called godmother by Roger in front of other seniors at the nursing home. No matter how difficult her life is, she is always willing to share what she has with people in trouble.
To some extent, Sister Peach is lucky as Roger accompanies her during her final journey in life. But the film also shows that many Hong Kong seniors are not so fortunate. Long-term care of the elderly has become an emerging issue in modern society.
Director Hui has displayed her talent in telling stories about an ordinary person's life. She tries to capture what life is - bittersweet and difficult at times, but also rewarding and inspiring. She also continues to bring a sense of humor and satire so the film doesn't come across as too depressing and heavy, as in "The Postmodern Life of My Aunt" and "Summer Snow."
This also marks the first time Lau and his godmother Ip have appeared in the same film since "The Truth" in 1988.
Lau and many of his friends such as Tsui Hark, Anthony Wong and Chapman To volunteered to play small roles. Lau didn't forget to include young mainland filmmakers. Ning Hao, whose comedy was created with help from Lau's young directors program "Focus: First Cuts," also stars in the movie.
On the first screening day of director Ann hui's latest film, the national box-office of "A Simple Life" rocketed to 12.7 million yuan, nearly twice of that of Steven Spielberg's epic motion picture "War Horse," which was released a week earlier and has been on the top since.
Actor Andy Lau is part of the appeal.
According to the film's production/distribution company Bona Film Group, the nationwide box-office reached 36 million yuan in the first four days of screening. By yesterday, the box-office in Shanghai was 3.7 million yuan, according to Shanghai United Cinema Lines, the city's biggest cinema chain.
As its name suggests, the film has a simple story line. The movie centers on the late years of altruistic maid Sister Peach (Deanie Ip), who after suffering a stroke quits her job and moves into a nursing home to avoid being a burden to the family she worked for. At that time Roger (Andy Lau), the only member of the family still living in Hong Kong, realizes just how important she is to him and decides to take care of her.
With many people today suffering a crisis of trust and loyalty in this fast-paced society, the film shows the meaning of life. The maid has devoted her life to serving and caring for four generations of the Leung family since she was 13. In return, she deserves the respect and love from each member of the household.
What impresses many people is Sister Peach's dignity. She is proud and happy to be called godmother by Roger in front of other seniors at the nursing home. No matter how difficult her life is, she is always willing to share what she has with people in trouble.
To some extent, Sister Peach is lucky as Roger accompanies her during her final journey in life. But the film also shows that many Hong Kong seniors are not so fortunate. Long-term care of the elderly has become an emerging issue in modern society.
Director Hui has displayed her talent in telling stories about an ordinary person's life. She tries to capture what life is - bittersweet and difficult at times, but also rewarding and inspiring. She also continues to bring a sense of humor and satire so the film doesn't come across as too depressing and heavy, as in "The Postmodern Life of My Aunt" and "Summer Snow."
This also marks the first time Lau and his godmother Ip have appeared in the same film since "The Truth" in 1988.
Lau and many of his friends such as Tsui Hark, Anthony Wong and Chapman To volunteered to play small roles. Lau didn't forget to include young mainland filmmakers. Ning Hao, whose comedy was created with help from Lau's young directors program "Focus: First Cuts," also stars in the movie.
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