New wave veteran Ann Hui renowned for her reflective, socially aware character studies. Here, she tackles the issues facing Asia’s ageing population with grace, dry wit and a Venice-winning turn from Deanie Ip. A Simple Life is about the role-reversal between a young master (Andy Lau) and his family maid (Ip) after a stroke puts her in a nursing home. Slowly, the boundaries of age and class fade, and the two develop a quiet, loving bond. It’s not for the impatient; its rewards are in its drifting, everyday nuances, presented without slipping into treacly sentiment. The running time is generous, but Ip’s performance is worth every minute.
A Simple Life Review
When his elderly maid Ah Tao (Deanie Ip) is left incapacitated by a stroke, her workaholic master Roger (Andy Lau) finds himself torn between the demands of his job and the needs of his loyal servant.
Release Date:
03 Aug 2012
Running Time:
119 minutes
Certificate:
PG
Original Title:
A Simple Life
Director Hui shows a different side to Hong Kong cinema in a tender drama that's illuminated by the marvellous Ip.
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