 |
| STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED |
| Unmissable |
|
| Excellent |
|
| Good |
|
| Poor |
|
| Tragic |
|
|
| FILM DETAILS | Certificate
PG | | Cast
Deanie Ip
Andy Lau
Qin Hailu. | | Directors
Ann Hui. | | Screenwriters
Susan Chan
Yan-lam Lee. | | Running Time
119 minutes |
|
|
|
A Simple Life
Maid in Hong Kong
Plot
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.
Review
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.
Verdict
Director Hui shows a different side to Hong Kong cinema in a tender drama that's illuminated by the marvellous Ip.
Reviewed by Simon Crook
Write Your Review
To write your review please login or register.
|
|
|
|
