Movie No. 19 (2014): A SIMPLE LIFE
A Simple Life (2011)
Director: Ann Hui
Cast: Andy Lau, Dennie Ip
In Chinese (Cantonese), with English subtitles
Ah Tao announces that she's retiring as the servant of the Leung family, who've been very kind to her, after having served them for 60 years. She has just suffered a stroke. At that time, she's living with Roger, the last of the Leung family who still lives in Hong Kong (the others are scattered in different countries). Roger, who's working in the film industry, realizes that she deserves to be attended to. On Ah Tao's request, Roger arranges her stay in an establishment that gives care for old people. The establishment is run by Roger's friend. There, Ah Tao finds another family, but Roger and some of his kins (whenever they're in Hong Kong) never fail to pay her a visit.
Director: Ann Hui
Cast: Andy Lau, Dennie Ip
In Chinese (Cantonese), with English subtitles
Ah Tao announces that she's retiring as the servant of the Leung family, who've been very kind to her, after having served them for 60 years. She has just suffered a stroke. At that time, she's living with Roger, the last of the Leung family who still lives in Hong Kong (the others are scattered in different countries). Roger, who's working in the film industry, realizes that she deserves to be attended to. On Ah Tao's request, Roger arranges her stay in an establishment that gives care for old people. The establishment is run by Roger's friend. There, Ah Tao finds another family, but Roger and some of his kins (whenever they're in Hong Kong) never fail to pay her a visit.
The movie takes time to present details that, for me, never render the experience of seeing it dragging. The story is simple, and it is told in details to make it interesting. And, it really does work excellently well. The story telling is straightforward, and without the jaw-dropping climax and plot twists and gimmicks that some other movies would use as adornment. The result is a poignant tale of a rare type of heroism, hope, and sense of gratitude.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: February 15, 2014
Comments