6 reviews
Elderly woman discovers independence and dignity.
- maurice_yacowar
- Mar 18, 2018
- Permalink
A quietly important film
I hope more films like this are made. Not just because it gave voice to an isolating situation that many immigrant women have lived, but because it was just so surprisingly cute, poignant and funny! I truly loved the gaze of this old chinese lady and the way she continued finding herself, despite such betrayal by a man whom she had given her entire life too. I sometimes enjoy watching the banalities of life tbh. If you're a millennial like me then maybe you're Grandma was little bit of her, if you're older maybe she's your own mother (hopefully you take care of her just as well as her children too - some v heartwarming moments there). I have read + actively observed that some husbands oft have entirely different standards for their daughters than for their wives. This film is a message, a reminder that its never too late to find oneself (outside of who you are to others).
Delightful and real
This is a clever little gem that shows real people doing life with all its baggage and shiny bits rubbed off but it has a gorgeous upbeat feel, some real laugh out loud moments and lovely actors.
All immigrant experiences come hand in hand with pain and change and this shows them up with how people come to review their experiences and the choices they make to cover old wounds, dragging those who they love behind them. Highly recommend this for the special moments, the revealing moments, the changes that people have to make and the changes they can't avoid. "I was a maths teacher in my own country but when I came here I slaughtered chickens for 12 hours a day... the smell, the blood... and you ask me if I worried about you children? I did that for us all to have a better life." Pretty much sums up in total the immigrants 'dream.' Yes, things can improve but the costs remain to be counted somewhere. But do enjoy, it is otherwise a beautifully crafted film of humour, love and laughter.
All immigrant experiences come hand in hand with pain and change and this shows them up with how people come to review their experiences and the choices they make to cover old wounds, dragging those who they love behind them. Highly recommend this for the special moments, the revealing moments, the changes that people have to make and the changes they can't avoid. "I was a maths teacher in my own country but when I came here I slaughtered chickens for 12 hours a day... the smell, the blood... and you ask me if I worried about you children? I did that for us all to have a better life." Pretty much sums up in total the immigrants 'dream.' Yes, things can improve but the costs remain to be counted somewhere. But do enjoy, it is otherwise a beautifully crafted film of humour, love and laughter.
- inspirelake
- Aug 5, 2023
- Permalink
Looking back at the immigrant experience.
There are stories about new immigrants, but this is a story maybe 40 years later, when the family has expanded to 3 generations, and relationships have gotten complicated. There is still. however, the conflict between old-world values and new-world ones. This is a satisfying look at one possible family situation.
Bing has sacrificed his life to his family, immigrating from Hong Kong to Canada, and initially taking any job available. His wife Maria is stuck between home, the Chinatown market, and the recreation centre, given her limited English, inability to drive, and Bing's pride.
After the family celebration of Bing's 65th birthday, he runs off, and next morning Maria finds women's underwear in his pants pocket. This leads Maria to finally try to build her independence, earn some money, and track down the "other woman".
There are subplots that involve their daughter, son, and neighbors. The subplots show how controlling Bing tries to be, and how much he needs to save face, even if he has behavior that cannot be exposed. There are some minor problems, like Maria learning to ride a bike, and occasionally with the subtitles simplifying what is said. A reasonable amount of the dialogue is in Cantonese, with a little Mandarin thrown in.
The acting by the principals is good, the setting is natural, and the technical aspects serve the story without drawing attention.
Sweet, heart warming, yet gut wrenching
I loved it. It was beautifully told, had humor and drama, and the acting was excellent. Definitely a movie to watch if you love good actors!
- jesamazinghawley
- Apr 6, 2018
- Permalink
One of the best.
This was one of the best movies I have seen in quite some time. Old world values plus new generations and conflicts between the two. Loved the relationships between the 4 women as well as the neighbour. This one was a fresh breath of air. Being 94 minutes, it is well worth the watch.
- maverickcowboy
- Aug 30, 2021
- Permalink