An Autumn's Tale

Super casting. Marvellous acting. Beautiful exotic scenery. Excellent plot. Nowhere for complaint. Classic for the Hong Kong people.

Times go by. The female lead lost her husband. Danny, the second male lead, mysteriously died of overdrinking decades ago unfortunately. YF Chow is still active in movies at his age. He can be seen in street, underground railway, hiking route and virtually everywhere in Hong Kong. He looks young and fit. He is not only a movie icon, but actually a model for meaningful living for Chinese worldwhile.

This is one of the most unforgettable movies I have ever seen. The plot was superb and the acting was brilliant. The story was simple but real and touching. You can so easily relate to the characters yourself making it a magical experience to watch it.

Perhaps I am a little biased but I am sure even non-Chinese can understand the feelings portrayed behind the movie. In my opinion, this is still the best film that Chow Yun Fat has ever casted in.

The action-coolness of Chow probably eclipses his real talent -- the subtle detail he's able to deliver. Imagine without the well-portrayed chemistry between him and Jennifer, the movie will degrade to "just another boy-meet-girl" flick. He's the magic. Chery Chun was mostly a "vase" (albeit a pretty one :) I guess the director is the magician who delivered.

Two points to add -- (1) I believed the director herself studied in NYU (where Jennifer studied), and it is amazing how well she captured the feelings of those who study in the US from HK (typical in those days were financial stress, part time jobs, crucial peer support and cover-up of difficulties from parents). She also presented NYC in no less passion than Woody Allen (who's cited in the movie itself), except she beautified the poor-men's share and perhaps cast doubt on the rich (though with much sweetness).

(2) Most of the movie is simple and easily appreciated. But those who know Cantonese get a real bonus. In fact, Chow Yun Fat started out in TV shows, making himself cool and noticeable via his unconventional and memorable use of the language -- everything he said would be fashion for long long time (some of those terms he invented are still being used). So, the exact things he said were cute-cool-classic quotes, again, at least among the generations growing up watching him. It was unfortunate that back in those days, foreign movies were not as well publicized and received in the western world, so that his move to Hollywood was necessary for him to reach out to a wider audience. I have not seen him cast meaningfully since then :(

A warm, sweet film about the love between a simple man and a shy young woman adjusting to life outside her family and upbringing. Very understated with many touching and funny moments.

A young woman named Jennifer leaves Hong Kong to study in the USA with her boyfriend. Upon her arrival she meets "Figurehead", who is watching out for his "4th aunt's 13th cousin". Jennifer is cultured and refined, 180 degrees away from Figgy as he is called, a former sailor who is now a waiter in Chinatown. Though he is crude and uncouth he is faithful and kind, unlike Jennifer's cheating boyfriend.

After seeing her through homesickness, a bit of culture shock and a broken heart, Figgy falls for Jennifer... but of course there are complications and that's basically what this movie is about: the complexities of love.

Chow Yun-Fat gives a great performance as Figgy - while he is often lauded for his action roles, he is under-appreciated as a dramatic and comedic actor. Cherie Chung is superlative as usual.

This film won Best Picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1988, and Chow and Chung were both nominated as Best Actor and Actress, respectively.

A beautifully shot film, directed with style and humanity. Good for the entire family.

A beautiful love story. Shot entirely on location in NYC. Chow Yun Fat, as a gambling slacker, falls in love with his recently jilted distant cousin, Jennifer. The plot is relatively simple, with a predictable O'Henry-ish twist, but the power of this movie comes from the details.

Chow Yun Fat, in a completely different mode from his action films, is subtle, vulnerable, and amazing. Just watching his expression shifting from elation to despair as the camera lingers on his face is heart-breaking.

The direction isn't flashy, but a few shots make very good use of the NYC locale: the sight of CYF running through the graffiti-covered streets, skipping with happiness, is contrasted by him dejectedly strolling while an endless line of taxicabs file past him. And as the title suggests, the autumn season is effectively evoked.

The movie is a bit old, so the wardrobe/hairstyles look dated. Also, the quality of the picture & general production value leaves something to be desired. Will disappoint CYF fans who are used to seeing him just be ultra-cool. But well worth the effort. (Also, you do get to see ultra-cool CYF in the final scene.)