Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong

This is a nicely done romantic-drama with an Asian twist. The leads are well matched. She is seriously gorgeous (from every camera angle), and an actor that many will definitely be on the lookout for in the future. The third important lead in the film is the city of Hong Kong itself. For those who have never been, it gives a very good feel and look inside this bustling metropolis. It's a simple story.. one that's been told time and again. They're both with other people, and cross paths with someone to whom they both have an attraction and almost instant connection. The dialogue comes easy, time moves along at a relaxed pace, although the story lacks complexity. It happens infrequently, but here's another rom-com-drama where there's no kissing, and little touching (except for a handshake and a brief dance). Of course running into each other the second time (especially in this complex city) would be nothing short of miraculous, but without it there is no movie. At the end do they make one more stop.. they want you feeling the answer is in her final glance.

It is impossible not to think about Before Sunrise when watching this movie: two people meet in a beautiful foreign city and spend the night talking to each other. This movie was really frustrating, as I love Hong Kong and I love the two main actors, still, the superficiality of the writing and lack of depth during the whole movie was such a disappointment. The movie even lacks rhythm, as sometimes it takes forever and then it rushes to the end. There wasn't any grow or character deepening, there is no development in their conversation as it is always the same; by the end of the movie, the relationship between them didn't feel any closer than it was at the beginning. That is why it is so difficult to make a movie so much alike another, because I couldn't help but compare all along. Don't get me wrong, I love rom-coms, so this should have been and easy win. Maybe this could work for younger audiences that haven't seen the "Before..." movies.

ALREADY TOMORROW in Hong Kong

Comparison with "BEFORE SUNRISE" comes naturally, yet this drama pushes the envelop further. Chinese American girl Ruby strikes up random acquaintance with ex-pat Josh, spends seemingly endless hours in Hong Kong's gorgeous night scene, filled with interesting characters, but mostly indulged in each other's company. Director Emily Ting skillfully delivered the punches at the right time. Like when Ruby facilely tells Josh that Greg (or is it Daniel ) who is coming to Hong Kong to help Ruby pack for return to the states and imminent engagement. "Now I don't know what I want!" gasped Ruby, as the taxi driver announced she has arrived at her stop. Real choice to make, and up a whole level from "Before Sunrise" because that movie ended on platonic note but here Josh and Ruby are faced with life decision, right in the cab. Diaglogs were intelligent and reflect how two middle class early thirty couple would talk. What could have been done better - not much except, Director Ting could add more filler to time between the two meet again, to space out the time and show a little what their lives apart from each other is like. And it bothers me a little that a Chinese American girl living in Los Angeles knows nothing of the language and culture of her own people. Even after a year of her job assignment to live in Kowloon (the twin city) that she exhibits no familiarity of things Chinese. If you overlook these two flaws, you have a very intimate and engaging romance.

By the way I totally disagree with other review who called this movie poorly lit. The bar scenes at the Lan Qui Lane, the ferry boat, the street scene with the hawkers were brilliantly lit; the street opera set does look dark but in fact that is how it looks exactly . It is properly lit to capture the exact nuance of Hong Kong. Director Ting obviously knows and loves Hong Kong.

Hong Kong itself is the 3rd character in this moving and intimate story, as it gives the rich foundation and backdrop for these two characters to ignite and fall in love with one another. Believable and authentically portrayed.

I don't understand the strong negative reviews, particularly those that seem to be scoring it against a criteria not relevant to this film. I make no comparison or judgment against other films in scoring this, but simply on merit and based on what I experience of this film... which is a great appreciation for the work, feeling, and authenticity that all involved in this film must have given to produce such a personable film.

How far would you allow your connection with one person to alter your life?

I found this movie very refreshing in this day, from a long line of cheesy romance wanna be movies, this one is set apart and definitely worth the watch.

I have watched it twice in one day and feeling refreshed with each watch, something about the story that sparks at realism, yeah the acting is not the best, the chemistry not that great but the movie has an undertone of something for those in relationships to really think about in regards to how they allow themselves to be accessed by other and the ultimate question of are you content in your relationship?