Chau tin dik tung wa

Maybe every woman needs a guy who'll build her a desk tub and kick the crap out of a dirty old man who's starting to hit on her at work. This is an offbeat story that seems a little silly at first, but whose sweetness grows as it goes along. Chow Yun-fat and Cherie Chung are both in fine form, and the cinematography in New York is gorgeous, my favorite shot of which was the shadow of a train going down an incline cast upon an apartment building. It's neat that the romance grows out of affection and is without a single kiss, yet the feelings are so strong. The ending dials up the schmaltz but it touches the heart, and hey, it's a romantic comedy after all.

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 :(

There is one kind of a man with whom you are very comfortable, you would not marry him at the time but you would not forget him, and maybe you would marry him later.

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.)

In this Hong Kong Film Award winner (equivalent to an Oscar) for best picture, actress Cherie Chung stars as Hong Kong native Jennifer who moves to New York City to study for her Master's and reunite with her boyfriend Vincent (Danny Chan Bak-Keung). There, she meets distant relative Samuel Pang (Yun-Fat Chow), a street smart and wise-talking waiter-by-day and gambler-by-night, who helps Jennifer settle within her new life chapter. After Jennifer discovers Vincent was being unfaithful, Pang comes to the rescue and an unlikely and special bond forms.

First of all, the cinematography by David Chung and James Hayman was stunning, brilliantly capturing the breeze, essence and falling leaves of autumn season and the busy, yet sometimes moody, atmosphere of New York City. I especially liked Pang's apartment pad situated under the darkness near the Brooklyn Bridge. You will get an instant feeling of the lifestyles of New Yorkers and the city's rich and poor surroundings.

The screenplay by Alex Law and Chi-Yeuh Low was captivating as it makes you eager to follow the story and has moments that capture your heart, including the parts where Jennifer tries to make up to Pang for her childish behavior after her break-up with Vincent and when Pang helps culture-shocked Jennifer get adjusted to life in New York. The chemistry between the two are touching.

In addition to the drama and romance, there are bits of humor, sweetness and lightheartedness in the story and make you appreciate the film and enables you to relate to the characters. Also, Lowell Lo's music score is charming, Mabel Cheung's direction is solid and the overall acting is superb. True talent is depicted here as Chow Yun-Fat, known for his action films, can pull off real drama, and Cherie Chung's acting is simply to the greatest degree.

I don't want to reveal the story too much, except to conclude that this is more of a movie where a woman meets a man and a special relationship forms. There are enough plot twists and surprises to make this a very distinguished tale.

Grade A