Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong

If you love "Before Sunset," you should watch this movie, because it's basically the same exact film. It's just 20 years later in a different international city with different characters playing out nearly the same night.

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.

I love these indie films. I didn't want the night to end. And that was exactly the feeling this film wanted to evoke! Beautifully done.

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.

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?