Chau tin dik tung wa

I saw this movie more than ten years ago, but I still remember

the feeling I had, when I was walking out of the theater. It was 1989, July in Seoul.

Incredibly beautiful cinematography combined with great music made this masterpiece out of tale-like story. In additon to Camera works and composing, you can see Chow Yoonfat's great acting of describing a guy with humble and pure spirit.

This beautiful movie may not impress you, but...if you have a chance to go to New York, please stroll along the fifth avenue...it will remind you the humble smile of Samuel(Chow Yoonfat).

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.

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.