Old age is a bitch. The story presented in Ann Hui’s A Simple Life is a touching melodrama based on the relationship between an old caretaker/nanny/cook and the man she took care of his whole life. We all feel sorry for old people suffering from ailments, but there’s nothing more sad than an old person who actively chooses to not be a burden on family members and friends.
Based on a true story, Ah Tao (played by Deannie Yip) is a servant who was born in mainland China and was sent to work for the Leung family in Hong Kong for the past 60 years. During this time span, most of the Leung family either died or moved to the USA, leaving only film producer Roger (played by Andy Lau) as the only remaining Leung member in Hong Kong living with Ah Tao. One day, Roger comes back to his apartment after a business trip and sees that Ah Tao suffered a stroke. She knows her limitations and quits her servant job to find a local nursing home to take care of her. Unexpectedly, Roger ends up focusing most of his attention on helping his mother-like servant. Ah Tao took care of him his whole life and now it’s his turn to pay her back with all the love she gave him. Even as Roger spends some time with his celebrity friends (Tsui Hark, Sammo Hung, and Anthony Wong, playing themselves), he can’t ignore his ailing surrogate mother. As he spends time visiting her at the old age home, he realises how much she means to him.
Before she suffers from her stroke, Roger is a rude, demanding person with Ah Tao, but once he observes the fragility of life after her stroke, his attitude changes and honestly wants to please her in any way she can, by visiting her, taking her out for lunch, and even have her accompany him to some celebrity awards show. The two characters bond with each other as if they’ve never really connected with anyone else in their lives. They are like mother and son, but their relationship is much stronger like friends. There are hints that Roger wishes that Ah Tao was his real mother, especially since Roger’s mom is a selfish, condescending nag when she visits from America.
A Simple Life moves forward with emotional heart-felt actions rather than tons of expressive dialogue. Andy Lau and Deannie Yip, who have played son-mother in many other Hong Kong films, are very real here. Deannie Yip is actually Andy Lau’s godmother in real life and their chemistry shows in A Simple Life. The movie balances out the sad story of old age with plenty of subtle comedy to lighten the tone. Fiction copies reality here – the theme of the movie may be a sad subject, but this film is not a depressing. This is a slice of life movie that is real and touching.
The direction from Hui is simple yet perfect, putting all the attention on the two main characters with amazing performances from both leads. Deannie Yip (playing older than she actually is) gives one of the best female performances of the year from any country. All her scenes stand out and you’ll have the urge to want to help her character. She’s a grandma that everyone loves. Superstar Andy Lau is very good here as well, acting subtle and not wanting to take the attention away from Deannie Yip’s performance. Lau has been getting increasingly better with age.
Watching a perfectly-made emotional drama from Hong Kong is always a pleasure, especially since their film industry is swamped with so many popcorn soap opera and action films. Definitely check out this unforgettable film.
Well Go USA’s A Simple Life comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p 1.85:1 aspect video transfer. As usual with their company’s reliable quality, this transfer is excellent. The colors are bold and vibrant with deep black levels and plenty of depth to the image. The detail is gorgeous – street scenes of Hong Kong are full of life – mimicking the film’s realism, the video presentation flatters all the realistic surrounds wherever the two main characters take us – whether it be in the insides of a seedy old age home, a local restaurant, or a hotel. This is a very satisfying transfer.
The Cantonese DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix is just as pleasing and not problematic whatsoever. For a slice of life film, don’t expect an active audio experience, but the surrounds are used very nicely to build atmosphere and add just the right amount of ambient noise. Dialogue is crisp and clear and mixed at a perfect volume.
Cantonese Dolby Digital 2.0 and English subtitles are also included.
There are no extras besides the included movie trailer.
– movie trailer
Based on the true-life experiences of producer Roger Lee, Anne Hui has crafted a moving and funny story about the complications of old age and deserved the plentiful Asian film awards this past year. The movie is relatable in all cultures and all countries, but I do wonder if A Simple Life is a message to the treatment of house servants in Hong Kong. After reading up about this online, the stereotype in Hong Kong is that the treatment of domestic helpers is pretty horrible in which they are treated like inferior beings. This could be just a generalization, but I do wonder still if this film was a wake-up call to respect your helpers over there. After watching A Simple Life, you will certainly never feel the urge to belittle your nanny, cook, or cleaner ever again (if you have had one of course)!
