Love the sismance, hate the dad.
One thing for sure - the dad in this movie will not win the award for the best father. While the sismance between the three sisters was amazing, I kept getting slightly frustrated every time they mentioned the dad, and how little reaction everyone had with the fact he had basically 3 different families in 3 different countries.Hsia Ru Shu? A saint. The way she just took everything in, did not really complain much, never freaked out or yelled at anyone - is this emotionally detached reaction even possible in real life? It’s not that she did not care, just just accepted everything, as if it’s normal. Maybe it just shows her attitude towards her father at the beginning of the movie - she had such little expectations, even a big news like that did nothing to faze her.
That said, I did love her interaction and bond with the other two sisters. I loved how fast they clicked, and more realistic and emotional reactions from any of them would make it far less enjoyable. As long as I did not try to dive deep into their current situation, and just enjoyed what was happening on screen - it’s quite a well paced and moving journey.
The one thing I disliked about the show were the countless excuses made for the dad. I had no issue with him being a questionable parent, my issue was the fact they tried to make him look like a good, but misunderstood one - which was not true. The framing matters, and I hated it here.
One of the best parts of the movie? How visually beautiful it was. I am one that appreciates nice shots a lot. I’m willing to watch a bad movie, as long as it’s beautifully done. This had both good writing and amazing filming.
Performance wise, I especially enjoyed Sammi Cheng and Megan Lai. Their emotional delivery, even though quite different, just worked so well with who the characters they were playing are.
Overall, I would definitely recommend it. There is not much plot, and the whole movie focuses on forming relationships, grieving, reconnecting with people in your life and letting go of past misunderstandings and regrets.
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First of all, I love how this movie just revolves around women. All the major characters are women and so are the director, screenwriter, and the author of the original novel. The movie is truly a feminist icon. :D
The three sisters are amazing characters. Each of them is different yet they bear many similarities as well. The biggest pro is that all of them feel so real. They go through their own hardships and you found yourself rooting for them in no time.
The aesthetics and food of the Fagara movie are just a cherry on the top. Seriously go watch it. You won't be disappointed.
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A simple, sad, & beautiful Woman's film
I love films based on books and the director truly did an amazing job of telling this story.I really enjoyed how the absence and presence of music created the perfect scene. Each character and the acting behind it was very thought provoking; there is always so much to life. The sisterly connection was simple, but powerful (probably exactly how my sisters & I act towards one another). As with most woman's films this one seems very underground, with small hints as to why it's titled the way it is, but I found that the women-centered narratives were very organic and true.
A great feminist film find!
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This review may contain spoilers
Family drama movie
A heartfelt family story about a daughter coming home after the death of her father. She meets her half-sisters for the first time, and they bond over hotpot. Very good production values in the writing, casting, acting, directing, directing and editing departments. Toward the end the movie, I wanted it to keep going, but there is a two hours' time restriction. It would have been nice if she had kept the Fagara restaurant open for business. Life in Hong Kong might have financial rewards and job security, and restaurant business might be hard and rewarding, but the family tradition of Hsia Liang's Hot Pot secret recipe would continue.Sammi Cheng looks youthful, fifteen years after her movie with Andy Lau, "Magic Kitchen". Sammi Cheng, Megan Lai and Li Xiao Feng were perfectly cast as the sisters. Their acting performances were awesome.
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