Coffee or Tea? (2020)

Fun, uplifting and motivating

Hilarious yet heartfelt, this movie is a celebration of youth, friendship and finding your place in the world. It'll definitely make you want to call your friends (and maybe move to a remote village!)

Story - A little far fetched at times, but that can be expected of a comedy, and they played it really well. It was quite predictable of the genre but in a good way, 8.5/10

Cast - The acting was all good and very convincing, 10/10

Music - Soundtrack was perfect, lots of bright, upbeat music that perfectly complements the scene. The music completes this movie, 10/10

Rewatch value - I'm not the type to rewatch movies often, but this is a light, happy movie that you could definitely rewatch if you wanted to, 8.5/10

Overall, Coffee or Tea is a very fun, touching comedy with plenty of thought-provoking moments. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but was more profound than I expected. If you're looking for a movie to make you smile, then this is the one!

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"Bitterness has its own flavor"

Coffee or Tea was a light hearted comedy about three young men who were at different places in their lives where their dreams were concerned. One had given up on his dreams and life. The second man was enthusiastically ready to bet everything on his dream. The third was swimming in circles with his dream, held back by his relationship with his father. They met up, forged a friendship and business that would guide them all in the same direction and help them each to grow as individuals.

Wei Jin Bei is at the end of his rope after his most recent failed business attempt. Unable to sleep, he’s ready to give up on life when effervescent deliveryman Peng Xiu Bing steps in. Peng is going to his remote hometown to begin his own delivery business and takes an extremely reluctant Wei with him. Peng’s village relies on growing tea, but with the depressed prices has lost most of its young people. Peng is determined to reinvigorate the people and town even when he meets with failure. It will take a chance meeting to help turn both his and Wei’s fortunes around.

Peng Yu Chang as Peng was a bright ball of positive sunshine radiating energy on his more dour buddies. Liu Hao Ran played the glum business brains from Beijing transformed by the small village. He often seemed obscured by his floppy hair and large glasses. Yin Fang’s Li Shao Qun had the least development as the rebellious coffee grower who was alienated from his father. The acting wasn’t particularly nuanced, but then again, neither was the story. Along with the business elements there were whimsical animals. What movie doesn't need a talking pig?

Coffee or Tea was a feel good movie about friendship and determination with gentle humor that avoided being cringeworthy for the most part. The film streamlined the story and glossed over the obvious business hurdles as well as the timeline. Most of this could be forgiven as the focus was on the camaraderie of the young men as they healed themselves and their relationships. The film was respectful of traditions and the older generations. At the same time, it also showed that there were times when innovation and new paths must be cut in order to survive as the world evolves. The enduring relationships and new friendships forged proved to be the key to success and reconciliation. While Coffee or Tea could be simplistic and felt low budget, it’s one of those easy movies you can watch if you are looking for a mood lifter.


12 February 2024

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