Departure (2019)

to start off i hated Tien - especially after u get, Fan has come for closure - heck the dude is still in-love and reeling, as he doesn't get what he did wrong and why they broke-up (the fact that he is putting the blame on himself) the fact that he just needs answers (is heart breaking to me - cause he looks hurt and lost, most of this movie) and yet Tien (who even before he goes out to take that the call from his "new" man) its so freakin obvious(!) he has Moved On!!! he there (like he openly - shamelessly admits) to retrieve his passport "otherwise Why would he have come?!?..." so he can't even be bothered to answer Fan and just ignores him - like every other attempt at a serious conversation that Tan starts, he acts like he's deaf, cause he doesn't need the headache of explaining himself - this is the past and that's where he wants it - making me wonder who is really to blame.

but the more u watch, it's so obvious that Fan isn't just "still" infatuated - seems like in their relationship he was the giver, the one that worried and spoilt Tien, taking care and loving him more - and of course Tien fits the partner that takes everything for granted. won't say his conscious didn't get to him - that's why after he comes back from the call, he removes all the green onion from Fan's dish - that's why he hugs him at the end and takes a sec while Fan walks away.. but that's doesn't redeem him in my eyes - if he really cared, he would've had an honest conversation that would at least mean he cared and could offer Fan the closure he deserved, after everything he put in their relationship.

for a short film this was really well acted and directed, cause u could read every feeling and nuance between the ex's, the guilt, hurt, pain and love... and have to say i wanted to hug Fan so many times and teard up at the end scene when he stops at the bridge. this got under my skin - really enjoyed it - well done!

Read More

A short film that makes good use of its 16 minutes or so

The acting of the actor who plays Fan is rather good. The character's eagerness and longing as he meets his ex, Tien, for a meal is effectively conveyed. He hasn't gotten over Tien and doesn't really understand why they have broken up, but just as he broaches the question to Tien, the waiter serving their food interrupts the conversation. And it is clear that Tien is all too eager to evade the issue and the awkwardness that would ensue. The dialogue is seemingly casual, but it reveals the dynamics of the relationship between the two. Fan is the one who cares and gives: he would order the food Tien likes (even after they have broken up), and we can see that he is the one who thinks about and talks about the past whereas Tien is more concerned about getting his passport, and comments on stuff like the food. The only thing Tien really does for Fan seems to be eating the onions that Fan doesn't like, and even then, he seems to be doing so out of guilt. And eventually, almost immediately after getting his passport, Tien initiates a hug only to tell Fan to take care (which basically ends the meet-up).

It's perhaps not that Tien is meant to be the bad guy in the relationship. His actual emotions are often opaque. He does seem to realise Fan's feelings and he cares for Fan as a friend rather than as a lover. His facial expression during the embrace is not one of callousness. If nothing else, at least he doesn't give Fan false hope? Ultimately, what the film shows is that when it is time to move on from a relationship, it is time to move on. We see how Fan tries to connect his Bluetooth earphones to his phone unsuccessfully (a symbolic unsuccessful pairing). At the end of the short film, we see him deleting the device which fails to pair properly, signifying that he has finally given up on the relationship and is moving on even if it is not without sadness.

Read More