A Simple Life (2011)

It's simple to say that 'A Simple Life' isn't a typical Andy Lau film. There are no guns nor violence, nor indeed any action at all – this is as simple as film-making gets.After 60 years working for a family as a maid, Ah Tao, played excellently by Deanie Ip, suffers a stroke and so retires. Not wanting to be a burden, she chooses to live in a retirement home in conditions much worse than she is used to. Lau plays Roger, the sole member of the family Ah Tao worked for to remain in Hong Kong, who takes time to visit Ah Tao as often as possible in tween his busy career in film production and learning to cook and clean for himself for once.That's it: plain and simple. Films like this demand good performances from the cast, more so than creative direction or writing, and the two leads deliver, notably Ip as the looks-far-too-good-to-be-in-her- seventies Ah Tao. Lau is also good in a role that sees him have to deal more with shooting facial expressions than shooting a gun. Smaller roles are often played by uber-mega-colossal stars of Hong Kong cinema. Sammo Hung, Raymond Chow, Hark Tsui and Anthony Wong, to name a few, all pop up here and there, adding a sense of humour while watching.While the film is designed to be emotional and sad, there is no doubt that old people are funny, with facial expressions and stupid behaviour aplenty, giving the film a good balance.You can't expect an explosive film, but it never tries to be, with Ann Hui's work being simple, yet effective.www.politic1983.blogspot.com

A fine family drama, there was no over emotions but a simple story and I loved it to the core. I love kids movies as well old people character movies, my heart will melt when I see them struggle. I am really very happy to saw this rare Hong Kong movie and I am glad I picked particularly this.Andy Lau, vastly known name if anyone familiar with the Hong Kong movies. Many his movies are my favourites and goes this movie as well to that list. This movie is about the two normal people's relationships, an old maid and his young master. It was quite different, when maid turns too old left no strength to serve his owner what comes to her rescue is to repay for her long and faithful service she did. Like I said the movie get rid of the sappy melodrama and portrayed like that happening in a real environment.This movie does not have any twist and was very plain. The story development was steady and gives away the audience to where it is heading so if you are a smart enough you will get it before you finish watching it. This is the movie, the characters it had that make us to judge what we have done in our whole life, someday when we become old. This movie deserves an ovation and all the credits goes to the writers and the director. A must see movie.9/10

This has got to be one of the best films I seen this year. It's simply sensational, heartfelt and touching in every way. I can't see how anyone would call this movie pretentious. It's down to earth and nothing seems to be forced, even when it comes to bringing out the emotions. And it's far from being a cookie cutter or cardboard bonding film either. Instead it goes in a very realistic and believable direction but also wonderful at the same time. If anyone that view this film at least has a heart, I don't see how it can be viewed just completely negatively. Some might find a film like this boring, but I thoroughly enjoyed this film. And felt that this film actually gave me something to take with me when it was finished. It brings out the harshness and coldness of humanity, especially for the older people out there. But it also brings out a sense of warmth as well and above all hope. The plot revolves around a bond between Roger Leung(Andy Lau) a film producer who is picky and stuck-up and a servant that has been a maid for his family for multiple generations. And is played by Deanie Ip, this is probably my first time seeing Deanie Ip's performance and she is breathtaking. I could really believe the love, the tenderness and affection from the character. I wouldn't be surprised if she is like the Maryl Streep of China. I just wanted to reach out and give her a big hug. This film deserves every award it gets. And it's no wonder this was noted as one of the best films at the festival. It's a film that some people will experience at least somewhat in the future or already have. While watching this compelling and even inspiring film, I had a chance to reflect upon myself and my life a few times. Thus actually managed to take somethings from this film. It's a simple film with a lot of heart to it. Authentic emotions and relationships. Highly recommended to just about any viewers that has a heart. This film is also inspired by a true story and it's moving in every way. Looking forward to seeing Ann Hui's other works now. Beware though, it's a film that might stick with the audiences for weeks or even more. Although some might think it's too subtle and realistic for their taste, will at least take away something from the experience. This is a meaningful and worthwhile film, that gives a bit of a reflection on bonds, relationships and life.9.7/10

I seriously do not know why it took this movie so long to be in the cinemas. It is one of the defining works of the year and essentially a simple movie about simple and unexplored characters of Hong Kong people. Ms Ann Hui is truly at her very best once again. After winning awards for The Way We Were, Hui strikes the cord to the highest potential by casting Andy Lau and former box office queen of 80s Deanie Ip whose chemistry dates back to almost 23 years old in their last corroboration. It is truly a delight to sit through a movie like this and while this being one Hui's most accepted work to the general public; she never strays away from her principles and values. At its core, it is a film about human interactions, feelings, relationships and old age. One day, we will die and old age is a burning topic for the baby boomer's generation.Deanie Ip puts in a career defining performance and as she puts it, acting as an old lady is not difficult at all, as she is just playing herself. The manner she manages to make the audience enjoy her character the Chinese servant of Hong Kong family for 3 generations is impressive to say the least. Life is never easy and sometimes, we just tend to forget those people who work their life within behind the scene, with heart, soul and pure dedication. These are people who gave up on having a family of their own and instead spend their whole life raising other people's families. Nowadays, the loyalty and the servant and master relationships are a lot more different. As mentioned before, Ip's characters work so well because there is an underlying chemistry between Andy Lau and her. Lau puts in an underrated performance that doesn't allow him to overshadow the main character. It is a compliment that it is because of the understated manner Lau manages to approach his character that allows Deanie Ip's the spotlight and attention.A Simple Life has already won a lot of awards and not to mention plenty of admiration from a new league of fans young and old. Hui has been around a long time and has never strayed from the commercialism of Hong Kong cinema. To finally witness an Ann Hui film making splash at the box office is really as a good a feeling as watching a fine piece of cinema. In many ways this is a true and realistic look at simple aspects of life, characters and old age. It is this simplistic that makes Hui's films so different, enjoyable and ultimately touching. All in all, A Simple Life is a Hong Kong movie and more importantly a movie that takes us along the ride, respects those around us and allows the audience to reflect upon their own lives. Movies like these only comes along once in a generation and while this may not be Hui's best work, but in terms of balancing the needs of the Hong Kong people and her own vision, it is certainly the most accessible of her works. A fine piece of cinematic experience…Neo rates it 9/10www.thehkneo.com