Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching a very good dramatic movie. The movie is called “A Simple Life”. Although it is rated as a drama, this movie is not one of those tearjerking dramas. Rather, this movie portrays a beautiful friendship between a young man and an old woman who is well into her senior years.
The movie is in Chinese, but with English subtitles. It stars Andy Lau, as the young man, and Deanie Ip, as the old woman. Deanie Ip plays the role of an orphan from World War I, who was adopted into a family of 3 generations when she was still a young child. She worked as the family's maid while growing up while the older family members eventually died one after another - some due to old age died of natural causes, and some due to terminal illnesses, departed too soon.
The movie began with Andy Lau, being the only surviving member of the family, was still being cared for by Deanie Ip, the loyal family maid. She worked as his nanny while he was growing up, and now as she was approaching the age when she should be retiring she was still caring for Andy. Having lived a simple life, devoted to caring for the family, Deanie would still cook and clean, care for Andy as if he was her child. Despite her age, she would still make daily trips to the market to buy food for Andy and herself.
One day, Deanie suffered a stroke and must be hospitalized. Andy took her to the hospital, acted as her next of kin. He cared for her while she was in the hospital, helped her with the rehabilitation process until she could walk again with a cane. Time passes, and later as Deanie became older, Andy helped her use a walker. During the final years of her life, Andy also helped her adjust to a new phase of life in a nursing home where she would meet friends of her own age.
I am overwhelmed by the fine performance of Deanie Ip, who is actually a young woman, plays the role of a senior woman so well. She has won the best actress award for her role in the 68th Venice International Film Festival. In my opinion, the award was well-deserving.
I am impressed by this story. Although it doesn’t seem much of a storyline when I’m telling you this, the fine performances between Deanie Ip and Andy Lau in this meaningful movie surpass all those movies with a huge cast and huge expense. Sometimes, great movies that are simply acted out by just one or two people, and sometimes a few, are captivating enough to glue you to your seat. This movie is one good example!
This sounds like a good film to watch. Films and a simple storyline such as this would depend upon the performances of the actor and the actress to make the story worthwhile watching. I'm glad the female lead has won the best actress award. I shall look for this film later. Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks for this article in the story section. Sometimes the simplest stories are the best. I've always enjoyed international films in other languages that I can watch, thanks to subtitles. I often find these movies much better than the standard Hollywood fare.
I viewed the trailer and when I get a chance, we will both watch it together. I will check with snagfilms.com and see if they have it.
Ron
Reviewed by May Yu
7/3/2014
Sounds like a wonderful movie to watch! Thank you, Sandie, for sharing this!
