R E V I E W :    Bakery Amour 

Reviewed 4/5/01 | Background | Movie Review | DVD Review | Recommendation

Background 

Universe / 2001 / 101 minutes
Directed by Steven Lo (Law Git-Sing)
Written by Canny Leung Chi-San

Steven Lo (AKA Law Git-Sing according to the Hong Kong Movie Database) directed two films several years ago. He has also "presented" a number of films between 1992-94 as part of the production company Wing Go Din Ying Yau Haan Gung Shut.

The film opened in Hong Kong cinemas on February 14, 2001 (that's right, Valentine's Day) and grossed a modest HK $1.8 million.

Movie: plot, performances, production, rating

Plot: Lok To recommends a newly-vacated apartment in her building to her friend, Chanty. On the same day, her boyfriend Gala, away at a job in France for the past year, writes and tells her that he is breaking up with her because she never responded to any of his previous 99 letters. The problem is that Lok To never received the letters. After Chanty and his uncle Jet move into the upstairs apartment, Jet discovers the letters and reads them. Feeling guilty when he realizes who Lok To is, Jet abandons his plan to open a detective house (he is from a rural village); instead he buys a bakery shop and asks Lok To to run it (she is recently unemployed but used to work in the shop) so that she and Gala can reunite. Inevitably, however, Jet begins falling for her. What will happen when Gala returns?

Performances: As Uncle Jet, Francis Ng Chun-Yu displays a gentle spirit and tender vulnerabilities. He is shy, insecure, and uncertain about his own emotions. It's a lovely performance. The beautiful Michelle Reis is more certain about her feelings but still insecure about her relationships. Her performance is nuanced and subtle. Contributing fine support are William So Wing-Hong as the young and confident Chanty, Conroy Chan Chi-Chung as the not-as-bad-as-he-initially-appears Gala, and Stephanie Che Yuen Yuen as Ching Wai, another woman who enters the picture solely to complicate matters.

Production: The direction is kept simple and straight forward. The script allows the two main characters to develop while giving the supporting players interesting parts to play. The story's trajectory does not break any new ground and is not particularly fresh, but the dialogue sounded natural and unforced. Occasional and welcome humor is also found in unexpected places. The fact that the film itself is not overly cute or annoying was a definite plus. The rather plain cinematography (nothing flashy or colorful) is by Chan Chi Ying. The fine musical score, which avoids cliches, is by Leung Wai Kin; in addition, some interesting songs are mixed in at various points.

Rating: Category I. No sex or violence, and very limited profanity.

DVD: look, sound, subtitles, and features

Look: The letterboxed (1.85:1) presentation looks good. Black levels are sufficiently deep, colors are rendered fairly accurately, and flesh tones look natural. Much of the time, however, the images do not appear particularly sharp, almost as if the source print was left outside overnight. Indeed, much dirt and a few blemishes are evident - very surprising considering that the film was released in cinemas just a couple of months ago.

Sound: I listened to the DD 5.1 Cantonese audio track and it sounded fine. But mono would probably sound good - the nature of this quiet drama will not tax any sound system. Also available is a DD 5.1 Mandarin audio track.

Subtitles: The removable white (with black backing) English subtitles are easy to read and well-timed. Also available are traditional and simplified Chinese subtitles.

Features: Eight chapters can be selected from a full-motion video clip menu. Stars' files are provided for Francis Ng and Michelle Reis. Two trailers for the film are included.

Buy, rent, or pass?

Rent. Open hearted performances by Francis Ng and Michelle Reis highlight a gentle and quiet love story. Nothing earth-shaking, but worth a look.

 

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