So much average

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

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

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

Ah Tao, an old maid in Hong Kong who have served Roger's family for four generations suffering stroke that make her deciding to retire and move into old people's place. She recover her stroke there, learns many thing and also is treated well. Every once a week, her master Roger visits her and accompanies her to take a walk. Sometimes, Roger's mom also comes to visit Ah Tao and bring her many useful things. Roger's family really love Ah Tao and feel thankful after what she has done for them about 60 years long by taking care of their family. 'A Simple Life' have shown that a simple story could give good impression and enjoyable to watch. The storyline is not complicated at all, the movie goes on slowly and very detail. Ann Hui as a director tries to make it safe and straight without any meaningful conflicts which sometimes could make audience feels bored watching it. The relationship between Roger and Ah Tao built really well, it shows how they support and take care one another even sometimes telling jokes. Credits should be given to Andy Lau and Deannie Yip, their acting is so natural as two characters who has known each other for a long time. Overall, 'A Simple Life' is a memorable Chinese movie I've seen recently. Actually I felt exhausted during watching 'A Simple Life' because of it's slow plot but when I rewind what I just saw, the movie isn't bad at all and has so much lesson to be learned from it. It teaches audience to respect and appreciate people who has done good things in lives and not forgetting their merit.

'A simple life' is a film about human kindness. About caring for others. About harmonious human relationships. Does this sound cheesy? It's not meant that way. The film shows how caring for one another can make a difference, but it's never sentimental and there's no tear jerking at all. The story centres around A Tao, a housekeeper who cooks and cleans for film producer Roger, who is not married and travels a lot. When returning home from one of his travels from Hong Kong to mainland China, A Tao doesn't open the door. She has had a stroke and after her stay in the hospital, she moves to an old people's home. Roger visits her regularly and gradually they become closer. At the start of the movie they are employer and employee, at the end they are friends. Director Ann Hui shows this process with small, symbolic scenes. When A Tao serves Roger his food in one of the first scenes, only one word is spoken, when she asks him to move something on the table to make room for the dish she has prepared. The contrast with another key scene, later on in the movie, is huge. After A Tao has recovered from the stroke, Roger takes her to the first screening of his new film and introduces her to movie stars as his godmother. Afterwards, they walk away hand in hand, chattering affectionately about the film business. A Tao visibly enjoys this party, and the attention she receives from her 'godson'. This is just one of the examples of the wonderful acting by Deannie Yip, a famous actress in the Hong Kong film industry but unknown to the rest of the world. In this film, she seemingly effortlessly plays A Tao first as a humble servant, then as a physically handicapped patient and also as a coquettish lady. How wonderful it must have been for her to receive a 'best actress'-award at the Venice Film Festival for her part as A Tao. The film focuses on the relationship between Roger and A Tao, and the development of their mutual appreciation. Apart from that, not much really happens. There are some humorous little scenes that will make you smile, as well as some more emotional ones. This is a slow and low-profile film, to be appreciated by a typical art-house audience.