“Dad” tells the story of a husband and father’s virtually unimaginable grief, a touching drama primarily based on the true story of a 15-year-old boy whose mom and sister have been murdered in 2010 and shocked Hong Kong. The director’s efficiency of “Daddy” is inconspicuous however packs a strong emotional punch – lending depth and complexity to its protagonist’s unwavering dedication to nonetheless love his son and perceive what prompted this tragedy. With professional tonal management of a non-linear script that tells the aftermath of against the law and examines the love story that birthed this household, writer-director Philip Ong has crafted this well-crafted movie that ought to discover an enormous viewers when it opens in Hong Kong of Appreciation on December 5, following its world premiere in Tokyo.
A dramatic change of tempo from the slick, trashy slickness of his fact-based 2022 cop-and-triad saga The place the Wind Blows, Dad continues Yung’s curiosity in real-life crime tales, together with Produced “Sparring Companions”. Right here, he will get nearer to the tone of his 2015 hit “Port of Name,” which tells the story of a teenage woman’s homicide. An exploratory examination of human responses to horrific acts of violence, the movie emerges as a examine of an unusual man with extraordinary reserves of stoicism and love.
Yuan (Liu), a quiet man who discovered love and began elevating a household later than most of his family and friends, is first seen opening the enterprise he and his spouse Yin (Gu) arrange within the bustling Tsuen District. A 24-hour restaurant run by Zhuo Shi. The explanation he was so gradual to arrange the tables and chairs was as a result of the police have been in his condo throughout the road. That morning, his 15-year-old son Ming (performed by Su Hao) killed his mom and sister Grace (performed by Hong Li’er) with a meat cleaver with out warning.
In accordance with Ming, who’s captivated with environmental points and animal welfare, he took motion after voices in his head instructed him the earth was overcrowded and killing folks. “Dad thought he wasn’t taking excellent care of me and that is why I did it, however that is not the case – it might have occurred anyway,” Ming instructed the trial. It was not till later that the boy’s psychological situation was clearly recognized. That is essential for the viewers to attach with Yuan and perceive how he is ready to keep his love for his son whereas coping with that unexplainable guilt.
Chapter titles with the names of relations take us again to the previous and the long run. As Yuan goes by means of the horrific technique of arranging a funeral and rebuilding his life, flashbacks reveal his endearing romance with Yin, a waitress at his restaurant who’s kind-hearted and captivated with life and would not care how a lot older he’s than she is . In a usually pleasant scene from their relationship, they lease a karaoke room at daybreak on their wedding ceremony day. The arrival of Ming and Grace, and the calls for of operating a 24-hour enterprise, present that Yuen might not use many phrases and will be awkward at occasions in his methods as a father, however his love for his household is deep and actual.
At present, Yuan is attempting to be taught extra about psychological sickness and the way this can assist him deal with Ming. In a heartbreaking second lengthy after the horrific occasions, Yuan exhibits his vulnerability as he sheds tears of disgrace after hiring an escort and being robbed by his employer earlier than it occurred. Right here and in lots of different quick movies, Jung creates a vivid impression of a person attempting to cope with the unfathomable and discover a method ahead. Significantly poignant is Yuan’s go to to the psychological jail the place Ming is being held, and in his seek for solutions and hope, each phrase or motion is valuable.
Yung transitions seamlessly between previous and current, creating one thing nearer to a stream of consciousness than a conventional story. Expertise performs an enormous function, with the nice and cozy amber tones and use of gradual movement from way back contrasting with the flatter, extra formal look of the current. Yuan’s isolation is emphasised by the intelligent use of slender depth-of-field pictures. He’s typically seen with sharp focus whereas the folks and objects round him are blurry. At different occasions, Yung begins sequences which might be out of focus, slowly constructing a sharpness that is excellent for the emotional influence.
Andy Lau has excelled in Hong Kong movies, from 1986’s “Silence of Love” to the more moderen “The Future Warriors,” and that is one in all his most interesting roles. Andy Lau’s impeccable efficiency as a person who would not speak a lot and would not categorical a lot emotion leaves the viewers in little question that there’s heartbreaking unhappiness and ache hidden behind his outwardly calm and cautious look.
