OllieSuave-007 In this Hong Kong Film Award winner (equivalent to an Oscar) for best picture, actress Cherie Chung stars as Hong Kong native Jennifer who moves to New York City to study for her Master's and reunite with her boyfriend Vincent (Danny Chan Bak-Keung). There, she meets distant relative Samuel Pang (Yun-Fat Chow), a street smart and wise-talking waiter-by-day and gambler-by-night, who helps Jennifer settle within her new life chapter. After Jennifer discovers Vincent was being unfaithful, Pang comes to the rescue and an unlikely and special bond forms.First of all, the cinematography by David Chung and James Hayman was stunning, brilliantly capturing the breeze, essence and falling leaves of autumn season and the busy, yet sometimes moody, atmosphere of New York City. I especially liked Pang's apartment pad situated under the darkness near the Brooklyn Bridge. You will get an instant feeling of the lifestyles of New Yorkers and the city's rich and poor surroundings.The screenplay by Alex Law and Chi-Yeuh Low was captivating as it makes you eager to follow the story and has moments that capture your heart, including the parts where Jennifer tries to make up to Pang for her childish behavior after her break-up with Vincent and when Pang helps culture-shocked Jennifer get adjusted to life in New York. The chemistry between the two are touching.In addition to the drama and romance, there are bits of humor, sweetness and lightheartedness in the story and make you appreciate the film and enables you to relate to the characters. Also, Lowell Lo's music score is charming, Mabel Cheung's direction is solid and the overall acting is superb. True talent is depicted here as Chow Yun-Fat, known for his action films, can pull off real drama, and Cherie Chung's acting is simply to the greatest degree.I don't want to reveal the story too much, except to conclude that this is more of a movie where a woman meets a man and a special relationship forms. There are enough plot twists and surprises to make this a very distinguished tale.Grade A

kjh I saw this movie more than ten years ago, but I still rememberthe feeling I had, when I was walking out of the theater. It was 1989, July in Seoul.Incredibly beautiful cinematography combined with great music made this masterpiece out of tale-like story. In additon to Camera works and composing, you can see Chow Yoonfat's great acting of describing a guy with humble and pure spirit.This beautiful movie may not impress you, but...if you have a chance to go to New York, please stroll along the fifth avenue...it will remind you the humble smile of Samuel(Chow Yoonfat).

kfh1 This is one of the most unforgettable movies I have ever seen. The plot was superb and the acting was brilliant. The story was simple but real and touching. You can so easily relate to the characters yourself making it a magical experience to watch it.Perhaps I am a little biased but I am sure even non-Chinese can understand the feelings portrayed behind the movie. In my opinion, this is still the best film that Chow Yun Fat has ever casted in.

leighm A warm, sweet film about the love between a simple man and a shy young woman adjusting to life outside her family and upbringing. Very understated with many touching and funny moments.A young woman named Jennifer leaves Hong Kong to study in the USA with her boyfriend. Upon her arrival she meets "Figurehead", who is watching out for his "4th aunt's 13th cousin". Jennifer is cultured and refined, 180 degrees away from Figgy as he is called, a former sailor who is now a waiter in Chinatown. Though he is crude and uncouth he is faithful and kind, unlike Jennifer's cheating boyfriend.After seeing her through homesickness, a bit of culture shock and a broken heart, Figgy falls for Jennifer... but of course there are complications and that's basically what this movie is about: the complexities of love.Chow Yun-Fat gives a great performance as Figgy - while he is often lauded for his action roles, he is under-appreciated as a dramatic and comedic actor. Cherie Chung is superlative as usual.This film won Best Picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1988, and Chow and Chung were both nominated as Best Actor and Actress, respectively.A beautifully shot film, directed with style and humanity. Good for the entire family.