2003, Romance
Director: Carol Lai
Starring: Karena Lam, Ekin Cheng, Liu Ye

Maan (Karena Lam) visits the city of Qingdao in search of a landscape sketched by her dead boyfriend Sam (Ekin Cheng). She moves into a guesthouse with one of Sam’s relatives. She soon meets a local postman Lit (Liu Ye) who decides to help her find the place. Of course he starts falling for her who doesn’t seem to share his affection.

This is one of the best films I have seen in 2003. I absolutely loved it. I truly adore it. Thinking about this film puts a smile on my face. Sure the story is nothing new. The girl thinking about her ex, and meeting another man. It is quite simple. Simplicity of the story and complexity of emotion are what elevate this film to top level and separate from ones of this genre. I must give it to director Carol Lai for not falling into the pit and not creating mandatory romantic film. The rhythm of the film is quite slow as Maan’s emotion unfolds. Beautifully photographed images are there to help creating mood for Maan lingering to the past. And once again Karena Lam carries the weight of the film entirely. She delivers genuine performance, most natural, most charming, most realistic performance to date. There are so many silent moments in the film. She doesn’t try to make her feelings obvious at all. She always manages to express very subtle emotions.

This film is not for everyone. Simplicity of the story, slow paced, and lots of silent moments may not convince you to watch it all the way. But if you are out searching for realistic romantic film, search no more.

Shogo is an award-award winning filmmaker currently hard at work on a new project. Asian Fever is his weekly column devoted to Asian cinema and related topics.