A Simple Life
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Foreign, Drama
Street Date: February 26, 2013
Available On: DVD and Blu-ray

The Film: Roger (Andy Lau) is a successful film producer who lives in Hong Kong with his family’s longtime servant Ah Tao (Deanie Ip). When Roger returns from a two-day business trip and discovers that Ah Tao has suffered a stroke he is compelled to serve her as she transitions into an old people’s home.

The Extras: Trailers

Recommendation: Old people make me anxious, even in films. So when I say that I enjoyed “A Simple Life,” even though it has numerous scenes in a cramped old people’s home, it’s a testament to Ann Hui’s talent as a director and the fantastic performances from Andy Lau and Deanie Ip. Lau and Ip give a playful tenderness that transcends the dialogue (or subtitles). They embody the roles so fully that you don’t need spoken words to understand the affection and respect that exists between the two characters. It is simply beautiful. “A Simple Life” is a rare and precious film. I feel fortunate to have seen it.

-Ryan Michael Painter