Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you’re a Julian Cheung or Charmaine Sheh fan.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 103 minutes (~1.75 hours)
“Return of the Cuckoo (十月初五的月光)” is the film adaptation of the 2000 Hong Kong drama of the same name. It’s a continuation of the drama series, which sees the return of Kwan Ho and the impact it has on everyone’s lives. It stars Julian Cheung (Man Cho), Charmaine Sheh (Chuk Kwan Ho), Nancy Sit (Aunty Q), Joe Chen (Kiki), and Michael Tong (Kam Sing).
“Return of the Cuckoo (十月初五的月光)” is difficult to grasp at first if you didn’t watch the original drama series in 2000 as it starts with the entire ensemble in the first few scenes. Fortunately, it focuses on the two leads for the bulk of the film, so it becomes easier to follow. Still, it’s not a film that you can easily watch without any prior context, and that is probably the biggest flaw of what is a pretty decent romantic drama.
Highlights
Kwan Ho’s journey
The first half of the film depicts Kwan Ho’s adaptation to her new circumstances, and her difficulties in this new situation. She’s in a very different state from the second half of the movie, which is presumably her default temperament in the original series itself. She manages to overcome the unforeseen changes and eventually goes back to her normal self, which is a cathartic moment because she’s been keeping it in for the entire first Act. You’ll want to root for her after seeing what she’s been through, and that’s makes her characterisation so engaging.
Romantic moments
During Man Cho and Kwan Ho’s scenes in the first Act, as he’s helping her to get over the events that have occurred between the original series and the film, they have numerous moments together that make for good flashback scenes. They are scenic, impactful and emotional, which is what makes this drama so memorable. Even the scenes between other couples also share this romanticisation, making the theme of love a very idyllic ideal in this film.
Fast-paced
As with any Hong Kong drama, the twists come fast and furious, and the characters almost never get a respite in terms of having peaceful lives. They take you on an emotional roller coaster, especially with the last few twists in the final Act. Suffice to say, there’s never a dull moment in the film, and it truly lives up to being a drama.
Letdowns
Dated soundtrack
If there’s one thing in the movie that truly takes you back in time, it’s the music. With horrendously dramatic crescendos at any significant turn, subtlety is thrown out the window. Even if you don’t understand what’s happening, just closing your eyes and listening to the soundtrack is enough for you to figure out what’s happening. It’s old fashioned, and perhaps the only aspect of the film that hasn’t been updated from 2000.
No proper introduction of the characters
You’re thrown into the show with just a short montage, and can barely get a grasp on all the characters that they throw at you afterwards. It alienates you from the movie, ostracising you for not watching the original drama. It eventually focuses on the two leads, which helps, but it still takes a while to get over the confusing introduction.
“Return of the Cuckoo (十月初五的月光)” is a romantic drama that tugs at the heart strings, with a pair of star-crossed lovers that grow on you. Their happy ending is jeopardised by multiple factors, but you’ll have to watch it for yourself to find out what eventually happens.
“Return of the Cuckoo (十月初五的月光)” opens in cinemas 12 November, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was first published on Yahoo.
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