A Simple Life review

A gently moving Hong Kong Film Festival hit

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For 40 years Ah Tao (Deanie Ip) has been servant to a Hong Kong family. But gradually they’ve all moved to the States and now only Roger (Andy Lau), a middle-aged film producer, is left.

Then Ah Tao suffers a stroke...

Ann Hui’s film, a major hit at the Hong Kong Film Festival, traces the changes in their relationship as Ah Tao's health steadily deteriorates.

Gentle, moving but spurning all hint of sentimentality, A Simple Life is often funny and even joyful. And the loving, teasing interchanges between its stars (godmother and godson in real life) genuinely delight.

Philip Kemp
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