I would be the first to admit that I didn't have high hope about this movie. My first reaction upon hearing this movie is that it is just another nagging movie. And since I am an overseas-born and raised Chinese Canadian who didn't move to Canada till midway through my adolescent years, I have to confess that I don't have much sympathy toward those who were born in Canada or moved here when they were very young. I had always felt that they were a lucky bunch, since they didn't have to go through what I'd been struggling through. Hence I was blind to see their problems and the challenges they face in their lives. Gradually, as I grew older I was able to realize this. Therefore, 5 years after its release I finally have a chance (and am willing) to view this movie.
Although the plot shouldn't have been surprising and unfamiliar to most Chinese living outside the Chinese region, what I think that makes this movie stands out is on the ways how the director expressed each ideas. For instance, I am touched on how Mina Shum portrays the ideal date set up by the parents-successful PROFESSIONALS who always drive a nice car (mama's good boys as well): at the later portion of the movie, this ideal date(or mate as the parents would hope for) was represented only by his back and his car-he didn't even talk. By doing this, the director really sends out the message that it doesn't matter who you date since these guys are all the same in general; in a way one can even argue that in Chinese philosophy, the existence of affection and marriage are based on material access.
Anyway I don't want to turn this comment into a debate of Chinese value vs. the West. Back to the movie: I do think Mina Shum did a very good job in presenting her concepts and ideas in this movie, though I have trouble understanding one screen in which a waiter spilled water all over Jade's set up date-that really puzzle me;maybe some of you can solve this for me.
Before I wrap up this comment, I just want to point out that the Li's family sort of represent the whole Chinese community combined-but not the individual family; I mean I am sure that most family would only act in few similar ways as does the Li's family in Double Happiness, but most family don't act in all the ways being described by the movie (I hope not)...but then I guess you guys would notice that too....well I would make these comments just in case.
Although the plot shouldn't have been surprising and unfamiliar to most Chinese living outside the Chinese region, what I think that makes this movie stands out is on the ways how the director expressed each ideas. For instance, I am touched on how Mina Shum portrays the ideal date set up by the parents-successful PROFESSIONALS who always drive a nice car (mama's good boys as well): at the later portion of the movie, this ideal date(or mate as the parents would hope for) was represented only by his back and his car-he didn't even talk. By doing this, the director really sends out the message that it doesn't matter who you date since these guys are all the same in general; in a way one can even argue that in Chinese philosophy, the existence of affection and marriage are based on material access.
Anyway I don't want to turn this comment into a debate of Chinese value vs. the West. Back to the movie: I do think Mina Shum did a very good job in presenting her concepts and ideas in this movie, though I have trouble understanding one screen in which a waiter spilled water all over Jade's set up date-that really puzzle me;maybe some of you can solve this for me.
Before I wrap up this comment, I just want to point out that the Li's family sort of represent the whole Chinese community combined-but not the individual family; I mean I am sure that most family would only act in few similar ways as does the Li's family in Double Happiness, but most family don't act in all the ways being described by the movie (I hope not)...but then I guess you guys would notice that too....well I would make these comments just in case.