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Love on West Lake

lau kit wai

A crowd favourite at The 29th Hong Kong International Film Festival, A West Lake Moment explores the fleeting nature of love.

Mainland actress Zhou Xun plays the owner of a teahouse at West Lake, one of China's top tourist attractions. She comes across a scriptwriter (Chen Kun) who is about to get married but has doubts about his relationship.

The plot is simple and predictable: the two young people fall in love, separate and reunite against all odds. Renowned Hong Kong director Yim Ho spices up the old-fashioned story with humorous details that reflect young people's loneliness in contemporary China.

While the two characters appear cool and independent, deep down they feel lost and anxious.

Yim's excellent cinematography presents the mesmerising scenery without it interfering with the narrative. The visuals are poetic, and the music - composed by Yan Xiang - is atmospheric.

Yim's son Yan stars in the film as Zhou's best friend. His character, who offers unconditional support to Zhou, demonstrates what love is all about: the ability to give without needing to take.

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