Even though the vast majority of western viewers
first got into HK cinema because of the incredible action films and action
stars, at some point they will discover that HK has quality films of every
genre. There are many films that will touch your heart and perhaps make
you cry. Here are some of my very favorite romantic love stories.
-
A Fishy Story - this is a lovely fairy
tale based on Breakfast at Tiffanys. Maggie Cheung is delightful and never
lovelier as the Holly Golightly character. This film is pure class and
charm.
-
Roof with a View - Tony Leung Ka-Fai and
Veronica Yip are lonely next door neighbors who are just meant for one
another.
-
Lost and Found - Kelly Chan discovers that
she is dying and then embarks on a journey of discovery and love in this
incredibly touching film.
-
Fly Me to Polaris - as emotionally manipulative
as this film may be, it is hard to not fall into its sentimental clutches.
A dead man has five days to spend on earth to see the woman he loves -
but he can't tell her who he was. Cecilia Cheung is perfect as the object
of his love.
-
Shanghai Blues - one of the most joyful
films I have ever seen. Two strangers meet under a bridge during war time,
fall in love and promise to meet after the war. This film will both move
you and make you laugh uncontrollably at times.
-
Love in the Time of Twilight - delightful
and very amusing love story of two people fated for one another - but first
he has to die and come back in time for them to realize this.
-
Dream Lovers - Chow Yun Fat and Brigitte
Lin play two couples - one long ago in the past and their re-incarnated
souls in the present. They begin to dream of their past lives and have
to come to terms with what this means.
-
An Autumn's Tale - Chow Yun Fat stars in
another wonderfully poignant and heartfelt romance. Cherie Chung comes
to America and initially looks down on her somewhat uncouth distant cousin
- but slowly they come to realize how much they mean to one another.
-
He's a Woman, She's a Man - this UFO production
hits all the right notes and the result is an exuberant story of finding
love among a great deal of sexual and gender confusion.
-
Eight Taels of Gold - one generally would
not think of Sammo Hung as a romantic lead, but he is perfect in this bittersweet
tale of love and lost opportunities.
-
City of Glass - this is a beautifully produced
film of two lovers - Hsu Chi and Leon Lai - who die in the first scene
of the movie. The film then goes back in time and traces the ups and downs
of their relationship over many years. It is very nostalgic and very touching
at times.
-
King of Comedy - this Stephen Chow film
focuses more on character and relationships than any of his previous films
and the results are charming, funny and thoroughly enjoyable. Cecila Chung
is simply amazing in her debut film as a hostess girl with a heart of gold.