My Dad is a Jerk
This sweet – but not saccharine – film is very
predictable for the most part – like putting on a pair of old shoes - but
that doesn’t stop it from being an enjoyable stop to make. It’s not all
that funny or all that dramatic - just an enjoyable slice of life about
a few people and a few meaningful weeks in their lives. The acting from
everyone is very natural and believable.
Lau Ching-Wan is a man who has never really
grown up. At heart he is still a kid. His nickname is “Sloping Shoulders”
because he shrugs off all responsibility. He is a parking attendant at
a Karaoke and one evening his past touches him on those sloping shoulder.
His ex-wife Cecilia Yip who has immigrated to Canada comes back to HK to
ask him to take care of their 10-year old son for two weeks. LCW hasn’t
seen him for years and initially can’t even remember his name, but agrees
to look after him. Cecilia Yip is only in a few scenes – but she is absolutely
terrific and looks great.
The rest of the film is simply about the relationship
that develops between Dad and son and the coming of age of LCW. Hsu Chi
is his “girlfriend” who drops in from time to time, but can’t get any sign
of commitment from LCW. Their relationship also takes on new depth in the
ensuing weeks. When I thought the film was nearly at an end, the director
throws an unnecessary melodramatic curve ball at us, but the film still
works for the most part.
I don’t care what people may say about her acting
ability, Hsu Chi is a pleasure to watch in this film. She is just so natural
– just watch her carefully – she is always doing something interesting
with her body movement or face. You always get the feeling that she just
loves doing the work she does.
My rating for this film: 6.5
