#michael hui

Literally the only time Kyo’s age ever betrayed him

Chinese Box dir. Wayne Wang. Trimark Pictures. 1997. 

Made and set at the time of the Hong Kong handover, Chinese Box consists of nearly a dozen distinct, loosely interlocked stories delving into the personal griefs and intimate relationships of various characters set against the backdrop of stirring political restlessness of the People’s Republic of China’s regained possession of Hong Kong. The film stars Jeremy Irons as John, a reporter seeking to draw out extraordinary scenes from mundane street photography; Gong Li as Vivian, a woman trying to find new balance in life and forget past pains; Maggie Cheung as Jean, who unhappily understands the vast inequities of the drifting, impatient qualities of modern Hong Kong; and Michael Hui as Chang, a man hiding weak and duplicitous character behind nominal power and wealth.

Chinese Box swings, airborne and uncertain, with its characters seeking purchase and security that seems unattainable in Hong Kong’s characteristic fast-paced agitations. Resolution and comfort in facing prejudiced tradition, meaning in daily life, and ultimate mortality are left half-resolved, like a breath caught at the inhale.