This film is essentially about a guy that falls in love with a girl in a foreign place, somehow marries a former lover and in the end loses it all (well almost all). The first half of the film is mainly about the relationship development between the two "comrades". Since I am not a fan of either actor to me it seems to drag on for quite some time on specific details (one about a very popular singer) which would prove to be significant later on. Chinese in their thirties should relate to some of the historical events. All the sentimental stuff happens in the second half, some perhaps on the least likely of characters. As usual Maggie Cheung is brilliant with her subtle brand of acting. In my point of view, the circumstances where the two surviving characters meet again sporadically after splitting up seem somewhat far-fetched but so sweet you should give them a break. In general it manages to avoid pointless sentiment, innocous humor and yet comes up with a bittersweet ending that is dramatic yet humble. I like "The Umbrella Story" from last year more because it is much gushier and there is more going on (more characters to relate to) but I could understand if an older audience said this movie had better taste.
Review of Comrades: Almost a Love Story
