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You would need to have a very cold heart to not enjoy this sincere musical drama from Hong Kong. The film follows a single parent in an indie band as she navigates the unexpected return of her estranged rocker father, who left her when she was just a child twenty years ago. This heartwarming and engaging story celebrates the healing power of music and the opportunity for new beginnings. However, I did find some aspects to be a bit unrealistic and idealistic in its portrayal of music’s ability to mend old wounds. It suggests that a few emotional chords can easily erase years of pain and resentment, which may not always be the case in real life.
Singer Kay Tse stars as Cat, the frontwoman of Band Four and a single mother to her young and talented daughter, Riley (played by Rondi Chan). Cat has cared for her own mother during her illness, and at her funeral, her father King appears. Standing at only five feet tall with a ponytail, sunglasses, and a leather jacket, King is a former rockstar. The role is played effortlessly by real-life musician Teddy Robin Kwan, who brings a sense of genuine remorse beneath his confident exterior. King returns to reconcile with Cat and reveals a surprise – a teenage daughter who is Cat’s half-sister. Despite feeling angry, Cat’s daughter Riley quickly warms up to her new grandfather and aunt.
When you realize that all four members of the family are musically talented and Cat’s band is falling apart, it’s clear where the story is headed. Unfortunately, director Mo Lai Yan-chi tries too hard to evoke emotions and adds on tragic histories and complex relationships. However, the film still manages to have a genuine warmth and charm. I couldn’t resist its unashamedly romantic tone and the heartwarming conclusion focused on finding happiness within the family rather than love or fame. However, despite featuring real musicians, the songs in the film are unmemorable and lackluster.
Source: theguardian.com
