A Simple Life

A Simple Life is a heart-warming drama that explores the profound themes of ageing, family, and the often neglected underclass of society. Released in 2011 and directed by Ann Hui, the film stars superstar actors Andy Lau and Deannie Ip, alongside other notable cast members such as Hailu Qin.

A Simple Life tells an emotionally intense story set amid the urban landscapes of Hong-Kong. Ah Tao, played by Deannie Ip, has dutifully served four generations of the Leung family as a maid for sixty years. Ah Tao grew up in an orphanage and started as a child maid in the Leung household, moving with its members from Guangdong to Hong Kong in the 1950s. Roger Leung, impressively portrayed by Andy Lau, a film producer, is the only member of the family left in Hong Kong who still shares a house with Ah Tao.

In this historically rich context, the relationship between Ah Tao and Roger is drawn with textured layers of familial bond, a deep respect, and a delicate fondness for one another. Ah Tao is not treated as a servant by Roger; instead, they interact more as close friends or even family. In this domestic oasis in the middle of bustling Hong Kong, Ah Tao is still preparing meals for Roger and taking care of all his daily needs in the house.

Their quiet lives get shaken up when Ah Tao suffers a stroke, leading her to make the decision to retire and move into a local nursing home. Despite her insistence that Roger should not be burdened by her condition, Roger reciprocates the loyalty she has shown to his family over the years and stands firmly by her side, trying to make her transition and life as comfortable as possible. It's a symbolic swapping of roles, as he now must care for her and decide what's best for her health and happiness.

In the nursing home, Ah Tao encounters a variety of elders each with their comic or tragic life stories. These individuals show her different facets of ageing – financial difficulties, loneliness, unhappiness with their adult children or the simple longing for death. This element of the film adeptly illumines the darker aspects of ageing through a lens of compassionate realism.

However, A Simple Life is not a film that reeks of melancholy. Instead, it nourishes subtle humor and heart, achieving a balance by focusing on the positive aspects of human connection, compassion, and the inherent beauty in everyday life. The dynamic between Ah Tao and Roger retains a sense of lightness and sincere affection, further humanising the narrative.

Director Ann Hui's sensitive touch expertly brings out the emotional richness and warmth of the narrative. Hui sensitively deals with the subject of ageing, often filling the film with silent, thoughtful moments that allow the audience to introspect on the themes of the film.

Deannie Ip delivers an exceptionally convincing and profoundly moving performance as Ah Tao, winning her Best Actress awards at several international film festivals. Andy Lau matches her with his equally engaging performance as Roger, their bond a heart of this exceptional film. The nuanced chemistry between these primary characters will make you laugh and cry, often simultaneously.

The film also stands out for its excellent production design, which brings to life the contrast between the fast-paced, metropolitan Hong Kong lifestyle and the quieter, slower life within the nursing home. Cinematographically, the film uses a naturalistic visual style, which is largely shot in real locations, enhancing immersion and authenticity of the narrative.

A Simple Life is not just a film but an emotional journey that delivers a beautifully crafted, sensitive portrayal of ageing, companionship, and human connection. This movie reminds us to value and respect those relationships in our lives that are often taken for granted, while subtly hinting at the broader issues of society's often indifferent attitudes towards the elderly.

In sum, A Simple Life is a beautifully quiet yet compelling film that manages to be in equal parts emotional, heart-warming, and contemplative. Its themes are universal, dealing with ageing and the dignity of life, making it a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It's a film that reminds us that sometimes the simplest lives can tell the deepest stories.