Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect is a delightful, funny, and poignant film from director Bertha Bay-Sa Pan that skillfully marries elements of romantic comedy and family drama to portray a story that is far from typical yet richly relatable. Released in 2011, the film stars the gifted Christina Chang, Kelly Hu, and Natalie Gold.

Vanessa (played by Kelly Hu), the film's protagonist, is a smart, successful, and beautiful woman on the verge of turning forty. As a popular author of teen romance novels, Vanessa seems to have the perfect life, replete with a glittering career and lavish lifestyle in glamorous Manhattan. However, she longs for something more meaningful - a partner to share her happiness with. Consequently, she ventures into the dating scene hoping to find the ideal life partner.

After a series of amusing and puzzling encounters, Vanessa crosses paths with Dwayne Sung (played by Ivan Shaw), an ambitious lawyer who is charming, handsome, and, according to her checklist, 'almost perfect'. The chemistry between Vanessa and Dwayne is palpable from the outset and they embark on a whirlwind romance. Their relationship, while passionate and fulfilling, is forced to navigate the complex real-world challenges and compromises that relationships often necessitate.

In a parallel narrative, the film explores Vanessa's relationship with her family. This dynamic includes her mother (played by Christina Chang), father (played by Edison Chen), and her two siblings - the older, and quintessentially perfect, Andy (played by Roger Rees) and the well-meaning but directionless Charlie (played by Natalie Gold). The screenplay beautifully encapsulates the essence of familial love, complete with its warmth, humor, and occasional discord. Vanessa's equation with her family adds an extra layer of depth to her character and to the overall story.

Further complications ensue as Vanessa attempts to find balance in her complex world, grappling with her escalating career, a new romantic relationship, and her often demanding family dynamics. Each aspect of her life presents its own set of challenges and Vanessa must find ways to make sense of it all. These multifaceted aspects of her life converge, testing her resilience and forcing her to confront the essence of what makes life not just about having it all but making it all work.

Almost Perfect is not just a story of one woman's quest for love and balance; it is also a narrative about the complexities of life, where expectations and reality often collide spectacularly. With a backdrop that transitions effortlessly from the upmarket sophistication of Manhattan to the familiarity of home, the film reveals layered emotions, thwarted ambitions, and unforgettable lessons.

Over the course of the film, Vanessa transforms. She matures from a woman yearning for perfection in every aspect of her life, to an individual who appreciates the beauty of imperfections: in people, in relationships and in life. The film beautifully captures this journey of self-discovery and growth, adding an element of profundity to the light-hearted comedy.

Kelly Hu, with her charismatic on-screen presence, brings a palpable authenticity to Vanessa’s character. She executes the role with a balance of wit, vulnerability, and charm that makes her performance utterly captivating. She is superbly supported by other members of the cast. Christina Chang, as Vanessa's overbearing yet tender-hearted mother, and Natalie Gold, as her younger, somewhat lost sister, contribute notably to the portrayal of a complex yet endearing family dynamic.

Almost Perfect is a charming film with a heartwarming narrative and an array of interesting, relatable characters. It is an appealing mix of humor, drama and romance that successfully explores the multi-faceted nature of life, portraying the journey of a woman we can all relate to, in one way or another. This film is not only about the quest for an ‘almost perfect’ life, but also the acceptance, and celebration, of life’s inherent imperfections. In all, it’s a film that will entertain, inspire, and touch the viewer’s heart, offering both depth and laughter in equal measure.