Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity

Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity, a film directed by Mina Shum and released in 2002, stars Sandra Oh, Valerie Tian, and Ric Young. It is a brilliantly woven comical drama, infusing romance, mysticism, and cultural traditions into a heartwarming story, making it a delightful journey, spanning emotional growth, cultural exploration, and personal transformation.

In the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, the film’s main plot revolves around twelve-year-old Mindy Lum (Valerie Tian), a Chinese-Canadian girl in quest of good luck for her hardworking, single mother, Kin Ho Lum, played by Sandra Oh, who gained international fame for her work on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. Kin, an unwilling believer in fate and luck, works as a waitress and struggles to get promoted as a bank officer while juggling motherhood.

Believing in the magic of Taoist mysticism, Mindy earnestly practises her own variety of spells and insights, hoping to change their fortunes. Mindy's unwavering belief and attempt to seek prosperity, longevity, and happiness for her mother, through the mystic ways, forms the central theme of the film. Notably, there is an interesting use of Chinese symbols and rituals that Mindy uses in her attempts to change their lives, serving as the film's cultural undercurrent and charm.

The film also introduces us to another significant character, Old Man Ru, brilliantly portrayed by Ric Young. Ru is trying to reconcile with his estranged son, and his interactions with Mindy steal the limelight in the film. Challenged by a language barrier, generational and cultural differences, their friendship grows remarkably. Weaving through the same journey of transformation as Mindy, Ru mirrors the same desire for reconciliation and connection in his storyline.

One of the film's striking aspects is its innovative use of magic realism. Although the film unfolds in a typical urban setting and deals with practical issues, there are moments of surrealism and magic. This approach beautifully blends in with the storyline and adds depth to Mindy's character, who is endearingly optimistic and naive, often cosmic in her attitudes. The visuals of enchanting spells and magical rituals transform the film’s ordinary landscape into a world enriched with mysticism, fantasy, and heartwarming humor.

Sandra Oh's performance as a struggling single mother is exceptional. With her on-point dialogue delivery and expressions that can range from tense to relaxed or dejected to hopeful, she manages to depict a wide array of emotions. Her character struggles but is stubbornly resistant to the belief in the power of magic and superstition, often clashing with her daughter’s worldviews. These interactions drive the essence of the narrative, exploring themes of hope, transformation, and love.

Valerie Tian impresses with her tender performance of an indomitable and spirited young girl who struggles with her constructed reality and who continuously nurtures her dreams, refusing to be hardened by the harsh realities around her.

Ric Young’s character is also a defining feature of the film. His subdued portrayal of a man in his twilight years, dealing with loneliness and memories of an estranged son, is remarkable. The nuanced portrayal gives depth to the storyline and enriches it further, adding multiple layers to the narrative.

In addition to the stellar performances, the film boasts of a powerful soundtrack that amplifies the characters' emotions and complements the film's magical elements. Visual aesthetics of the film are also worth noting. The sights and sounds of Chinatown serve as a vibrant backdrop to the film that beautifully parallels its themes.

While on the surface, Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity may seem like a simple tale of a mother-daughter relationship, it vividly portrays intricate relationships, perseverance, multiculturalism, tradition, the struggle between modernity and old-world values, and the universal longing for connection. The film manages to express these themes in an easy-to-absorb manner despite its broad spectrum, making it engaging and relatable to a diverse range of audiences.

In conclusion, Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity is a charming film that takes us on a journey of self-discovery, love, dreams, and the search for happiness. It's a heart-warming tale of a daughter’s stubborn belief in magic, a mother’s pragmatic disbelief and an old man longing for reconciliation. Delivered with care and generosity by the cast, it is a captivating film that will surely enchant the viewers.