Temporary Family

Temporary Family is a 2014 Hong Kong romantic comedy-drama film directed by Cheuk Wan-Chi. It intertwines the elements of vibrant city life, real estate woes and complex human relationships, adorned by an ensemble cast that comprises some of the biggest names in Hong Kong cinema, including Nick Cheung, Sammi Cheng, and the alluring Angelababy.

In the heart of Hong Kong, where every square foot of land is worth its weight in gold, the film is set against the backdrop of an astronomical real estate market. Nick Cheung portrays the protagonist, Lung, a property agent obsessed with making it big in the cutthroat real estate world. Sammi Cheng plays the role of Yannie, Lung's divorcee, a woman who is trying to get her life back on track after a hard divorce.

As the story unfolds, Lung is given a tempting yet risky opportunity to purchase a luxury flat in the posh Peak area at an unbelievably discounted rate. The catch is, the deal must be closed within a limited deadline and Lung is short on funds. Lung's ambitious dreams pull him into hatching an unconventional plan. To raise enough money to seal the deal, Lung proposes cohabitation with three other potential investors, which includes his ex-wife Yannie, the young and trendy socialite played by Angelababy, and a wealthy divorcee portrayed by Oho Ou.

As these four starkly different personalities begin to share the same roof, a situation initially driven by financial circumstances spirals into an interesting mesh of relations and emotions. The film masterfully addresses the implications of cohabitation and the intricacies of human relations, revealing how a temporary family living arrangement can lead to moments of frustration, laughter, compassion, and ultimately, re-connection.

Amidst the inherent humor and romantic interactions, Temporary Family does not shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of Hong Kong's soaring property prices. Directors Cheuk Wan-Chi's critical commentary on Hong Kong's housing situation is told through the personal experiences of the characters, cleverly bringing to the fore how the frantic race for property acquisition and the societal preoccupation with grandeur living is affecting the everyday lives of people.

Nick Cheung efficaciously embodies the spirit of a real estate hawker in Hong Kong, where survival entails mastering the art of persuasion and cunning tactics. Sammi Cheng's portrayal of a determined ex-wife and Angelababy's presentation of a fashionable socialite bring forth multiple perspectives on life, love, and the quest for materialistic fulfilment. A memorable performance by Jacky Cheung in a guest role adds another dimension to the narrative.

Adding a glamorous touch to the subject of real estate, the film’s beautifully shot scenes and well-knit screenplay captivate audiences and provide a visually pleasing backdrop to their chaotic lives. Packed with vibrant hues and contemporary aesthetics, the film creates an attractive representation of Hong Kong's urban scenery, making the city itself a central character in the narrative.

In the midst of the fast-flowing narrative, Temporary Family also takes brief pauses to touch upon profound notions of what really constitutes a home and the true essence of happiness. The characters' journey encourages viewers to question whether happiness truly resides in concrete structures, or in the intangible, yet stronger bonds of family and love.

In conclusion, Temporary Family is a romantic comedy-drama that effectively doubles as a social commentary film, combining elements of humor, emotional engagement, and critical societal issues. Its charm manages to connect directly with the audience, irrespective of their cultural or geographic backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of Hong Kong cinema or a movie enthusiast in general, Temporary Family is a must-see for its engaging plot, believable performances, and its insightful portrayal of the paradox of modern life in an urban metropolis.