Chinese Box

This film is indeed a Chinese box containing some separate stories nested within the movie's frame: there's Vivian's story, there's Jean's story, and there's of course John's dramatic one, but then there's also the story of the Hong Kong island and its inhabitants and how they take the 1997 political change. I haven't seen very many Jeremy Irons films and in the ones I've seen him he plays supporting roles, but I particularly enjoyed his part in this film, especially because it seems an atypical one for him. John's friend Jim is fun to watch (see the bolero scene)although he is predictable all through. The two girls are both strong characters, even if their stories are quite different (or are they?)and I was relieved to see that their womanly instincts prevailed when it came to understanding John. All in all, "The Chinese Box" left me a very good first impression and I would recommend it to all Jeremy Irons fans.

Much has already been said about the film itself. Here are some comments regarding the portrayal of Hong Kong. An early comment was saying that this film makes Hong Kong look dirty and cramped. Well, having lived in Hong Kong (in several different areas) I have to say that what the film shows is reality. I was paying about US$1,000 per month for a small room about 10 x 15 feet in Hong Kong (Tin Hau area) in 1996. It was not even a really nice place. Hong Kong is very expensive to live in. It is also a very dirty and polluted place compared to cities in the West. The director of the film was not making this up. By reading this you may think I hated it there, well it rates as one of my favorite cities in the world. It has a lot of charm. By the way, the movie isn't bad and worth a look.

I don't know what's wrong with you people, or where stupid Hong Kong nationalism comes into this. I see movies that show lousy parts of Boston, and I don't go whining about it on web sites. The story is extremely moving, Hong Kong seemed fascinating, there was amazing imagery and chemistry between Irons and Li. I was blown away both times I saw it. I highly recommend Chinese Box.

Jeremy Irons portrays a terminal man in Hong Kong at the period when British rule on that province is terminated.There are assorted disparate characters and plot points reflected in the frenetic city itself. Gong Li as Vivian portrays a woman from "North China" (wrong side of the tracks) who cannot marry a Hong Kong businessman due to her lower station. She alternately flirts with Irons,even as she herself works part time as an escort,apparently a role she likes for its escapism. Maggie Cheung as Jean portrays a displaced street-walker,with a marring scar on her face. Irons takes an interest in filming her and the disjointed scenes of the Hong Kong streets. The visceral sense of Hong Kong and its people is captured brilliantly. The constant camera movement reflects uncertainty and unpredictability. Ruben Blades as Irons temporary house-mate also adds to the storytelling aspect. His ballads softly underline Irons' despair,and the unrest of Hong Kong itself.Recommended.

I was unprepared for the wonderful experience this film affords. The metaphor is striking and acceptable. Wang catches the bittersweet essence of the changeover, both at the specific and the generic level. Li, Irons, and Cheung are superb. The movie is a cornucopia of visual delights. In fact, it probably requires repeat viewing to fully absorb the totality of its impact. Thank you, Mr.Wang, for a truly unusual piece of work. sasmd2@pol.net

I have seen this film three times now and it just seems to get better. Gong Li and Jeremy Irons were fabulous along with Maggie Cheung who played a fascinating character. The street scenes I thought really enhanced the ambience of the film and plot. Congrats to all who were involved in this film.