July Rhapsody

Lam is a literature teacher in his forties. He has worked at the same school for twenty years, is married with two sons; his life is in place and he expects nothing. A pupil in his class, Wu, shows an open interest in him and will not let go. In the same period someone from his wife Man's past comes back: as a girl she was involved with her own teacher, and Lam always knew. Now that man is dying and Man wants to care for him. Ann Hui directs. Jacky Cheung plays Lam and Anita Mui plays Man. The structure sets the two things side by side: what happened years ago and what is about to happen. Lam had been angry with his wife and now stands in the same place himself. The narrative builds no love story. The pupil is not made appealing, and Lam's hesitation is not romantic but cowardly. Ann Hui is among the longest working directors in Hong Kong and has made films about middle age, family and daily life. It is among Anita Mui's last films; she died shortly afterwards, and the performance is measured. The ordinary districts of Hong Kong and the school are given in detail; the narrative is without display. Who it is for: viewers who like Hong Kong drama and narratives of middle age. Who it is not for: the subject is uncomfortable, the pace is slow, and the film decides nothing.