Chinese Box (1998)

A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Set in Hong Kong at the eve of the handover, Jeremy Irons stars as an expat freelance journalist in love with an unattainable local woman. A piece of unsettling news prompts him to distance himself from her, making the most of his last days in the territory.The acting by both leads was superb. As another review has noted the way it was shot made it feel like a documentary, with Jeremy Irons narrating over several scene transitions and pouring out his confessions and regrets.The whole experience feels honest and captures the mood of Hong Kong in the 90s perfectly. Chinese Box is a fitting a tribute to the city itself, the ever bustling backdrop to a genuine love story.8/10

The players in this film, Ironsd, Li and Cheung, all have symbolic roles.Gong Li represents Hong Kong. She is a whore that every man wants.As someone even says in the film; "Hong Kong is a whore and now it has a new pimp".Irons represents, of course, Britain, and doesn't have long left, symbolized by his having cancer. Irons tries to win over Li, but to no avail. The handover is happening and nothing can stop it.Maggie Cheung (in a great and convincing performance) is the jilted lover, the part of Hong Kong that has been tricked by Britain's promises of democracy and a western way of life.When Maggie meets her former lover, the Brit doesn't even remember her... it is a poignant and believable moment.Irons is a bit flat but Gong Li is a simmering sex goddess. Perfect for her allegorical role.

I've been to Hong Kong twice and the way it is portrayed in this film is dead on. the hustle and bustle, street hawkers, apartment interiors, the faces, traffic volume are all there.this is definitely a love story with a twist. Jeremy Irons is a British actor so he lacks the pretentiousness of Americans and so can correctly portray the pathos needed for that of a man deeply in love with a woman who is holding out for something better; until it is too late.Gong Li is the quintessential barfly/escort trying to marry into a better social position, but who *finally* realizes it is not to be and then turns to the man who does want to marry her only to discover he is so jaded (no pun intended) that he at first harshly spurns her. she even resorts to attempting to seduce him in her barmaid persona but of course that doesn't work either.Maggie Cheung was fantastic as the other woman in his life, a street person who likewise has a troubled past.this film has an exceptionally strong message about the trials of life and how we have to make the most of the successes and victories that do come our way. a must see for anyone intrigued by life in modern China. and anywhere in the world for that matter.

I purchased Chinese Box because of my new found fascination with Gong Li. She is a beautiful actress with a mysterious way about her that makes her truly fascinating. However, a film as convoluted as Chinese Box can put a death nail in someones career. The movie is about a British Journalist played by Jeremy Irons who is reflecting on the past as he is witnessing the fate of Hong Kong being taken over by China with the British Government departing. As he drolls on in voiceover about this, he also reflects on his relationship and undying love for Gong Li. There is also a side story (with no closure) about a young, scarred Chinese woman who is hiding a deep painful secret. The highlight of this film is Ruben Blades who turns in a great performance. He also sings, and being an accomplished singer, he does a great job. I wish the movie would have been about his character, it was the only interesting one in the movie. The only other highlight was how smashing Gong Li looked in a jet black t-shirt and jeans. The director of this movie, Wayne Wang, did a superior, practically perfect movie called "Smoke" which I think is brilliant. This outing however was as disgusting as looking at the gutted fish in the Hong Kong marketplace.