Review of Lilting (2014) by David E — 18 Nov 2014

This film tells the story of Junn and Richard's relationship following Kai's sudden death. After Kai's death Richard attempts to mend his relationship with Kai's mom, Junn, a seemingly difficult elderly Chinese-Cambodian woman. She resents Richard for taking Kai's attention away from her and she does not acknowledge her sons homosexual relationship with him.

Lilting is a film that walks on a tightrope of sentimentality, it avoids cliché and closely sidesteps the trap of being sappy. Overall, this small film exceeds in what it is trying to accomplish and gives the audience a poignant view of grief, culture, and sexuality. With great performances from Cheng Pei Pei and Ben Wishaw along with director, Hong Khaou's, delicate and precise touch, this quiet film is a must see.