Review of Aberdeen (2014) by Alan W — 17 Dec 2014

For a HK film, this is truly a rare attempt at nuance and depth in a script that plays up what would otherwise be minor soap plotlines into more meaningful dramatic devices. Every member of the family gets an issue which intersects with each other, ranging from adultery to parenting - the underlying theme that ties it together being the (mis)communication between familial members.

An interesting blend of arthouse with mainstream cinema but with varying degree of success, some of the juxtaposition and dialogue could be clunky, pretentious or unrealistic and the fantasy dream sequences are arguably indulgent, even unnecessarily distracting, but they are not totally disruptive.

Full marks for effort and attempt, as for the end result, that will depends on how generous you feel: for me, the ensemble cast just about manages to sell it to me with their natural and fearless performances.