Ordinary Heroes (1999)
3.8 of 5 from 45 ratings
Unknown
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- Synopsis:
Ordinary Heroes is a dramatic representation of true events surrounding an Italian Priest (here called Kam, and played by Anthony Wong) in the world of HK political activism during the 1970's and '80s. It is interwoven with the fictional story of a girl named Sow (Rachel Lee) who is suffering from amnesia after an accident. Her boyfriend Tung (Lee Kang-Sheng) is trying to help her remember who she is. Through a series of non-linear flashbacks fit for the History Channel, we are told of Sow and Tung's involvement with Father Kam, a communist sympathizer and Christian with strong political convictions. Over the years, Kam's group participates in sit-ins, protests and fasts in order to get the Hong Kong Government to change their ways regarding housing for boat people and the deportation of the women of these poor families to Mainland China. At first, the non-linear structure of the story feels disjointed and gives the illusion of poor character development. Every time it looks as if director Ann Hui is going to give us some insight into what makes a particular person tick, she shifts the focus to politics or to a peripheral character. Upon further examination, it becomes evident that every principal character is extremely well drawn with their humanity being brought out quietly through their actions. Even if we disagree with the activists, we can certainly sympathize with their suffering when we are presented with the injustices that unfold around them. Ordinary Heroes is a thoughtful and melancholy film with great cinematography and award-winning performances. It is also very much an art house film with non-commercial sensibilities that might leave the viewer downright depressed. - Actors:
- Kang-sheng Lee, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Kwan-Ho Tse, Mo-Chan Chik, Chau Sang Lau, Gam-Ming Lee, Loletta Lee, Hee Ching Paw, Pui-Wah Wong
- Directors:
- Ann Hui
- Writers:
- Kin Chung Chan
- Aka:
- Qian yan wan yu
- Genres:
- Drama
- Countries:
- Hong Kong
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