Echoes of the Rainbow – Review

Echoes of the Rainbow is chock full of 1960′s Hong Kong flavor that isn’t quite a chick flick but not quite a drama either. The film follows a small family spotlighting the father who is a shoemaker who makes new shoes everyday but yet always wears a pair of broken shoes.  The film follows how the family faces life’s ups and downs. Thats about it in a nutshell. Apparantely, this film is based off of the real life story of director Alex Law, but maybe since I never experienced the 60s so I don’t have much feel for it.

Given the source material, it is a sincere films that might pull at the heartstrings.  I must also priase how the film looks very authentic for its era portrayed which is key in the success of the films’ overall appeal. Perhaps it was too authentic though. The family portrayed are living life pretty rough yet they never bicker as long as there is food on their table and everyone is healthy. It makes me reflect on how selfish my life can be at times. They’re humble, but good company, if imperfect people. Echoes of the Rainbow is overflowing with nostalgia for a city that no longer exists, however sad that may sound.

Law’s screenplay is pleasant and all the actors do a great job. Sandra Ng shines as the street-smart mother with an indomitable spirit. It is here where the film makers draw us in deeper as we begin to develop bonds with the family. As we bond with each member of the family, it leaves a deeper and deeper impression on whoever is viewing it, myself included. Having seen quite a bit of films that dealt with loss and sorrow I am most happy to exclaim that this film is mostly free of free of needless and overused cliches about longing and loss.

If you have been following my review of the film thus far, and you intend on watching it, well, you will see what it’s doing as it’s doing it, but you will still feel surprised by the turn of events. Hong Kong is I feel a hard place for many people who are local Hong Kongese. I feel a little guilty to live a comfortable life here. This is why the film is so powerful because it makes you think about your own life. This movie won the Crystal Bear Award at the 60th Berlin Film Festival for Best New Generation Film and has been nominated for six prizes at the Hong Komng Film Awards. This is a great achievement and only reiterates my point that this film needs to be seen. Dare I say? One of the best Hong Kong films of the year.