Lost In Time

Nevermind Running On Karma, Lost In Time is the best film in 2003. Cecilia Cheung gives the best on-screen performance of her life.

Not to take credit away from Running On Karma, which is an awesome film with deep meaning and superb performances; Lost In Time simply outshines it by a tiny margin. Cecilia Cheung plays the soon-to-be wife of Louis Koo, a minibus driver. However, a terrible accident cut his life short, leaving Cecilia and his five-year-old son. Cecilia, determined to raise the child by herself, decides to repair the damaged minibus that killed Louis and start work as a minibus driver herself. Although her efforts are notable, she faces incredible hardship from financial problem, her family that oppose the marriage, the new job, and raising a child all by herself. Thankfully, Lau Ching-Wan, a fellow minibus driver is there to help her and the two start an awkward relationship that put an emotional burden on each other.

The film is the perfect example of using the technique of "Show not Tell." The movie does not tell you how things are happening with monologues or long speeches from the characters, it is the actions of the actors and the environment that shape this beautiful romance drama. Cecilia is just brilliant in her role; showing all sorts of emotions and her acting talents. It is a shame that Lau Ching-Wan never won a Best Actor award because this guy is something special. The two of them on screen is one of the best combinations of actor and actress I have ever seen. They compliment each other extremely well but at the same time, they are very opposing.

The film is a cinematic achievement in its detail plot and storyline restraint, and the best romance drama to have come out of Hong Kong in years.

Year: 2003
Director: Derek Yee

9.4/10