SYNOPSIS:
Sam (Andy Lau) is the most eligible bachelor in town, but was divorced three times. So it is love at first sight when Sam meets Milan (Shu Qi) a feisty, fast-talking woman at a Macau casino. Though they lead different lives, she is a part-time poker dealer and a full-time cabaret dancer, while he is a rich entrepreneur, they still love each other against all odds. However, afraid that Milan might be after his money, Sam asks her to sign a prenuptial agreement...
MOVIE REVIEW:
When it comes to look for a star, two Laus is better than one. Hot shot director Andrew Lau (Infernal Affairs) and superstar Andy Lau teams up once again in this fluffy romance flick "Look For A Star". And pairing Andy for the first time in a romance drama is sultry hot actress Shu Qi.
On the whole, the movie works partly because of the chemistry between Andy and Shu Qi and partly the meaningful message the movie tries to convey. Andy plays billionaire businessman Sam Ching, a three-time divorcee who is in the midst of negotiating a major business deal in Macau accompanied closely by his PA, Jo (Denise Ho) and chauffeur Tim (Lam Ka Wah). Sam treats Jo and Tim more than close friends rather than mere subordinates. He personally picks the clothes for Jo to go on her date and arranges match-making session for Tim as well. The story picks up when Andy stumbles upon a plucky girl named Milan (Shu Qi), a part-time croupier at Sam’s casino and a dancer at a theatre and falls in love with her.
Just when you thought the movie is all about the relationship between Sam and Milan, Andrew Lau and his scriptwriters, Cindy Tang (Needing You) and James Yuen throws in a touching romance between Jo and a low-ranking carpentry worker, Jiu (Zhang Hanyu from Assembly) and chauffeur Tim’s undecided love for a divorcee and her young daughter.
Is it all about social status in this world when it comes to love or is it the surface that first attracts the opposite sex? I believe "Look For A Star" tries to delve into these questions with these three totally different individuals. Perhaps Andy’s character is far more make believe than the other two. How often do you encounter a billionaire who is so handsome and charming on the streets as compared to a friend’s relating his or her tale of a certain someone whose educational background is far higher than the other half? This scenario of course is played out by Jo and Jiu right here.
Andrew Lau who started his craft in the film industry as a cinematographer likewise captured the beautiful rustic side of Macau and the urbanized side of it. A good example is a scene which has Sam and Milan talking on an old roof top of a building and just right across is beautifully lit skyscrapers. The actual MGM Grand Macau which loan much of the hotel to the film crew is an eye-opener especially to those who have yet visit the real location. Veteran actors such as David Chiang, George Lam and Maria Cordero round up the delightful supporting cast even though their screentime is limited.
"Look For A Star" can be a bit nagging and draggy towards the end with the total running time clocking almost two solid hours although the first half was a delight to follow. But then for those audiences who don’t mind fluffy romantic dramas, "Look For A Star" is the top choice coming out from the hands of Andrew Lau and the evergreen Andy Lau who still has the looks to kill.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
The Making of features is spilt into three short chapters and it runs an approximately 15 minutes in total. It covers the usual cast and crew interviews, nothing exceptional. Two theatrical trailers round up the DVD.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
A dual soundtrack I’m sure will add merits to it but unfortunately only the mandarin track is available. Visual is excellent with vibrant colours throughout.
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RATING :
Review
by Linus Tee |
