Beyond the Dream Review 2019 Hong Kong 幻愛

 

Beyond the Dream 幻愛
Year: 2019
Director: Kiwi Chow
Writer: Felix Tsang, Kiwi Chow
Cast: Cecilia Chow, Terrance Lau, Nina Paw, Chan-Leung Poon
Running Time: 120 minutes
Country: Hong Kong

Based on the award-winning short film Upstairs (2006), which was also directed by Kiwi Chow, Beyond the Dream became the highest-grossing domestic film in Hong Kong in 2020 since the COVID-19 pandemic. The film also won awards and nominations at a long list of festivals, including Best Adapted Screenplay award at 57th Golden Horse Awards, which is Taiwan's equivalent to the Academy Awards.

Lok (Terrance Lau) is a recovering schizophrenic who yearns for love. One day, he encounters the young and beautiful Yan (Cecilia Choi) and quickly falls in love with her. Just when he struggles whether to tell her about his illness, he has a relapse and becomes delusional. Little does he know that she’s a psychological counsellor who has a hidden agenda. The pair develops a relationship that is beyond their wildest dreams. (Focus Hong Kong)

The film opens with a woman having a mental breakdown on a busy street and rather than anyone trying to help her, most people laugh and take photos. This is an extremely raw and powerful scene that sets the tone for an emotional drama focusing on mental illness and a romantic relationship. Upon initial viewing, this plot might start off seeming predictable, but it quickly twists and turns into something else entirely. The film becomes more complicated as Lok's psychosis worsens, and it definitely requires your full attention to completely understand what is happening in reality, and in his delusions.

Both lead actors give award-worthy performances, with Terrance Lau being a huge surprise. Lau is a former TV actor and he plays this part spectacularly. Portraying someone that is mentally unwell can be a massive challenge, But Lok never takes it too far or turns the character into a stereotype. In fact, it feels like a very honest portrayal which can also become scary at times. Cecilia Choi is also wonderful and plays her roles with a subtle charm, innocence and mystery that still allows you to root for this flawed human being. Whether they are sharing a romantic moment together, or having a full-blown argument, they have great natural on-screen chemistry that enthrals your full attention.

 

  

While the cast and plot are rightfully praised, the production aspects also need commending. The camerawork is rich and varied. And the cinematography and pale colour palette are stunning. The look and feel of this film gel perfectly together, and it's honestly a visual treat. And the shallow depth of field enhances the dream-like nature of the story. The production values raise the expectation of this from another independent film to something greater.

Beyond the Dream is a Hong Kong film through and through, but it's also unique in its film-making methods. The locations used on-screen aren't what people have come to expect in their Hong Kong cinema. They don't spend time glamorising the neon lights and busy shopping streets, and instead, they use their time to build up a real-world that locals actually live in. The use of trains as a plot device is marvellous at separating these characters from one another, or for bringing them closer together. Similarly, the cramped and confined high-rise apartment buildings add to the notion of not having anywhere to escape in moments of need, and that everyone knows all of your business.

While the film can be dark and challenging at times, and sometimes it becomes convoluted, intentional or not. Overall, it's an ambitious film that deserves the attention and accolades it has received thus far.

7.5/10

Beyond The Dream is streaming as part of the Focus Hong Kong Film Festival from the 31st of March until the 6th of April.