The other night, I watched the film Masks, directed by Alba Rayton and set on Hong Kong's Lamma Island. At first, I was frustrated at the lack of dialogue and a bit puzzled at what was happening. It was obvious that the daughter was pregnant, but the long silent looks didn't impress me. The reason the mother went away with the daughter and left the son with his father and never returned, even for the father’s funeral, puzzled me too.

However, when the unwanted boy arrived and the relationship with his rather lost and dysfunctional uncle developed, it was moving, even poignant. By the end, I wanted to watch it all over again so I could understand the strands better.

I liked the choice of music throughout, but especially the theme song at the end. It makes a trip to Lamma Island more alluring.

Lily Bond
Thailand

(September 10, 2010)



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