Cast
View All
Tien Niu
as Mrs June Lee
Zulian Kam Kwok-Leung
as Sam Cheung
Cora Miao
as Connie
Eric Tsang Chi-Wai
as Tak
Law Kar
as Sam's boss
Fung Lai-Tsz
as Frankie
May Fu Yuet-Mei
as Lady Mary
Frank Liu Zong-Ji
as Eric
Chow Chi-Fai
as June's Personnel Mgr
Four Tse Liu-Shut
as Job interviewer
James Au
as
Ma Kwok-Hang
as
Lee Siu-Ling
as Cindy
Cheung Yuen-Wah
as June's colleague
Law Shu-Kei
as Man queuing for public phone
Crew
Director
- Clara Law
Producer
- Teddy Robin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Other ½ & the Other ½ examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Clara Law brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Other ½ & the Other ½ took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 353 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1624 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Other ½ & the Other ½ shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mary from Beijing, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Other ½ & the Other ½ subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tonight Nobody Goes Home and In Between explore similar territory, The Other ½ & the Other ½ stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 16, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 33m
