MOVIE MONDAYS: DOT 2 DOT
A while ago I told you I managed to catch a couple of films that were a part of the Hong Kong Film Programme for Asia Triennial Manchester 14 which was hosted by the Cornerhouse. Along with Flowing Stories, I was fortunate enough to see Amos Why's romantic drama, "Dot 2 Dot" and me liked it a lot! As you all know by now that I thoroughly appreciate the romantic-drama-with-bursts-of-comedy-and-mathematics genre quite a bit but there was something about this film that set it apart.
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Courtesy of Amos Why
I persuaded my brother to join me on my quest to broaden the kinds of films I am exposed to using sibling currency (read: doughnuts) but by the end of this movie I got a full refund as he and I both thoroughly enjoyed Dot 2 Dot. This elegant, funny and heartfelt film that honoured the sense of belonging... the meaning of home... the past... had air of simplicity amongst the complexity of finding your place in the world as you stand up for what you believe in in your own unique way.
Dot 2 Dot was directed and written beautifully by Amos Why and is his first feature; it has currently been nominated for two awards in the 'Best New Director' & 'Best New Performer' categories of the Hong Kong Film Awards 2015. Despite it being a relatively low budget indie film, Dot 2 Dot is rich in heart, culture and entertainment and in no way struggles to get its message across.
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Courtesy of Amos Why
Dot 2 Dot is the story about how people in a fast-paced Hong Kong become subtly connected as they try to figure out who is drawing the mysterious dot to dot graffiti near subway stations around the city and why. One Putonghua teacher's determination to find out who the mysterious artist with an affinity for mathematical puzzles is leads us to discover the history - and its significance - of the artist's home town. The cast for this project is really good and really make it very easy to connect with the characters. Moses Chan (When Heaven Burns; Can't Buy Me Love; Knock Off), Meng Tingyi (Crimes of Passion; August 15th; Reunion), Susan Shaw Yin-yin (Full Strike; Hei se xi ju; Run Papa Run), Lam Chi-Chung (Ultra Reinforcement; Shaolin Girl; Kung Fu Hustle), Candy Cheung (Lost for Words; Revenge: A Love Story; Invisible Target) are but a few of the talented actors and actresses in Dot 2 Dot who made the film even more of a joy to watch. There are various aspects of the film that I love - its characters, the soundtrack, how down to earth it seems and even the colour palette - and I am glad my brother and I decided to go see it. And for those curious folk out there, 'crisp, clean and fresh' is how I would describe the film's colour palette which may be an odd thing to like but you'll see what I mean if you get the chance to watch it.
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So, if you are in the mood for a film that has a bit of humour, romance, a dash of drama, beautiful shots of different parts of Hong Kong and highlights the importance of taking things slow enough to appreciate where we've been and where we are now, then Dot 2 Dot is a movie you should consider putting on your watch list. And if you have seen this film already then please share your thoughts of it as I would really like to know.
Mo x