​FILMS

the last women standing

2015 review number 169: 

The Last Women Standing: (Drama/Comedy/Romance): 65 out of 100: It must be romantic comedy week with this Chinese production being my third review of a movie from this genre after Sleeping with Other People and Man Up. This one would probably be the more dramatic of the three as there are numerous scenes that slip into melodramatic territory and the pacing is not as fresh and dynamic as the other two.

 

Ruxi (Shu Qi) is a successful businesswoman in her mid thirties who is being pressured by her mother to marry. The only problem is she doesn't have a man in her life because her hours seem to be consumed by her job. When a subordinate named Ma Sai (Eddie Peng) begins work, they are attracted to each other but the age difference is a factor as he's about ten years younger than her and not ready to settle down. Complications arise when Ruxi's mother is diagnosed with dementia and Ruxi must decide whether to continue with her single life to care for her mother and aging father or stick with Ma Sai or pursue other eligible suitors like the doctor whose Ruxi's mother is fond of. 

 

Shu Qi is radiant, lighting up the screen in every scene she's in. She has to be one of the most beautiful Asian actresses in movies today. Her scenes with Eddie Peng exemplify the relationships that couples especially in the early stages, experience. There's a natural charm about Peng's acting and they demonstrate excellent chemistry together. 

 

When the movie resorts to melodrama, the pacing is slow and the plot resorts to manipulating your emotions. Although the music score is lush and beautiful, there are moments when it becomes sentimental and reflects on the melodramatic aspects of the story. 

 

Scenic locations are used including splendid shots of the city of Shanghai with the cinematography enhancing the look of the film. A romantic movie appeals even more when the background is visually stunning.

 

A word of warning...the version that I saw in Sydney had subtitles that will test your speed reading skills. Also some of the English translations didn't make sense or had grammatical errors so I'm sure this will play better to audiences that can understand Mandarin. 

 

If you like romantic comedies that don't include sexual references then this might appeal to you although there will be moments when you wish that the pacing was faster to make the story snappier. It also helps if you understand a bit of the Chinese culture and if you can understand Mandarin, that would make the film even more enjoyable.

 

Starring Shu Qi and Eddie Peng

(100 minutes)

Parental advice: Adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSrmLPMmjbk (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 5th November, 2015)

 

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