Film Review: Love Lies 我談的那場戀愛 (2024) - Hong Kong
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
"Love Lies” is a poignant Hong Kong romance film that intricately weaves a tale of love, deception, and redemption. Directed by the talented Ho Miu Ki in her directorial debut, the movie captivates audiences with its focus on character development, particularly through the stellar performances of Sandra Ng and MC Cheung Tin-fu. Ng shines as Dr. Veronica Yu, a successful yet lonely gynecologist who becomes entangled in an online scam orchestrated by Cheung's character, Joe Lee. Their fictional chemistry is palpable, drawing viewers into a complex web of emotions.
The film's strength lies in its well-crafted script and skillful storytelling, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. Each scene is meticulously designed to evoke a range of feelings, from heartbreak to joy, making for a compelling viewing experience. The supporting cast, including ever alluringly sexy Stephy Tang (in a scene stealing display) and Chan Fai-hung (as the white collared mastermind), further enrich the narrative with their solid performances.
Day Tai’s work as a masterclass in emotional alchemy. The score, minimalist yet haunting, likely mirrors the film’s fractured romance with trembling strings and hollowed-out piano notes, each chord a whispered confession. Tai’s restraint—avoiding melodramatic swells in favor of uneasy silence—would’ve been praised for amplifying the existential hollowness of digital-age love, where texts replace touch and screens mediate desire. Tai’s music feels less like accompaniment and more like the ghost in the machine, a spectral presence echoing the characters’ unspoken regrets.
"Love Lies" is not just a romance film; it's a thought-provoking exploration of trust and human connections in the digital age. It challenges viewers to reevaluate their beliefs about love and deception and ultimately accepting grieve and moving on, leaving a lasting impact. Overall, "Love Lies” is a beautifully made picture that offers a fresh perspective on relationships, and the importance of seeing thy self and also “Walk On” in life.
I rated it 8/10
Reviewed in Cinemas, Hong Kong