Film Review: Ready or Rot 不日成婚2 (2023) Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia 🇦🇺)
After the entertaining 2021’s romantic comedy “Ready or Knot”, director and co-screenwriter Anselm Chan follow up with the sequel and welcoming back the entire cast with a far superior effort in “Ready or Rot”. It’s a rarity that sequels are better than its predecessor and this film shows how important the script is as well as the terrific performances from veteran Elaine Jin and the versatile Michelle Wai sealing the deal for nomination for one of the best romantic comedy of the year.
One of the better actresses of our generation Michelle Wai continues to impress in a demanding role that requires the balance of emotional depth as well as the ability to deal with difficult relationships dynamics including the stereotypical mother in laws tension (played to outstanding form by Elaine Jin). Jin is absolutely amazing in her portrayal showing plenty of depth and character and outright presence to ensure a passionate and emotional finale for the audience to feel and embrace. Carlos Chan does well as the growing up or “man up” journey continues to the next level. Theresa ensemble casting comprising of the endearing couple (played by Chu Pak Hong and Hedwig Tam) and the man child (played by the underrated Shum Ka Ki) matches well with pregnancy wife (played by the always improving Renci Yeung). Susan Shaw makes another memorable short sequence as grandmother. Meanwhile, Rachel Leung is a refreshing addition.
All in all, “Ready or Rot” is easily a crowd winning heart warming romantic comedy that is both touching and actually funny. Quality cinema takes effort from attention to details in characters, surroundings and most importantly an extremely impressive script to boot. Director Anselm Chan excels in both areas and the characters creates the experience that makes the film a good one to watch. One of this year’s delightfully touching romantic comedy to endure.
I rated it 9/10