Searching for the Root

Song of the Exile

Shao-Fen Lu and Maggie Cheung play a mother and daughter in a middle class Hong Kong family. The daughter, who grew up with her grandparents and dislikes her Japanese mother, has gone to England to study broadcasting. After her father has passed away, she receives a phone call from her younger sister who is planning to marry. Her sister requests her presence at the wedding, and although the decision is difficult, she eventually decides to return and face her feelings toward her estranged mother. In an effort to come to some understanding, the mother and daughter travel together to Japan where they visit the mother's hometown. Little by little, the daughter comes to realize and appreciate the hardship and loneliness her mother faced when she married into a Chinese family with different customs and habits. The film is a very moving and truthful portrait of a mother-daughter relationship and a fine commentary on the struggles of displaced people trying to adjust to a new culture.

Directed by Ann Hui, Written by Nien-Jen Wu
Starring: Shao-Fen Lu, Maggie Cheung and Waise Lee

Lost and Found

Private Detective Worm (Takeshi Kaneshiro) is hired by a woman with leukemia (Kelly Chan) to find hope in life. Chan's character and Worm learn how to live life passionately, and also how to die, in this life affirming tale. Kaneshiro's acting is excellent as usual, proving him to be on the verge of superstardom. The graceful cinematography and eclectic soundtrack also complement the movie, adding much to it.

This film was screened at the 1994 Berlin Film Festival.

Directed by Chi-Ngai Lee
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Kelly Chan and Michael Wong

• "Emigration vs. Immigration" Series
• "Anxiety of the Uncertainty" Series
• "Searching for the Root" Series
• "Live-Like-There's-No-Tomorrow Symptom" Series
• "Collaboration Between Hong Kong and China Policemen" Series
• Historical Perspectives Series