Always on My Mind (1993) User Reviews (2)

A nice story, but not much of a comedy...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 14 July 2019]

I enjoy the Hong Kong cinema quite a lot, and I was given the chance to sit down and watch "Always On My Mind" (aka "Cheung chin fuchai") in mid-2019. Needless to say that I needed no encouragement to sit down to watch this 1993 movie, as I had never seen it before.

Well, first of all, for a comedy, then "Always On My Mind" was frightfully devoid of anything funny really. It is not the type of comedy that will have you laughing. No, it is more a type of feel-good comedy, where the storyline and the characters make you appreciate something. For that aspect, "Always On My Mind" was actually quite interesting.

The storyline told in "Always On My Mind" was good. It was nicely written and executed on the screen. And there was a good, continuous flow to the storytelling. The movie didn't really have any dull moments to it.

I can't really claim to be overly familiar with the lead actors Michael Hui (playing Chang Yau-Wai) nor Josephine Siao (playing Yin). But I will say that they were actually fantastic in their roles, because they were good at acting and they poured their hearts into the characters.

"Always On My Mind" is an enjoyable movie for sure, I had just expected more of a comedy from it, given its IMDb label as 'comedy'. Oh well...

Heartfelt

[KarzaK · 8/10 · 12 August 2006]

This may not be the most original of films. Michael Hui plays Chang Yau-Wai a family committed news reporter. Josephine Siao plays his wife, who together, have their hands full with the fast growing children, including their soon to be wed daughter. One day, during a news broadcast, Chang Yau-Wai starts having stomach pains. The doctor tells him he could have cancer. Sounds pretty schmaltzy so far. But the film never feels melodramatic. In fact, for the best part it's very lighthearted and never takes itself too seriously. Michael Hui's vast experience in comedy roles actually helps a lot, creating a funny, yet likeably realistic, down to earth character. The rest of the cast are also excellent. Jacob Cheung is one of Hong Kong's best non art-house directors of drama, and he's at the top of his game here. Technically no big shakes, but the pacing is fine, and the script is very polished for a Hong Kong film. The film also ends on a perfect note. The fate of Michael Hui's character is not what's important. It's what he'd achieved previously. Overall, while not very original, it's a very warm hearted film, as well as being one of the most Universal films to come out of 90's Hong Kong