Watch Mad World

Mad World is a powerful and emotional drama from 2016 that chronicles the story of a young man named Tung (played by Shawn Yue) who returns home to Hong Kong after spending some time in a psychiatric hospital. Tung's mother, played by Elaine Jin, is overjoyed to have him back, but she quickly realizes that Tung is still struggling with mental health issues and isn't fully equipped to reintegrate into society.

Tung's father, played by veteran actor Eric Tsang, is a wealthy businessman who has little patience for Tung's emotional outbursts and erratic behavior. He clings to a rigid mindset that success and stability come from hard work and a strong will, and he struggles to understand Tung's challenges. Meanwhile, Tung's old friends shun him, and his attempts to seek employment are met with rejection.

The heart of the film lies in the intimate scenes between Tung and his mother as they navigate the challenges of his condition together. The relationship between them is strained, and Tung lashes out at his mother with anger and frustration, but she remains steadfast in her support of him. Her patience is tested, but she never abandons him, even as his father grows increasingly hostile.

Mad World also explores some broader themes about the pressures of modern society, particularly in Asian cultures. Tung's father represents a societal expectation that individuals should be able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and succeed through sheer effort, despite any obstacles they face. Tung's struggles highlight the fallacy of that belief and the real toll that mental illness can take on a person.

The cinematography of Mad World is stark and effective, presenting Hong Kong as a place of sharp contrasts. The city's glittering skyscrapers and crowded streets are juxtaposed with the austere interiors of Tung's psychiatric hospital and his family's home. The film's score is subdued and understated, allowing the drama to play out with a rawness that doesn't need manipulation by the music.

Overall, Mad World is a touching and thought-provoking work of cinema. It presents an honest portrayal of a young man struggling with mental illness and a society that doesn't always know how to handle such challenges. It is anchored by the powerful performances of Shawn Yue and Elaine Jin, who convey a deep pain and love in equal measure. The film raises important questions about how we define success and what we can do to help those who don't quite fit into the mold.

Mad World is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.