Watch Soursweet

Soursweet is a heartwarming drama from 1988, directed by Mike Newell and based on the novel by Timothy Mo. The movie is set in London's Chinatown in the early 1980s, and revolves around the lives of a Chinese immigrant family trying to make a living in a foreign land. The story follows the journey of a young couple, Chen (Danny Dun) and Lily (Jodi Long), who leave their homeland in search of a better life in London. The couple hopes to build a brighter future for themselves and their family, but they soon find out that life in London is not as easy as they thought it would be. Chen gets a job at a restaurant, while Lily works in a clothing factory. The long hours and low wages do not allow them to live the comfortable life they had envisioned.

As they struggle to make ends meet in a new country, their marital relationship starts to suffer. Chen is frustrated with the long hours and hard work, and Lily is unhappy with the way they live. When Lily becomes pregnant, she decides to give up her job, which adds to their financial woes.

Amidst this strife, a ray of hope enters their lives in the form of a prosperous Chinese businessman, Mr. Hung (Sylvia Chang). Hung runs a successful food business in Chinatown and offers Chen a job as the manager of his new restaurant. With this opportunity, Chen hopes to finally provide for his family and give them a better life.

As Chen and Lily start to work for Hung, they get a glimpse of a new world, a world of opulence and prestige. But with this new world comes new challenges, as they find themselves in the midst of a business rivalry that threatens to destroy their newfound happiness. Chen gets caught up in the politics of the restaurant business, and Lily gets emotionally entangled with Hung, who is married.

Soursweet not only explores the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in a foreign country, but also delves into the complex emotions that arise when one's personal and professional relationships start to overlap. The movie captures the struggles of a young couple trying to find their place in the world, while learning the hard lessons of life along the way.

The cast of Soursweet is outstanding, with Sylvia Chang giving a powerful performance as the elegant and enigmatic Mr. Hung. Danny Dun and Jodi Long play their roles with depth and sensitivity, portraying the grit and resilience of their characters in a stellar manner. The supporting cast also shines, bringing a unique and authentic flavour to the film.

Director Mike Newell showcases his mastery over the art of storytelling in Soursweet, creating an engaging and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of love, ambition, and cultural identity. The film's visual and auditory design is also noteworthy, with the cinematography evocatively capturing the moody streets of London's Chinatown and the music adding a haunting and melancholic touch to the movie.

Overall, Soursweet is a beautiful and moving film that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a celebration of the true meaning of family and community. Whether you are a lover of drama, a fan of Asian cinema, or simply looking for a meaningful and authentic film experience, Soursweet is a must-see movie that will surely leave an indelible impression on your heart and soul.