What strikes me first about The Story of 90 Coins is that it is a beautifully made piece. There is a sumptuous feel throughout its 10 minute running time. Shot in China and directed by Michael Wong, the story follows love birds Wang and Chen’s unfolding relationship. From the local food kiosks to the rainy alley ways; the backdrop is both unusual and familiar. The characters are young professionals; a graphic designer and a fashion designer. These pairings give the film a domestic and glamourous feel, something exotic yet everyday which lends a real charm to the story.
90 Coins I feel comes from the same tradition of romance as The Notebook. There is an enduring sense of love, marked by the coins Wang gives out during the couple’s courtship. Yet this is just the beginning of the tale. Wang’s plan is a success and they marry but life eventually takes its toll. Chen, the aspiring designer, finds her priorities diverted towards career as the narrative transitions more and more to her point-of-view.
Unfortunately there is only so much you can fit into a short film but 90 Coins’ timeline spans the relationship comfortably without making the viewer feel rushed. I would credit this to the cinematography and Michael Wong’s directing skills. Flashbacks are used seamlessly and the leads convincingly portray the life and lifestyle of their characters. I would have enjoyed seeing a longer version of this film, just to experience more of Wang and Chen’s love story but these are just the constraints of a short film!
All in all The Story of 90 Coins is a treat for the eyes; polished and pretty, complemented by the lighting and music that range from whimsical to emotional. I couldn’t fault the technical work that’s gone into the production, which has already won several accolades including best cinematography and best director.
This is a modern love story with just enough old-fashioned sweetness and I am sure the film will inspire an idea or two in its viewers. As to whether Chen chooses love over career, well that will show just how modern this love story really is.
So I was taken to Berlin as a surprise for my big 3-0 birthday and since a lot of people were curious about the trip, I decided to share this blog from our 3 days and 2 nights in das capital.
Headlines are exploding with claims of Kesha’s alleged abuse. The Twittersphere is littered with #FreeKesha tags and social media meltdowns are quickly following.
The singer, Kesha Rose Sebert, claims she was raped and abused for years under Sony producer Dr. Luke. She was recently denied an injunction allowing her to work outside of Dr. Luke’s control.
In October 2011 I was awarded funding from the DocNext Scheme with support from the BFI and Step2TV…
Lust in Translation is a documentary following Hayley Quinn – London’s premier female dating coach.
The dating coach has become a modern day icon – the cult of the pick up artist, think Hitch or best-selling book The Rules – but what is really involved in this fascinating but enigmatic profession?
Lust in Translation glimpses at the very human, and at times humorous, life of Hayley Quinn. It is partly an “origins” story explaining how loser-in-love Hayley grew from social outcast to social expert. It is also an inspirational narrative about triumph over heartbreak.
Florence Pugh is as eloquent as she is lovely. After debuting in Carol Morley’s The Falling and making a splash at this year’s BFI Flare, I caught up with the starlet to talk puberty and ambiguous relationships.
