"The Teahouse" Chinese Theatrical Poster
Director: Kuei Chih Hung
Writer: Sze To On
Producer: Runme Shaw
Cast: Chen Kuan Tai, Yeung Chi Hing, Lee Sau Kei, Karen Yip Ling Chi, Ha Ping, Cheung Chok Chow, Shum Lo, Fung King Man, Chung Chaan Chi, Yeung Chak Lam, Wong Yu, Chan Laap Ban, Chan Mei Hua, Chan Shen, Ching Gong, Fan Mei Sheng
Running Time: 96 min.
By JJ Hatfield
“The Teahouse” is a story on film more than a movie. It begins rather peacefully and simply about rather ordinary people in increasingly complex to dire circumstances. This is a beautiful dramatic piece of work directed by Kuei Chih Hung. There were a tremendous number of people in the cast though many have short time on screen.
This is one of the few films I have seen in the general genre that is actually fully explored. Chen Kuan Tai (Big Brother) Wang Chen is a good man living in increasingly bad times. Despite that the has managed to take his work from a street vendor to a (modern day) restaurant he named “The Teahouse.”
Unfortunately the area had become vioelnce ridden with every kind of crime possible. Before long the people may as well be living in a war zone.
Wang Cheng has always been helpful to people and the villagers seek out his assistance. Big Brother has already made a decision.
The cast put forth a lot of effort into acting, including Chen Kuan Tai. The characters are fleshed out so that you really begin to care about them. Present in the film are the same as in real life – love, passion, romance, anger, joy, sorrow, ecstasy and pain. One of the finest features of this film is the deliverance of some very powerful performances by a very dedicated cast and crew.
The original story was written by Chiang Chih Nan and in some places Sze To On (same person?) is listed as the writer. The story line is simple enough at first but increases in tone and pace as events take place.
Chen kuan Tai is an excellent fighter but this is not a martial arts film! If that’s all the viewer wants skip this wonderful experience. There is action to be sure and some of it is quite savagely realistic however this is a movie not a “kick ass martial madness flick”. The action comes more as a part of life and choices. There is much I could say about the plot but I won’t. The viewer needs to experience this film from a fresh angle.
The cinematography by Yu Chi is beautiful capturing the rays of the sun or an intimate moment filmed as if the camera dose not want to intrude.
Action director Tony Ching Siu Tun had his hands full with the action!
I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful this film truly is and it might just change how you think about “action” films. This film is a well rounded treasure everyone needs to see!
Recommendation: A Must See!!
JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9/10
