A simple life charts the post-work life of Ah-Tao, a maid for a Hong Kong family, who have all but one emigrated. The remaining family member, Roger, shares a flat with her - but after a stroke she decides to move into a care home.I liked that the story didn't take a predictable redemptive route and it is fascinating to see how another country undergoing great and fast paced change takes care of their older generation. It turns out that old people's homes in Hong Kong, even relatively expensive ones, are no less depressing than those in the West.
The film is also populated by interesting characters - even if their back stories aren't fleshed out. There's one larger than life character in the home who seems so able, it isn't clear why he's there at all. I also enjoyed the well observed interlude with a celebrity pop star.
Verdict: Touching slice of a different culture's life
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