X
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • China Lion Film Distribution
  • 1 h 58 m
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • China Lion Film Distribution
  • 1 h 58 m

Summary Since her teenage years, Chung Chun-Tao has worked as an amah – a servant – for the Leung family. Known as Ah Tao, she witnessed every aspect of the family’s life. Now, after 60 years of service, she is looking after Roger, who works in the film industry and is the only member of the family still resident in Hong Kong. One day Roger c...

Directed By: Ann Hui

Written By: Susan Chan, Susan Chan, Gustave Flaubert, Roger Lee

  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • China Lion Film Distribution
  • 1 h 58 m
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • China Lion Film Distribution
  • 1 h 58 m

A Simple Life

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
78
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 16 User Ratings
7.9
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary Since her teenage years, Chung Chun-Tao has worked as an amah – a servant – for the Leung family. Known as Ah Tao, she witnessed every aspect of the family’s life. Now, after 60 years of service, she is looking after Roger, who works in the film industry and is the only member of the family still resident in Hong Kong. One day Roger c...

Directed By: Ann Hui

Written By: Susan Chan, Susan Chan, Gustave Flaubert, Roger Lee

Top Cast

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View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
78
91% Positive
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
78
91% Positive
10 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Aug 8, 2012
The movie has an emotional payoff I failed to anticipate. It expresses hope in human nature. It is one of the year's best films.
By Roger Ebert FULL REVIEW
80
Jan 5, 2016
Perturbing truths about old age nestle inside an outwardly sentimental shell — it’s a less cosy or placid prospect than it seems.
By Tim Robey FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 16 User Ratings
7.9
94% Positive
15 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
6% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 16 User Ratings
7.9
94% Positive
15 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
6% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

80
Jan 5, 2016
Director Hui shows a different side to Hong Kong cinema in a tender drama that's illuminated by the marvellous Ip.
By Simon Crook FULL REVIEW
80
Aug 8, 2012
Suffused with the gentle, unforced humanity viewers have come to expect from Hong Kong helmer Ann Hui, A Simple Life is a tender ode to the elderly, their caregivers and the mutual generosity of spirit that makes their limited time together worthwhile.
By Justin Chang FULL REVIEW
70
Apr 13, 2012
Though overlong, Hui's valentine never milks the drama for tears, maintaining an unsentimental focus on the central duo's playful chemistry and the loving way Ah Tao's attention to detail is repaid.
FULL REVIEW
70
Apr 10, 2012
A deceptively simple film, gingerly peels layer after layer of sharp insights into the dynamics of familial love, using compassion and droll humor as its tools. Its strength is that it manages to tap genuine emotion without succumbing to sentimentality.
By Ernest Hardy FULL REVIEW
60
Jan 5, 2016
A Simple Life is a tear-jerker, but thoughtful and intelligent, with an anti-sentimental dimension.
By Peter Bradshaw FULL REVIEW
See All 11 Critic Reviews

Details

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Production Company Bona International Film Group, Focus Films, Sil-Metropole Organisation
Release Date Apr 12, 2012
Duration 1 h 58 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Website http://www.taosan.net/
View All Details

Awards

Hong Kong Film Awards
• 5 Wins & 8 Nominations
Venice Film Festival
• 5 Wins & 6 Nominations
Golden Horse Film Festival
• 3 Wins & 6 Nominations

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