July Rhapsody (2002) - full transcript

You should stay in the water longer.

Took you the whole morning
to read 28 pages?

Bad eyes.

So early?

Early? You'll be graduating
from university soon.

Alright, wait till
I get my pay check.

I'll get you a pair of glasses.

So that you won't be so uneasy.

Please don't, let it be.

Give your eyes a rest.

Look at the view.



Look.

Since Mom is not here...

My students taught me a new phrase.

What phrase?

"Pork chop".

"Pork chop" is out, Dad.

Don't say it, others
will laugh at you.

Look at that boat.

How much would it cost?

Around $300,000 to $400,000.

All my classmates
have boats like that one.

They're a drag.

Yes.

Dad.



You fought with Mom again?

No.

Fights are normal.

Your Mom doesn't fight.

I'd rather spend
the time on that brat.

He failed all 6 subjects
in his exam.

You never expected him
to get into university.

What else can he do
if he doesn't study?

Work.

He doesn't know a thing.
What can he do?

Yue didn't go to university either.

Isn't he quite happy now?

Yue is not my son.

If you treat him as your student

maybe you'll worry less?

1587 A.D. Hmm...

Do you think someone will write about

a father and a son
chatting at the beach?

No one will read it.

You never know.

A story about a housewife

or a fishmonger

may have historical value.

2001...

July 29, Sunday.

This is my Dad.

Whenever someone says
we're alike, he'll say

"I don't want him to be like me."

He seldom tells stories.

When we were young,

he used to read us Chinese poetry.

But today, he suddenly starts

to tell a story.

Who is Wu? Wu works
for the King of Chai.

He is a minister.

Does Wu have something
to do with Mencius?

Wu is a friend of Mencius

and he is his "squealer".

That is, his informer in Chai.

Mencius was well-prepared
before he met the King.

"The King, seated aloft...

beheld a man passing by with an ox."

So the King went to worship

at the temple. He sat there.

He could sit any way he liked.
Like this...

Or I guess, like this.

He saw a man with an ox walking by.

"The King beheld" means the King saw.

"King asked: To where the ox goes?"

Notice there are two "chi"s
in the passage.

The first "chi"...

is a pronoun, representing everything

the King saw.

And the second "chi"...

is a verb.

A verb

meaning "go".

The sentence means
"Where is the ox going?".

"In reply: For consecrating the bell."

What does "consecrating" mean?

It's what you see
in the news nowadays

when politicians
paint the eyes of dragons

at opening ceremonies.

They used to use chicken blood.

Now they use red paint.

In the old days,
whenever a new bell was made

people would kill a cow

and drip its blood on the bell.

This ceremony consecrates the bell.

"King said: Let it go."

See the word "tze"?

It means give up.

He said...

Let go of the cow.

Why did he want to let the cow go?

"I cannot bear its tremors."

What does "tremor" mean?

It means trembling.

Cows tremble too.

When we see gangsters

we tremble.

"Love and respect the elderly.

Protect the children.

Do this and the world is yours.

Book of Poetry says:
Be kind to widows...

and extend it to your brothers,
fief and kingdom.

A King extends
his kindness to others.

Thus, one will be able to
protect the world.

If not, one cannot
even protect one's wife.

Ancient sages
surpassed others because

they extend their kindness to others.

So how can you be kind to animals

and not to your own people?

By weighing, you know its weight.

By measuring, you know its length.

It is so with all things.

Please measure your own heart."

That's it.

We've finished the most
boring chapter of the term.

I know. Preaching is boring.

That's why priests
do standup comedy now.

I saw it. Not funny at all.

Not funny?

You should have told me!

I bought the tape.

Any new recommendations?

Sure! "Gold Finger
of the 22nd Century".

It's porno!

In this weather

with your figure,
watching this kind of tape

will make your nose bleed.

Mr Lam is sore!

Lozenges, anyone?

Here, Mr Lam, gum.

Thank you.

Our next class will be
a lot more interesting.

Really.

Luxun

He's out!

What, out? You have no taste.

Luxun is very modern.

He was one of the first Chinese

to study and shop in Tokyo.

He was living in Kanda.

Just ten stops from Shibuya.

He speaks fluent Japanese.

You guys only know
konnichiwa and arigato.

Anyways.

It's sayonara now.

Thank you.

Goodbye class.

Goodbye Mr Lam.

Bye.

The fish is overcooked.

- Really?
- No good.

Sorry.

And you said you didn't
add anything into the soup?

- Yes...
- Bullshit!

I'm so sorry...

Tell the chef.

I will.

How about complimentary dessert

and a fruit platter?

- That sounds more like it.
- Please wait.

All telecom salesmen are cheats!

A thousand-dollar phone...

comes down to a few hundred dollars
in less than 2 months

You can't make a living out
of selling cell phones.

Business is tough.

Trust this guy.

- What model are you using?
- This one.

- Look.
- A "shaver"?

I thought it was an antique!

You think so?

I think a "shaver" suits you most.

Why?

One day, I bumped into this guy

with dyed blonde hair,
red tinted glasses

and shiny plastic pants.
Really scary!

You sure it was him?

What's so strange about it?

Our Yue is always that cool!

Are you jealous of my hair?

Bald, if you can drive
a golden convertible

why can't I dye my hair blonde?

Right. get him!

Hey guys, it's 10 pm already.

I need to go to school tomorrow.

Alright, let's get back to business.

The school board only has $5,000,000.

We hope to raise $4,000,000 more

from some of
our prestigious classmates.

We're only rebuilding
a swimming pool.

Why do we need 10 million?

We're talking about
a pool fit for the Olympics.

- Not just a pool for kids.
- So?

Wait, we've to
talk about the library too.

That's easy.

Just get someone
to order some Playboys.

And give everyone a break.

Will you stop bullshitting?

This is a very important project.

Our old school is being attacked.

Hey, if no one talks about it...

how can it claim
to be an elite school?

Right, we're going to
show those folks...

the grand style of an elite school.

The fund-raising letter
has to be bilingual.

English will do.

No.

One language is not grand enough.

We need two.

Anyways, we've decided.

Oxford boy, you will take care of...

...the English.

And Lam will do the Chinese.

I'm not good
at writing publicity stuff.

What did you say?

Come on. Lam.

You were our Chinese scholar.

Sorry GUYS-

I've to go back
to the Dow Jones and Nasdaq.

I give you my full support
in any of your decisions.

I've taken care of the bill.
Please enjoy yourselves.

- Let's pitch in.
- No need.

It's Nasdaq's treat.

No. Let's share.

How much?

Let him treat.
It's only once in a while.

Am I that poor?

You can afford to pitch in

but maybe Yue can't afford it.

I'll gladly pay for him.

Maybe he wants
his treat and not yours.

It's their own business
if they're rich.

Do you think they're
just showing off in front of you?

You've to
take care of Yue's feelings.

You think he really wanted to go?

He went so that you
wouldn't be the worst there.

What's "the worst"?

Everyone leads his own life.

Is being a teacher so shabby?

Cho begs me to tutor his son!

How old is Cho's son?

Grade 4 in International school.

Send one of your colleagues then.

You think I shouldn't take the job?

Cho is very generous.

Are you that poor?

Rocky? No one called Rocky here?

It's for me. Dad.

He doesn't like others
calling him Stone!

Some of his friends
even call him Stove.

Kids are really bad
at composition nowadays.

No one can write up
to 400 words. Look.

What crap!

"Chung Yueng Vignettes"

What is "Chung Yueng"?

Hiking, flowers,
incense and graveyards.

"Chung Yueng" is
a celebration of the dead.

Quiet skeletons stretch
their bones beneath the soil.

"Who is disturbing our dreams?"

What is a "Vignette"?

Memories, impressions,
knowledge and imagination.

"Vignette" is a word of the dead.

No breath, no pulse.

Long frozen and
buried in a dictionary.

On this the day of "Chung Yueng"...

The dead comes back to life.

I'm giving you back your compositions.

Mr Chong

Ms Cheng...

The exhibition will start on Friday

All of the staff

together with the science students
must be there.

Who is going to present the flowers?

Form 5A Beauty Chan.

Okay.

There will be a seminar
on the following Saturday.

The guest speaker will be
a professor from Fudan university.

Teachers should
encourage students to attend.

Provide them with sample questions

so that they'll have
something to ask after the talk.

Remember when the Literature
Nobel Prize winner was in HK...

one student made headlines.

Since the school board wants
to focus on science studies

as a way to reach
our long term objective

of elevating the school
from Band 3 to Band 2...

we need to complement the effort

by improving teaching standards etc.

However, publicity gestures

are essential as well.

Principal Leung, phone call.

Thanks.

Is the class over?

You wish!

Looking for me?

Didn't you want to chat?

Yes, I didn't know
you were still in school.

Only for you.

You're welcome. Come on, have a seat.

Your acting skill
in class is pathetic.

Experienced actors like us...

aren't really acting anymore.

Why did you give me
60 for my composition?

The reason I asked you to come...

60 is the worst!

You can give me 40

or even zero.

That...

Don't lecture people all the time.

But you guys are always lecturing me!

Are you talking back?

You're driving me nuts!

My wife is waiting for me at home.

Would you please let me go?

Dinner this early?

Old people...

Need time to digest.

Why did you get married so early?

Do you have a son in university?

None of your business!

Is your son cute?

I have two...take your pick.

I can make you a copy if you like.

I gave you 60 for your composition

because you weren't
answering the question.

But it was quite creative
and interesting.

If you don't mind
writing it one more time...

Of course I mind. I never
visit my ancestors' graves.

I have nothing to write!

Oh, I see.

Can you use your imagination

to make up a story?

I'm not an editor
and you're not a reporter.

It doesn't hurt to try.

Why don't you use your imagination

to come up with
better composition topics.

Alright, what if you don't
like every question

in next year's General Exam?

How can you know? You aren't
setting the questions!

Can't you knock first?

What?

Can't you concentrate
on your homework?

You're the one who is distracting me.

Wow!

What kind of music is that?
They're all swearing!

That's why I'm using
a headphone, man.

It's time for your public exam!

So what?

You need to revise a little.

The earlier I start,
the sooner I forget.

If you start revising early

you won't have to worry
when the time comes.

That'll bore me stiff.

- Son.
- What?

Do you like Ricky Martin?

You think I am a Filipino maid?

Dictionary

ls Ang back?

He just called saying
he will be back soon.

Go to sleep. He's no longer a kid.

That's true.
He's always been a good boy.

What now?

Turn off the lights.

Let's sleep.

Ms Chiu and Mr Yip

went to see the principal
for quite a long time.

Shit, it'll be our turn soon.

Mrs Mak, Mr Lam, bye.

I don't know about you but I'm safe.

Who cares about Chinese Literature.

That's what you think.

Those composition contests
will stress you out

if you can't get a piece
or two into the finals.

The principal will definitely
want to see you too.

It's like this every year

and it's getting worse year by year.

It's Wu's friend.

You better be careful.

Me?

She likes you.

All her classmates know.

Stupid!

Exactly the same.

The Yangtze Gorges

Hold...

Pause. I didn't ask you to stop.

It's broken.

Now for the "Red Cliff".

Son, where is the tape?

I don't know.

Teaching "Memory of a Beauty" again?

Yes, it's been a year already.

You have a Yangtze River tape.

Yangtze River is changing every year.

Dad wants to record the Wushan Gorge.

After a year or two,
Wushan will be flooded.

Ching

Where's my "The River Flows" CD?

How would I know where you put it?

Have you tried?

Can't find it.

No, it isn't here.

Listening to this always reminds me
of the "Red Cliff Prose Poem".

That's been cut from the syllabus
for a long time.

We had it back then.

"Sailing a boat with a dear friend"

"Drinking and laughing"

"People in the world"

"Seem small and trivial"

"Lamenting the limitations of life"

"Envying the eternity of the Yangtze"

"Soaring with fairies by our side,
we travel"

"Holding the moon in our arms, we die"

Hey, the soup is drying up!

- Lam
- Cho

Come in...

Daddy

- He's Uncle Lam.
- Hi, Uncle Lam.

Alan.

- Hello.
- Hello.

Do you like Chinese?

Yes.

I've brought you some books.

Sit over there.

Have you read this book?

- No.
- No?

This is very simple.

You'll understand it even
if you don't read Chinese

because it has a lot of pictures.

This one.

You know what the kids are watching?

The moon.

Right. And the poem is called
"Walking under the Moon".

It's written by Li Bai.

He stank.

If we were packed in the same bus
with him, we'd die.

Smelly asshole.

And now, he's now doing great
in business.

Using $800 to hire a private tutor

for his kid.

He's really something.

It nothing to him.

You know what?

He pays $7,000 management fee
every month.

Wow!

One more.

What?

- Enough.
- What?

Don't you have tea?

Yes, Manhattan Ice Tea.

You want me dead?

Have you ever been drunk?

How can you claim to be Li Bai's fan?

It's never too late to cut my card
and quit membership.

You? You'll never change.

Look, we all live our own lives.

Understand?

Why the lecture all of a sudden?

It's called putting you down
when you're sick!

You were always number one
in our class.

Here.

I'll take down the dartboard
for Stone later.

What's this?

Here...

Closing.

Business is good. Why close it?

The leasing contract is over.

What are you planning to do next?

Next?

Go to Shenzhen maybe.

One of my friends is opening a pub.

He's offering me
a salary plus boarding.

And living standards
are low up there.

Shenzhen, aren't you afraid?

Afraid of what?

I'm the type who'll always be around.

Give me your address.
I'll pay you a visit sometime.

You don't have the permit.

Cockroaches?

No, a book worm. A big one.

When others keep mistresses...

you keep a book worm.

Me?

It crawled out from this book.
Isn't it yours?

From Shing, 1979

It's a gift to you

and you leave it here to feed worms.

I just want to share it with others.

Share?

No one borrows it.

Is it a gift from the author?

The author is my teacher.

Oh, I see.

When will you write a book
and give one to me?

When? Why don't you
try writing one yourself?

Shouldn't you financially
support the students?

Right.

You better

finish your essay on drug abuse

and incorporate it
in your book, alright?

You're naughty!

If I write a book,
I'll write about you.

. Me?
. Why not?

What about me?

How would you know
when you're not me?

There're so many varieties.

Try this one.

Childish.

This one is better.

Mr Shing is back.

Let me do it.

What else do you need?

Those.

I've chosen the famous writer...

Ah Shing's "Common Sense and
Knowledge" as our comprehension.

One of the articles
should be quite popular

among you guys since it's about Love.

"Love and Chemistry"

Simplified characters?

I'll give you 5 more minutes.

Reading time limit is 20 minutes.

If you can't understand
any of the words, you can ask me.

You may start now.

"I have traveled"

"every corner of my country"

"Among everything I've seen"

"I've never discovered
the beauty of Xishan."

Lam, please go on reading.

Isn't the article easy?

Okay, first question:
the author states...

that Love comes from Chemistry.

What does he mean by Chemistry?

Anyone?

Anyone...No one.

Ching

Ching

Not in?

No such person.

One of your students has
the same name as Mom?

Bad eyes.

Or perhaps...

Your Mom used to sit in front of me.

All I saw was her ponytail.

And that's why...

I wish I were the teacher.

Then I could see her face all day.

Time to eat!

Let's eat!

When did she know you like her?

Afterwards.

Who is Ching?

No one is picking you up?

Concerned about my
extracurricular activities too?

Who is Ching?

I just got the name wrong.

Liar.

I'll get off at this stop.

I'm getting off here too.

What're you doing? Don't.

You want to hurt me.

You're my student.
Why would I hurt you?

You're hurting me already.

What do you want me to do?

Act like a mute?
Pretend that I don't know?

You should respect my freedom.

Whatever I feel is my own business.

I do respect your freedom.

But I worry about you...

You don't have to.

You better worry about yourself.

The last stage of bladder cancer.

Has to wash the bladder every day.

A social worker helps him out now.

Where's his wife?

He's divorced long ago.

No treatment center is taking him?

He doesn't want to.

I want to help him.

To see him through his last journey.

Do whatever you want.

But I want your consent.

Since when did I become
the Chief Executive?

Not just for him.

I need to deal with my own problems.

I thought that was solved years ago?

I thought so too.

Well, treat it as my holiday.

I really want to settle all this.

No matter what,
I will come back to make dinner.

Ah, yes.

You've been a model wife for 20 years.

Even Filipino maids have vacations.

This afternoon, someone reminded me

to respect others' freedom.

Do whatever you like.

"My old friend left me
at the Yellow Crane Terrace"

"To visit Yangzhou
in the misty month of flowers"

"His solitary sail
becomes one with the blue sky"

"Yet I see only the Yangtze
on its way to heaven"

And now, my favorite poem:

"Seasons never end
but how much do we remember"

"An east wind stirs the night,
and in the moonlight"

Scallions?

Don't you want it?
Eat more of it and get smarter!

I'm smart enough. I don't need it.

Take some of these,
you will be smart and diligent.

You always like to tease me
when we're eating.

Don't be petty.

And you're not petty?

You just want to borrow it. Take it.

Keep your word.

Borrow what? Money again?

What's all this about?

Dad, he wants to borrow
my digital camera.

Go ahead and eat.
I'll give you 2 rolls of film.

Mom, digital cameras don't need film.

How does it develop photos then?

Plug it into the computer

and print it out from the printer.

Thanks.

Mr Lam

Sir

Wu's composition won 3rd prize.

- Really?
- Yes.

The award ceremony is next week
at the Amenities Center.

You should bring along
some other students.

And remember to take photos.

Aren't you going?

I'll be busy that day.

Remember to take photos.

Okay.

Mr Lam...

What award?

Wu's "Drug Abuse" essay.

Ah, it's so her style.
No wonder she won.

How'd you know?

She always sleeps in my class.

That means she parties all night.

Nothing strange if she tried drugs.

Time for class.

I need to pee, Dad!

Come in.

Why are you watching me?

Why are you so angry?

When you were little,
I held you to pee.

Don't take so long! Be snappy.

Wash your hands!

What is the code
for the character "fan"?

H-J-J-U

So slow.

Aren't you tired working day
and night?

You go to sleep first.

The prize for the champion
is these pens.

Don't mind the judges. They're dumb.

I think your essay
should've won first prize.

The 2nd runner-up
is Ms Wu from Ren Secondary.

"2001 Award Ceremony of
the Essay Competition."

Ms Wu, please.

I'll think about it.

Want to see something else?

I'll come again.

Okay, thank you.

Hello.

Hi.

Stupid!

Is that it? Not excited at all?

I'm excited seeing you.

Choose one for your wife.

Half price since
my boss isn't around.

Business is quite good here.

This is a famous plaza.

Every shop pays $10,000 rent.

There's one cheaper down the hallway.

I plan to open up a shop
with two friends.

You must be rich.

I'll talk to my Dad.

I have a Dad and he loves me.

I'm not one of those poor darlings
who lacks parental love.

So why...

Why do I like you?

Because I'm your teacher?

Don't you have
confidence in yourself?

Am I wrong?

I'm old. I've a wife and kids.

I'm not handsome. I'm not rich.

Why do you like me?

Excuse me...hello!

- Welcome!
- Hello!

These are new.

- May I try?
- Please do.

Excuse me.

You look cute!

Not really suitable. Next time.

- It's okay.
- Sorry.

Excuse me.

You speak Japanese?

A little.

A Japanese boy
kept trying to date me.

Ask your Dad to send you
to Japan for university.

I thought we have no class today.

Don't you want to go to university?

My Dad, brother and sister
all went to university.

We don't need so many graduates
in a family.

Let's go.

To where?

Just come.

Ah Bo, you look after the shop.
I'll be back soon.

There's a fast food court
and a fishball place downstairs.

It's coke!

Yeah, it's coke!

Haven't had cola cola a long time,

He asked about you.

He liked you the most out of
the whole class.

Not really.

Look at it separately.

Everyone knew he
liked you more than anyone.

The management office was complaining

about the leakage in our toilet.

The water leaks
into the apartment below.

Alright.

I'll buy a tube of glue
and fix it tomorrow.

The old tube is not used up yet.

The old tube has been there for ages.

It's all dried up.

Look.

The house is small
but crammed with people.

And trash.

The old toys and clothes
take up 10 boxes already.

They're Ang's old toys.
He doesn't want to dump them.

I'll take the old clothes
to the Salvation Army soon.

Soon? When is soon?

You're like my Mom.
You never throw anything away.

She treats all trash like treasure.

You think I'll have money
to get a bigger house?

What are you trying to say?

Nothing. Whatever.

We've been together for so long.

Can't you understand my situation?

Believe me.

Just once!

I believe you, Ching.

I believe you haven't changed
at all in 20 years.

You really think so?

The truth is right in front of me.

But it's not your fault. It's mine.

They're fighting.

About what?

Who knows? Find out yourself.

Go and look.

$10

No, $20.

Whatever, quick.

Over as soon?

Yep, my money!

What?

Why not? It's not my business.

Quick.

You're worse than a loan shark.

No way. That's embarrassing!

Every disc has a security bar code.

Are you sure?

That stupid?

Really?

Really embarrassing.

Gotta go.
My boyfriend is staring at me.

Alright, bye.

It's okay!
This isn't a video phone.

Who knows who my boyfriend is?

I heard you failed Economics.

I can give you lessons.

Are you joking?

Or you want to ease your guilt?

I'm not falling for this chick.

I only want to give her tuition.

Why can't life be simpler?

You sound democratic
and open-minded in class.

But you're just
a piece of antique after all!

I am a piece of antique all along!

I've been a stiff all my life.

After being the best student,
I want to be the best father

the best husband
and the best teacher.

Stiffs attract people
to try and bend them.

And you're here to bend me?

Bend a little and take a holiday.

Non-stop examination
without a holiday can kill.

Your eyes look scary.

The way you stared at the old man...

You hate people having
"disabled" meals?

Really?

I thought you were sympathetic.

That you'd give him a tissue.

He reminds me of someone...

A relative.

Someone you dislike?

I don't dislike him.

But...

You won't understand.

I'll tell you a story.
It's easier for you to understand.

There's a beautiful girl.

She has a pair of long legs.

And she is my neighbor.

When I was eleven or twelve

my heart beat faster
whenever I saw her.

One day, I looked out the window

and saw this beautiful girl again.

She was waiting for a taxi.

I thought I could look
to my heart's content.

Then, I saw her...

spit and wiped it...

with her shoes.

I stayed back because
I didn't want her to spot me.

It's my fault. I shouldn't
say you're not sympathetic.

Then you won't have
to tell a dumb story...

to defend yourself.

Tell me a better story.

Nothing left to say, really!

Quick. Think of something!

Nothing.

Nothing? How did you flirt
with girls in the past?

I use my sincerity to move them.

Dad

Where's Mom?

Mom called to say she can't make it.
Told me to buy dinner.

Hey, it's...

Can't she play mahjhong?

Come on, let's go out to eat!

Call Ang to join us at the restaurant.

Thanks.

Dad, eat.

Come on, eat.

Enough?

Eat.

He fainted.
I sent him to the hospital.

Sorry.

What did the doctor say?

What did the doctor say?

I don't think he'll get out.

Did you...

Did you tell him about it?

What?

Ask your Mom when you have time.

She will tell you.

Let's go.

- Know what?
- Don't know.

"Page of Swords"
is a woman with swords.

Ferry's here!

Dad, let's go!

Wait for me. The ferry, Dad!

Hurry up!

Yangtze River is
the longest river in China.

She is beautiful.

She passes through
a lot of provinces.

And one of them is called Hubai.

Hubai has a city called Wuchang.

In Wuchang, there's a place
called Yellow Crane Terrace.

Right here.

We now know where
Yellow Crane Terrace is.

So we can start
studying the poem for day.

"Farewell at Yellow Crane Terrace"

The poet is the one I mentioned
before. The famous one.

- Li Bai
- Correct.

"My old friend left me
at the Yellow Crane Terrace"

"Ku ren"

is an old friend.

Same as old buddy?

Lam, quick!

Right, old buddy.

Where is he heading?

"To visit Yangzhou
in the misty month of flowers"

In March...

It's foggy and flowers
start to blossom.

He has to go to Yangzhou.

"His solitary sail becomes
one with the blue sky"

Li Bai saw his friend aboard the boat

disappearing into the distance.

"Yet I see only the Yangtze
on its way to heaven"

What is left is
only the River Yangtze

flowing to the edge of the sky.

Have you been to the Yangtze?

Lam, you'd better train up.

When you finish your university exams

we'll go to the Yangtze together.

We studied so many poems
about the river.

We should go there in person
at least once.

I've never been there.

Are there any sailing boats left?

Ask your Dad to bring you there.

Then you will know.

Okay?

Come on, read it to me!

"My old friend left me
at the Yellow Crane Terrace"

"To visit Yangzhou
in the misty month of flowers"

"His solitary sail
becomes one with the blue sky"

"Yet I see only the Yangtze
on its way to heaven"

Aren't you afraid?

You know those brats.

Principal

Something wrong?

Yes, don't you know?

He was very pissed off.

Really?

He bumped into Wu this morning.

She was swearing.

He scolded her and wanted her
to write an apology.

So that girl

started cursing all his ancestors!

A lot of people were watching.

And then she said
she is quitting school.

Don't you think that's something.

Mr Lam

Choose one out of the two.

Due by the end of class.

- Mom
- Why so early today?

Sore throat. So I came back early.

You're ill.

Take some medicine and you'll be ok.

Mom, may I look at photos of you
and Dad when you were young.

I'll find them for you in a minute.

Mom

Dad told me the first half of a story.

He said you will finish it.

Where did he stop?

He mentioned your Chinese teacher,
Mr Shing.

Have you told your parents?

No.

But this is serious.

Am I pregnant or did I get AIDS?

Mom and Dad understand me.

What about the general exam?

Should I talk to the principal?

Isn't it better
if I am not your student?

Do you think I'm sexier in uniform?

I'll wear it if you like.

My treat.

Bingo.

Sorry.

You're naughty.

Lam, you're detained after class.

1979, a day before
the school results were out

everyone was worried

and perplexed.

So was I.

Pregnancy Test: Positive

I wished that tornadoes
and earthquakes

would crash the world.

Then everything can be settled.

But the world is never that perfect.

You'll get
a heat stroke running that fast!

I remember it was very hot that day.

The crickets were noisy.

I have resigned.

I have to go to Taiwan.

My father-in-law got me a job there.

It's the editor
for a university press.

Before I came back to teach

I used to work as an editor.

My wife's family is in Taiwan.

His wife is Taiwanese.

She dislikes Hong Kong.

He said when the baby's due

it will be easier to handle.

They've been married
for ten years with no kids.

Why at this time?

I was very angry-

Not because I found out his wife
was having a child.

It was the way he told me.

Whatever he said
afterwards meant nothing to me.

Didn't he know that you were pregnant?

When a teacher you loved

suddenly turned into
a person you despised

there was nothing left to say.

I was very nervous
when the train was at Lo Wu.

I wanted someone to help me.

You knew he liked you?

I only knew
he would do me this favor.

When was your last period?

Is that your boyfriend outside?

Is he over 21?

Our rules here state that

an adult relative must be present

with a minor who is going
to have an abortion.

When I came out, I started to cry.

He asked if I was afraid.

Our family started on that day.

In fact...

Did you love Dad?

What do you think?

If I married him only
to solve my problem

do you think we could
stick together for 20 years?

David is here.

Bring your friends over.
I'll talk to you later.

Thanks for coming.
Please go to that room.

It's so packed and stuff here.

The air-conditioning over
there is a lot better.

Melinda, ask Susan
to bring her friends here.

Nice meeting you. Thank you.

Have a seat and
I'll talk to you later.

Bring me some beer.

Linda, get some beer for our boss!

Fortune telling!

Sir, $5 for a life.

Very cheap, choose a card.

Amy, leave him alone.

He's my friend.
Read your palm elsewhere.

Are you deaf?

This place is pretty classy.

Yes.

Like a flea market.

I never thought I would end up here

and open an air-conditioned
flea market.

David Copperfield
will be performing soon!

Really?

Yes, of course!

China is a huge country
littered with talents.

Our David Copperfield has a beard.
You may say he's Chinese.

You can play with him, you know?

Whatever.

I'll get you some lamb satay.

Be back in a minute.

Make yourself at home.
I'll talk to you later.

Excuse me...

Here, lamb satay!

Delicious, eat while it's still hot.

There're a lot of pubs
on this street.

Yeah, this is
the Lan Kwai Fong of China.

Then business will be tough.

That's why we need gimmicks.

To stir up the place
and attract more people.

Once we get reputation, we're on!

Gimmicks? Your gimmicks
are a little...

Take it easy. It's opening night.

I'm just interested in business.

Gal, you're driving me nuts.

Ten years back and
I'd have gobbled you up.

Why not now?

Nah.

Now I like women in their 30s,
the administrative kind

who can support me.

Change the place into a gigolo bar!

There's too much competition
from hookers.

Very interesting!

I'll come back to you later.

Don't go!

This chick is really something!

Ang means unharmed.
Your father gave you that name.

Why is he a teacher?

I mean...

He taught at a night school
while he was studying.

He had to pay the rent and feed you.

I wouldn't be a teacher
if I were him.

Will you lay the table?

That man, why do you still care?

Didn't you say you despise him?

Ching...

Ching!

I once fantasized marrying him.

Seeing him everyday.

Then I blamed him for everything.

I told myself I was the victim.

And that I hated him.

I was torn between these two feelings

until...

I see a sick old man

all alone at the end of his life.

Suddenly, both my love
and my hatred were gone.

I only feel sorry for him.

No one mentions him in this house.

Courtesy saw your Dad and
I through a twenty-year marriage.

When can we stop evading the issue?

Ten! Ten!

All. Five.

This is fun.

5, none.

10!

10!

It's ok, I'll do it.

Mom, are you alright?

People like novels...

to have a beginning and an ending.

But not every ending fulfills
your expectation.

Perhaps I want to be there
for him at his end.

Perhaps I just
want to see him suffer.

Drink! Drink! Drink...

Teachers have no power now.

If they discipline students

they get beaten up after school.

When we were students

teachers love to grill Yue.

Of course! He was skinny,
lazy and loathsome.

Whoever gave him a place in Form 1

should be blamed for everything!

And that's why you protected him.

I was truly a clever student.

I knew...

having a friend like Yue
always makes me superior.

Isn't that true?

He was involved in gang fights.

He was dumped by hundreds of girls.

He even went to jail once.

He is super!

Are you drunk already?

Like tonight...

What about tonight?

Coming all this way here
to visit Yue...

It's his grand opening, right?

What a good excuse.

People must've forced you to
self-reflect when you were young.

As for me...

I never doubt myself.

Let's go.

It's still early.

We have to cross the border
before it closes.

Is that important?

You have to get used to it.

Get used to what?

Not seeing me in class.

Maybe it's a good thing.

You'll know when the time comes.

You're beginning to miss me already.

What are you thinking?

An excuse for your wife?

An excuse for yourself?

Why do we need to explain?

No exam is great.

Life is a never-ending examination.

Life is really hard for you.

You're always joking in class.

Did you learn all the jokes
from a book?

I don't know why I fell for you.

I think...

I remember how it started.

It was during dictation class.

You sat there staring at the window.

Like what you did just now.

I tore out a piece of paper
and drew you.

When I become a director,
I will definitely film that scene.

You think it's funny?

I always get what I want.

What's taking you so long?

Fixing my hair.

Dad

Dad

Take off your clothes.
lam doing the laundry now.

Ching

I slept over in Shenzhen last night.

How's Yue?

Not too bad. Business is good.

Last night...

You're late.

Get changed.

My class is at 9:15.

I was in Shenzhen...

I told him the whole story.

Really?

I finally have the guts to tell him.

How is he?

Talk to him when you have time.

I will.

Ching...

Mom, you haven't signed my letter.

Alright.

Hurry up, I'll be late.

It's hot.

Chan, time to eat.

Good, good.

Get your wallet.

Lam, time to eat. Let's go.

- I'm not going.
- You have to eat first. Work later.

I'm not hungry. You guys go ahead.

- Sichuan Noodles.
- Leave him alone. Let's go.

"My First Time"

This is a composition topic
I gave my students.

When I was marking them

I suddenly recalled my unforgettable
first moments.

The first time I realized
I love Chinese Literature

was because Mr Shing
became our teacher.

The first time I fell in love

was with my classmate.

Her name was Ching.

She was sitting right in front of me.

I enjoyed smelling her shampoo

every day in class.

The first time I felt I was important

was on the day you were born.

That wrinkled face
sleeping in the cradle.

Crying like a kitten.

When I held you,
I didn't know what to do.

But I felt this

splendid feeling
rushing up inside me.

The world became tender.

And I became essential.

In no time,
you were no longer a kitten.

But an adventurer setting off
to look for his first time.

In a quiet corner

there is a brand new "First Time"
waiting for him.

He's been unconscious 3 days.

Mr. Shing

Mr. Shing

I'm Lam.

Haven't talked to you
for a long time.

Remember the book and
the two pens you gave me?

I threw some away

and gave out the rest.

But whatever you asked
to memorize is still in my head.

Let me recite one piece for you:

"In the autumn of the year jen-hsu

A friend and I went out on a boat
that passes the Red Cliff.

The breeze is fresh
and the water is unruffled.

As I drank with my friend

I hummed a poem and sang a phrase on
its strange beauty.

The moon rises from the eastern hills

and wanders among the stars.

White dew above the river
draws a line beneath the sky.

Letting the boat go where it pleases

we drift over the endless flow.

Sailing the void and riding the wind

we know not where to stop.

Leaving the world and standing alone

we sprout wings to join the immortals.

As I drink the wine

I compose a song:

Oars of orchid wood

row through the moon's drifting light.

Thoughts fly far away

for my loved one
in a corner of the sky.

A friend plays a flute,
harmonizing my song.

The flute makes a wailing sound

resenting, longing,
lamenting, protesting

trailing the night like endless silk"

You better write a good one

or I'll get someone to beat you up.

How dare you say that?

Okay. I'll write "He's a Rambo".

Okay?

You can be a cop, security guard

or even a salesman.

That's fine.

I want two copies.

One for job application;

another for Form 6 application.
Just in case.

In case?

Okay, I'll write...

"Super hacker and lady killer".
Alright?

I'll write you something good.

Mr Lam, write

"Big breasts no brains" for her.

What? Did I break your heart?

- Kiss and tell?
- Go to hell!

Hey, keep it clean until
the elderly are gone.

Him? He's leaving.

Thanks for coming.

Stay seated, please.

Pills, anyone?

No, you're the King of pills!

Sir

Hi!

I've called you many times.

My phone was stolen.

I changed my package.

It's Wu.

Wu, payback time! Hurry up!

Come on! Can I use my credit card?

Long time no see. How are you lately?

Never been better.

I saw your boyfriend
with a new BMW outside.

Chi is there drinking wine.
Let's join him!

How're you?

I'm opening a shop.

You convinced your Dad?

Easy. I'm going to India
to buy stuff for my shop.

I thought people go to Japan for that.

Too expensive. Indian is in!

You don't know this kind of thing.

Of course.

I may go to Kashmir too.

Very dangerous.

So?

I'll call you when the shop opens.

Okay.

The air-conditioner
is getting noisier.

I'm too used to it to notice.

Now that you mention it, it is noisy.

In fact...

If you don't want to live with me,
let me know.

I can always look for a job.

True, you know how to type Chinese.

The mortgage is settled.

When I have time,
I can come home to see the kids.

Let's talk about it
after our trip to Yangtze.

We studied so many poems

by Li Bai and Du Fu.

We should at least visit it once.

The weather is a bit hot.

But if we don't go now

the gorges will be flooded

and nothing will be left.