The Last Dance (12A)
Directed by Anselm Chan Mou Yin 
★★★★

 
SEEN through the lens of Hong Kong’s unique funeral industry this funny yet terribly moving family drama pits modernism against the old traditional ways, and sister against brother. 
 
Written and directed by Anselm Chan Mou Yin, it follows a debt-ridden wedding planner Dominic (Dayo Wong) who becomes a funeral planner. However, his biggest hurdle is winning the approval of the co-owner and staunchly traditional Taoist priest Master Man (Michael Hui) who doesn’t approve of Dominic’s modern ideas for the business. 
 
Master Man also has a prickly relationship with his daughter (Michelle Wai) who is a paramedic but desperate to follow in the family business. Unfortunately it is only passed on through the male line as women are deemed to be filthy and unclean, and hence inappropriate people to deal with the ancestors, as her father keeps telling her. It is because we menstruate! 
 
So the film examines inequality and sexism in a patriarchal society. In addition, and unsurprisingly, Master Man has issues expressing his love for his daughter and vice versa. When she is forced to be his carer following a heart attack it proves a very difficult and violent situation. 
 
Witty and whip-smart, and with standout performances from its delightful cast, it packs an extraordinary emotional punch in the third act. For those looking after an elderly parent it will hit home hard. 
 
It is a must-see film — just ensure you have tissues to hand. 

In cinemas November 15