Enthralled
An enthralling directorial debut by the phenomenal, biting columnist and broadcaster Chip Tsao. Three elementary school pals, separated during the post-Tiananmen wave of emigration, reunite after 20 years, only to find themselves in totally different places. When each of them gets involved in an unlikely and at times illicit romance, their disparate lives intertwine and take a dire turn. The simmering ennui of post-handover Hong Kong is insightfully captured in this original and hardhitting drama about love, deceit and betrayal.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful romance novelist, struggling with writer's block and a strained marriage, finds unexpected inspiration and passion in a young man she meets online. As their connection deepens, she becomes increasingly entangled in his mysterious life, blurring the lines between her fictional world and a dangerous reality. She must confront the consequences of her choices before her life unravels completely.
Critical Reception
Enthralled received a largely negative reception from critics, with many pointing to a predictable plot and uninspired performances. Audiences were similarly divided, with some finding the thriller elements engaging while others criticized the melodrama and pacing.
What Reviewers Say
- The film suffers from a convoluted and predictable storyline.
- Performances are generally considered weak, failing to elevate the material.
- The thriller aspects are undercut by excessive melodrama.
Google audience: Audience feedback is scarce for this film, but available reviews suggest a general disappointment with the execution of its premise.
Fun Fact
Director David Worth is also known for his work on the cult classic 'Miami Connection' (1987).
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