Once in a Life-Time
Once in a Life-Time

Once in a Life-Time

1995Movie105 minCantonese

Sean Lau has been secretly in love with comely Vivian Chan since childhood, so when she needs a paper marriage to satisfy the wishes of her sick mother, he's a pushover. This doesn't sit too well with her naturalist boyfriend, who seems to like cockroaches more than her. And now the omens are against them: the day they've chosen for marriage is the very same one that Lau's strict aunt demands for his mother's funeral. So, this comedy goes back and forth between the two venues.

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IMDb6.5/10
Director: Dominique CardonaGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

This French drama follows a group of women who, through various circumstances, find themselves at a beauty salon. As they undergo treatments and conversations, they reveal their personal struggles, dreams, and the complexities of their lives. The film uses the intimate setting of the salon to explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the search for connection.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Once in a Life-Time' received a generally positive reception, particularly for its sensitive portrayal of female relationships and its understated exploration of everyday life. Critics often highlighted the naturalistic performances and the film's gentle pacing, though some found it to be too slow or lacking a strong narrative drive.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic depiction of women's lives and friendships.
  • Noted for its subtle performances and intimate atmosphere.
  • Some found the pacing to be too deliberate, affecting the overall engagement.

Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this particular film. However, general sentiment from available reviews suggests appreciation for its focus on relatable characters and their personal journeys.

Fun Fact

The film was part of the independent film circuit in the mid-1990s and gained a following for its focus on ensemble female narratives, which were less common at the time.

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