7/21/2023 0 Comments Happy together 1997Technically, “Happy Together” is a film that requires some accepting of artistic license. However it is interpreted, this is a film that needs to be watched with an active mind, or one is simply left with a plotless romance of make-ups and break-ups. There are many possible readings for this film, with Wong himself stating that the title refers to one coming to “peace with himself” before looking to the future. The introduction of Chang from Taiwan, a nation with a similarly difficult past with mainland China, giving some comfort to Lai, shows that Hong Kong is not alone, offering some positivism for the future. Hong Kong is the runaway son on the other side of the world, but now must return and reconcile his differences with old-fashioned China. The alluding to the difficult relationship with his father, China, is in hope that the two nations can live side-by-side in the future. Lai, a homosexual man, represents the social freedoms available to those in Hong Kong. The relationship between Lai and Ho and its complicated nature represents the uncertain times ahead for Hong Kong, with high anxiety among the populace. Metaphor is what drives “Happy Together”. And despite his sadness for his situation, eventually he feels that he is better off moving on alone, too.Īs with many films by Wong, plot isn't the defining factor. Eventually, Lai finds solace in the younger Chang (Chen Chang), a work colleague from Taiwan travelling alone, leading him to try and reconcile his difficult relationship with his father. As their time in Buenos Aires continues, the pair are in limbo Lai in constant fear of Ho's attempts to reconcile their love, stating “let's start over.” But it is not to be: Ho cheaply whores himself to older men, while criticising the hard-working Lai for doing his work. Their hope is to reach the Iguazu Falls in the north of the country, but the lack of funds and the constant bickering in their on-off relationship prevents them from ever reaching a happy ending. Tony Leung Chui-wai and Leslie Cheung star as Lai and Ho respectively: a gay couple travelling across Argentina, somewhat lost of direction, winding up in Buenos Aires in low paid jobs.
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