Tao jie (Ann Hui, 2012)

A Simple Life takes two big names in Hong Kong cinema, Deanie Ip and the probably more internationally recognisable action-film star Andy Lau, and drops them into a decidedly unglamourous milieu as Ah Tao, the female servant of four generations of a well-to-do family is forced to retire after a stroke and Roger, a film producer and the sole member of the family left in Hong Kong, lays aside his diffidence to try to pay her back for decades of care. At first, this just involves setting her up in an old people's home, but gradually the emotional bonds between them deepen. Nothing uncommonly dramatic happens thereafter apart from further slumps in her condition following periods of stability, but the story is honest, not overly sentimental and well served by the two leads, who have a credible chemistry.

6/10