Isabella (2006)

Isabella (2006)
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On the eve before the political handover of Macao to the Peoples' Republic of China, police officer Shing suffers a terrible career crisis: he has been involved in years of money laundering with Portuguese officials and is now facing extradition. Shing seeks comfort in the arms of a young woman, Yan, with whom he wants a one-night stand. Yan, on the other hand, has a different agenda; she confronts Shing with the unexpected news that she's his daughter. Shing didn't even know he had a daughter. And while Shing wants to carry on as a care-free bachelor, Yan has other ideas and, refusing to be shrugged off as an incidental accident, causes havoc in his everyday life -- she insists on moving into her father's apartment. Shing soon has to face up to the challenge of taking on personal and professional responsibility -- paternal responsibility for his daughter and professional responsibility for the money laundering he committed as an officer of the law. In the end, he decides to admit his crime, do his time, and plans to turn over a new leaf after prison for a life of responsibility with his daughter in Macao. ~ Heidi Philipsen, Rovi

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Starring:
Chapman ToIsabella Leong, (more)
Director(s):
Pang Ho-cheungEdmond Pang, (more)
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Isabella

On the eve before the political handover of Macao to the Peoples' Republic of China, police officer Shing suffers a terrible career crisis: he has been involved in years of money laundering with Portuguese officials and is now facing extradition. Shing seeks comfort in the arms of a young woman, Yan, with whom he wants a one-night stand. Yan, on the other hand, has a different agenda; she confronts Shing with the unexpected news that she's his daughter. Shing didn't even know he had a daughter. And while Shing wants to carry on as a care-free bachelor, Yan has other ideas and, refusing to be shrugged off as an incidental accident, causes havoc in his everyday life -- she insists on moving into her father's apartment. Shing soon has to face up to the challenge of taking on personal and professional responsibility -- paternal responsibility for his daughter and professional responsibility for the money laundering he committed as an officer of the law. In the end, he decides to admit his crime, do his time, and plans to turn over a new leaf after prison for a life of responsibility with his daughter in Macao. ~ Heidi Philipsen, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
109 mins

Complete Cast of Isabella


Director(s):
Pang Ho-cheungEdmond Pang
Writer(s):
Derek TsangEdmond PangJimmy Wan
Producer(s):
Shi DongmingPang Ho-cheungEdmond Pang
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    Michael L.

    It's rare that hk film talks about a dyfunctional father-daughter relationship. I have some friends that don't like this, because it displays some amoral behaviors at the beginning, but I think they miss the point. Yes, Shing (Chapman to) is completely messed-up, but somehow Isabella's strong desire of a relationship brings the peace and happiness back in his life. There aren't many hk films about father-daughter relationships, and the few family-themed films from hk wouldn't touch something as messed-up (with a number of taboo) as this one. Somehow and someway, the raw emotion of desire and love has provided an unusual and wonderful small film that displays the little Macao as beautiful and romantic as paris. It showcase one of the best acting by Chapman To, and also gives you the break-out and irresistable performance by Isabella Leong.

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    Erik B.

    Ho-Cheung Pang directs this amazing drama with Chapman To and Isabella Leong, who provide the best performances of their careers. Their relationship starts off typical, then veers into a completely different direction with the assistance of a sharply intelligent structure and screenplay. Pang's exceptional directorial skills are evident here because he is somehow able to transform the most trivial events into charming scenarios. The captured images of Macau are wonderful and the score is soothing. This is a work of art and a spectacular film.

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    Denna B.

    This movie felt like it was an independent film as very little happened with only two main characters to fill the screen. If you like movies that showcase poor, sweaty people living in squalor, then this is your film. There are a number of cameos from recognizable celebrities that serve as nothing more than faces the two main characters talk to. At least the storyline did provide two unexpected surprises. The acting, directing, cinematography and sound were well done. Throughout the movie you'll be surrounded by crystal clear, Portuguese string music. One negative was that Portuguese dialogue wasn't subtitled, so non-Portuguese speakers can only speculate as to what was said. The DTS 96/24 audio option made very good use of surround sound. As for extras, on Disc 1, there are three commentaries that are spoken in Cantonese and are not subtitled in English. On Disc 2, there are several uninteresting extras that are not subtitled in English. Not really recommended.

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