Monday Night Cinema

The Last Dance

(Po Dei Juk)

Master Man (Michael Hui) is a serious-minded Taoist priest dealing with his family’s many trials and tribulations. Dominic (Dayo Wong) is a businessman whose wedding planning firm has recently collapsed. When Dominic eyes an opportunity in the funeral trade, the pair become unlikely business partners. Master Man’s stubborn adherence to tradition and Dominic’s embarrassing blunders lead to a tense start for their partnership. However, both men soon discover they have much to learn from each other.

Anselm Chan’s film has proven a smash hit in its native Hong Kong. It’s not hard to see why: this is a warm, charming film that delicately balances its comedy and drama. It also offers a fascinating, sensitively handled insight into funeral traditions and rituals in the region.