Chu is the number one chef in Taipei, a master with no equal. Widowed, he lives comfortably with his three young-adult daughters. Each is a very independent woman, and each is very different from the other. And all three are on the verge of stretching their wings and going out in the world on their own. This poses dilemmas for all, and these personal trials are the focus of Ang Lee's movie; they're his story. Nothing overly dramatic, just modern urban people, successful people, coping and getting along.
The only difficulty I had with the film is that I'm not familiar with the actors; especially those playing the three daughters. Obviously they're all Chinese and speak Mandarin. The film is heavy into conversation so the viewer reads lots of sub-titles. I frequently lost the point of a conversation because I didn't realize who was talking; I was too busy reading.
It's a small complaint. On the plus side the movie delivers an ending. Often these 'slice of life' movies just end, there are no real plot elements to resolve and life goes on. Not here, Mr. Lee delivers an ending that will have you smiling after the Home Theater is darkened.
The only difficulty I had with the film is that I'm not familiar with the actors; especially those playing the three daughters. Obviously they're all Chinese and speak Mandarin. The film is heavy into conversation so the viewer reads lots of sub-titles. I frequently lost the point of a conversation because I didn't realize who was talking; I was too busy reading.
It's a small complaint. On the plus side the movie delivers an ending. Often these 'slice of life' movies just end, there are no real plot elements to resolve and life goes on. Not here, Mr. Lee delivers an ending that will have you smiling after the Home Theater is darkened.