TRIVIAL MATTERS (2007-HK)
review by Neo



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Edmond Pang does it again…
In late December 2007, a little movie called Trivial Matters came out, but almost nobody noticed, except for Neo. Then due to meeting the light of my life, Neo almost totally forgot about this movie, until when the DVD came out. It is a kind of movie that goes the route not usually taken and as usually in very much Edmond Pang’s distinctive style. For a young director, Pang is not just promising, but he is damn outright smart. Just a glimpse at cult classics like You Shoot I Shoot, the infamous AV, Men Suddenly in Black, the cunning Beyond Our Ken and the playing with the idea of incest in Isabella. It is almost truism to claim that this man just cannot go wrong. Likewise, Trivial Matters isn’t coherent, doesn’t make sense, but it is funny and clear-cut interesting, in Pang’s portrayal of trivial matters and perhaps some not so trivial matters.

It is easy to see when the entire cast of actors are enjoying themselves, having fun, feeling great, rather than being stressed out their daylights. Just recall the days of all those Lunar Year comedies, while the movie itself might be silly or even plot-less, the fun that the actors are actually having themselves, so easily translate to off-screen audience. This is exactly the feeling that Edmond Pang is able to bring back and for better or for worst, he has done it in pretty controversial manner.

The film opens with a scene about 2 couples, having different expectations of making love and what makes it hilarious is not just the absurdity of the situation, but the manner the actors expresses themselves and the ingenious use of two different actors doing the sex scene. Then there is the Edison’s moment of cleaning up the toilet with piss pick up line at a rave party. However, the best story comes with the story of Eason and Isabel Chan. Laughs are guaranteed, but then again, it all comes down to how open you are. The story ends on a sudden note, and like the usual Pang’s fare, expect the unexpected. Neo is still laughing at how a trivial matter can become so shockingly distorted. I am referring to the choking scene if you are not aware of the subtle references.

So what more do Neo have to say to persuade to take a shot at this very funny, very canny and absolutely trivial flick. By all means, it depends on acquired taste, and it really isn’t anything real special. What made it more interesting than it should be; compliments must be given to the actors, then the director and perhaps Chapman To as the producer. With a throw of a dice, you can easily tell that everyone involved is certainly having a lot of fun and believe it or not, that unique feeling is pretty damn priceless when it is translated to the awaiting audience. So why not take a shot at Trivial Matters, after all, in life we always seems to think that the problem we are facing right now is really serious, but at the end of the day, when you begin to look back, you will probably end up thinking – geez that was trivial…

I rate it 9/10

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Cast: Jan Lam Hoi-Fung, Chan Fai-Hung, Crystal Tin Yui-Lei, Edison Chen, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Kenny Kwan Chi-Bun, Angela Baby, Patrick Tam Yiu-Man, Eason Chan Yik-Shun, Chapman To Man-Chat, Isabel Chan Yat-Ning, Zhang Zheng, Lam Yat-Fung, Gillian Chung Yun-Tung, Stephy Tang Lai-Yun, Juno Mak Chun-Lung, Feng Xiaogang, Peter Kam Pui-Tat, Shawn Yue, Conroy Chan Chi-Chung
Directed by: Edmond Pang
Genre: Random play