Review by: Andrew Chan (Neo) FCCA

One of the simplest yet pleasantly emotional movies of the year…

Simon Yam has finally found his ground. After years of nominations, sweats and determination, Yam has won his most coveted award – Hong Kong Best Actor. Gladly he deserved it with both hands down. A bravo display from a true veteran at work and to say this is his best ever performance cannot be departed with understatement. The scene in the gushing of wind leading to the collapse of the shoe shop, confirms to us that Yam has finally hit the right emotional buttons. For that, he must be congratulated. Usual writer Alex Law tries his hand at directing and the result is almost extraordinarily.

The story is a personal one and yet portrays the time frame of Hong Kong in the 1960s so perfectly that one feels they can easily immerse into the every situation. It is rare that you come out of a commercial Hong Kong film with the same subtle feelings not seen since Ann Hui’s “The Way We Are”. Yet, this film is far more accessible, simple and yet astonishingly moving. “Echoes of the Rainbow” do go the route taken, but goes about it in the most effective and simplistic of manner. Led by an excellent star turn from Buzz Chung who simply chew the scenes with both cuteness and innocence and adding to a mix is perhaps a slight mis-casted Sandra Ng, who still manages to impress. Perhaps, Teresa Mo (“Mr. Cinema”) may be a more suitable candidate for the role. The priceless expression on Buzz’s face when he hears about the death is almost seamlessly touching and almost lingering. Upcoming singer, Aarif Lee also does well and the award winning performance from Simon Yam sums up the movie. This film simply exceeds expectations and is most certainly it is beautiful to endure.

All in all, “Echoes of the Rainbow” fills the heart and the soul with passion, life and hope and despite its flaws, simplicity, it works. This film is most probably best Hong Kong film of the year and almost without a doubt, it comes highly recommended… (Neo 2010)

I rate it 9/10