Lilting (2014)
An elderly woman (Cheng Pei Pei), living in a retirement home, is visited by her son (Andrew Leung). They argue a little, both because he forgot to bring her a CD that she had asked him and because she hates living in that place. Then she tells him about a man she has met and with whom she has been sort of dating, and they tenderly joke about it. Only her son isn't actually there. She's just remembering their last conversation together. Her son is dead. That's the opening scene of Lilting , the debute-feature of British-Cambodian director Hong Khaou who proves himself to be someone to keep an eye on. Lilting is far from perfect, but it's a strong first work that shows the director's sensitive, empathetic touch. The woman is called Junn and she's played by Cheng in an outstanding performance of remarkable subtlety and grace. And she is matched by Ben Whishaw, who gives an aching, soulful portrayal of Richard, the companion of Junn's late son for fou...