From the opening prologue, you feel it's Magnolia, while not being subtle about it. Not that it matters, as it seems to be inspiration, but sometimes a little heavy handed.
I lived in HK for 12 years (and returning this September of 2024 after seeing up close and personal how big of a hot mess California is). There are a LOT of cliches in this series - mostly if you are familiar with them. The biggest cliche is the snobby Expat neighbors living at a high rise at the Peak, talking in insufferable, leisurely circles about how good they have it. This is spot on.
If you liked Babal, Magnolia, and Amores Perros, this will work well. Even has a dash of Irreversible with the chronology.
Oh, and the cinematography is excellent. Washed out, monochromatic color palettes with lens flares and plenty of soft focus. Excellent work which highlights certain emotions. Also works well in the somewhat claustrophobic spaces that makes up the majority of the environs in HK.
It's also hard not to notice how much of an old lady voice Nicole Kidman has - esp when she loses her faculties.
I lived in HK for 12 years (and returning this September of 2024 after seeing up close and personal how big of a hot mess California is). There are a LOT of cliches in this series - mostly if you are familiar with them. The biggest cliche is the snobby Expat neighbors living at a high rise at the Peak, talking in insufferable, leisurely circles about how good they have it. This is spot on.
If you liked Babal, Magnolia, and Amores Perros, this will work well. Even has a dash of Irreversible with the chronology.
Oh, and the cinematography is excellent. Washed out, monochromatic color palettes with lens flares and plenty of soft focus. Excellent work which highlights certain emotions. Also works well in the somewhat claustrophobic spaces that makes up the majority of the environs in HK.
It's also hard not to notice how much of an old lady voice Nicole Kidman has - esp when she loses her faculties.