One of the best known filmmakers of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui has built her career on beautiful observations of the social issues that make up the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Based on a true story, A Simple Life is a compassionate look at the difficulties of growing older alone and the unlikely relationships which can sustain even the loneliest heart.

Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau plays the middle-aged Roger Leung, who has been nursed back to health after a heart attack by Sister Tao (the astonishing Deanie Ip). Tao has been part of Roger’s life since childhood and he feels responsible for his old housekeeper’s well-being. After a minor stroke, the unmarried Tao hands in her notice and resigns herself to spending the rest of her days in a home for the elderly. Roger quickly realises that after 60 years of service with his family, Tao is as important to him as any parent or sibling.

A Simple Life is a celebration of the importance of love, kindness and consideration – cornerstones of a culture that puts reverence for the elderly at its core. The relationship between these two very difference people, separated by age and class, is beautifully observed by Lau and Ip who ironically have played mother and son a dozen times in the past three decades.