Green Tea (2003)

Spirit · Far East Spirit Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 950

A key to many things in life is the realization that there is more than a surface. The essence is hidden beneath, and up to anyone's interpretation. This is is particularly true for the multi-layered Chinese culture. Few things are what they appear to be.

Minimalistic in plot, settings and character count, "Green Tea" is, taken at face value, an unremarkable movie. It could be made by one of these film makers who say "Give me two characters and a good script, and I'll make a fantastic movie". And fantastic it is.

In "Green Tea", we meet Fang, a grad student, going on repeated blind dates in Beijing. She wants to find the one man she ought to marry. However, she has little luck -- her looks are not the most appealing (pretty Zhao Wei with glasses and bun), and she is not exactly accessible, speaking in riddles. At the beginning of the movie, she is getting to know Chen, who just got dumped by his girlfriend. Over the course of movies, we witness these two characters repeatedly meeting in cafes and bars, drinking green tea. Chen is very persistent with her and listens to her story about a close friend who got abused in her childhood by her father, who died killed by her mother in self-defense, and lost her mother when she was sent to jail. Fang is very shy and resistant to share her thoughts, and only slowly over many dates he gets warm to her, though on a mere spiritual level.

One day, he visits a piano bar with a friend, seeing a beautiful pianist called Lang. Every night, she gets taken away by a different guy (for money). Unhappy about the progress with Fang, he gives in when his friends urges him to get the pianist. Approaching her, he is startled to find out that she looks like Fang. What is happening?

This is the plot of "Green Tea", simple as it is -- but this is the beginning, not the end of the story. "Green Tea" works on just so many levels, it is truly fascinating. It poses many questions, but leaves the room wide open for interpretation. It is a character piece - girls meets guy -, a psychological analysis - the motives of romance and relationships, and quintessential archetypes of characters -, a societal commentary - the d(m)ating game in modern society. It is one of those movies where not much -seems- to happen, but in fact every moment, every line of dialogue, every image is so full of meaning it is keeping you on the edge of your seat.

The most obvious questions are: Are Fang and Lang the same person? What is the relevance of her friend's childhood happenings? But the real issue is: which one is the right girl for Chen, or any one? Is it the superficial extrovert at the bar, the girl that seems appealing and complex but may fall apart upon further scrutiny? Or the seemingly cold and inaccessible introvert which needs "time to become pretty"? "A cup of green tea will show you the way to find your true love. " says the movie's tagline. Take your time, look and listen. The truth will unfold.

Stylish, vibrant and meaningful, "Green Tea" is a real gem not to be overlooked. Highly recommended for everyone who also likes movies that are not (just) meant for passive consumption and sensory gratification, but your very own listening, observing and thinking.

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porter · Master Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 2126

didn't you tell me that it was not that good?
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Spirit · Far East Spirit Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 950

porter · Master Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 2126

aaah
well Tea or no Tea these movies are not my cup anyway Wink

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Spirit · Far East Spirit Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 950

methodLY · Initiate Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 10

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