This is a gorgeous love story that is full of emotional twists. It tells of Onion (Richie Ren), a blind and dumb man who is cared for by a nurse, Autumn (Cecilia Cheung). A year after they met, they begin to fall in love, but a car accident kills Onion, and their love seems all but lost. However, chance strikes and as the 60 billionth person to go to Heaven (aka Polaris), he chooses to return to see Autumn. But he only has 5 days, and she cannot know his identity.
Whilst the overall plot may seem quite simple, the film is full of cute little love stories put together, but in no way does it feel fragmented as the flow of the film works beautifully. I wouldn't say that the direction or cinematography was anything special, but that was particularly down to the strength of the script. Cecilia Cheung gives a great and natural performance, Richie Ren, however, mostly seems to overact, and the transition from a childlike blind and dumb man to a mature and philosophical person on his return to Earth seems somewhat flawed. Ok, one might argue, death changes you, your eyes have literally been opened, etc., etc., but surely a character doesn't change as dramatically as his! A mention also for William So, who really does a good performance as Dr Woo. It would have been nice to get a deeper insight in his character.
With three singers in the lead roles, it is not surprising to hear a good soundtrack accompanies the movie. Cecilia's almost haunting lead track does complement the film brilliantly.
In summary, this is a good film to watch, with some originality and an excellent performance by Cecilia Cheung - it's one to watch in the back row with a loved one!
