Funeral March (2001)

It pays not to be put off by first impressions with Funeral March. For a production carrying such a bleak title and poster taglines, Joe Ma's latest is a surprising and fairly enjoyable affair. An overwhelmingly grey colour palette and much talk of death rides throughout, yet the trumpeting of hope, care and living for the future -- all closed fittingly with a sunrise over Hong Kong's harbour -- make for a charming little cinema package.

The film's premise is straightforward. Undertaker Duan (Eason Chan) is approached by a girl (Charlene Choi) to arrange her upcoming funeral. She's got intestinal cancer and troubles on the home front have her dead-set on refusing treatment. The girl's persuasive, advance payment is arranged and soon Duan's up for the job. Companionship builds in both Hong Kong and New York City, where the girl visits for more pre-death arrangements; their discussion and support giving rise to Funeral March's themes.

The leads are likeable with Charlene Choi impressive as Yee in her first high-profile role after the natural performance in Heroes In Love. Though still rough on the edges and not always convincing in emotional moments, the Funeral March appearance gives hope for more good work in Choi's future resume. Eason Chan is attractive alongside and works with the materials with a supportive, touching charm (and contributes to the soundtrack too).

Production work and scripting proved appealing enough to get me in the cinema twice for this one. Only Lincoln Lo's music contributions are heavy-handed enough to detract from Funeral March's otherwise consistent and muted appeal. Writing keeps a slight element of suspense at the same time, even being a little manipulative at moments, to offer an intriguingly lightweight viewing experience that can still get some tears flowing in the stalls.

Right: Funeral March printed billboard at the South China Theatre -- one of the last before the cinema closed.

Credits:

Directed by Joe Ma Wai-ho
Produced by Gordon Chan Ka-seung and Joe Ma Wai-ho
Starring Eason Chan, Charlene Choi, Kenneth Tsang and Pauline Yam