When Tat Fu Was Young (1988)

When Tat Fu Was Young Poster
Original Title: 郁達夫傳奇

In 1913, 17-year-old Dafu travels from China to Japan to study. Japan is on the rise, a nation of proud people. China, on the other hand, is in turmoil. Dafu takes his demanding courses and racial discrimination in stride, but he finds his nascent manhood difficult to handle. In a hot-springs spa, he meets Lung Erh, his dream girl, but she soon disappears.

Intro
"When Tat Fu Was Young" is a 1988 Hong Kong film, embeded in the early Post-War Colonial period, that checks out themes of family, agape love, and individual development. Directed by Ronny Yu, the movie masterfully incorporates light-hearted humor with profound significant aspects to create a picture of the battles and happiness of a daddy dedicating his life to raising his four sons.

Plot Summary
The narrative primarily centers on a rich entrepreneur, Tat Fu (Chow Yun-Fat), and his efforts to raise his 4 boys alone after their mother's death. The movie takes audiences through different stages of their life, narrating the obstacles Tat Fu deals with in instilling excellent values in his kids and guaranteeing their success while dealing with his individual grief.

Tat Fu's character becomes a robust dad figure who, despite the extreme truths of life, fosters an atmosphere of cheerfulness and life-affirming energy in his family. His love and dedication towards his children are truly heartwarming and are the film's essential driving thematic force.

Characterization and Performance
The acting efficiencies are first-class, with Chow Yun-Fat portraying Tat Fu impressively. He generates a mix of strength and vulnerability to the character, making Tat Fu relatable and believable. The actors playing the roles of the four kids are proficient, each reflecting the extremely distinct, private characters they're suggested to depict, from the rebellious eldest kid to the thoughtful youngest.

Thematic Exploitation
The movie checks out a myriad of themes. The dominant one is the genuine love in between a dad and his children, presented through Tat Fu's perpetual effort to supply his kids with the very best. Despite the many tribulations, Tat Fu is undeterred, showing his unwavering faith in household worths.

"When Tat Fu Was Young" also discuss the style of societal expectations and the pressure to conform, highlighting the impact of such societal pressures on individual lives. The film demonstrates how the boys mature and adapt, selecting their paths either as a rebellion against or an acceptance of their father's teachings and beliefs.

Setting and Production Design
Set during the post-war colonial era in Hong Kong, the movie perfectly catches the abundant culture and vibe of the duration. The information in production design, from the lavish estate of Tat Fu to the lively colonial streets and markets, are carried out beautifully, taking audiences on a journey into a period bygone.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "When Tat Fu Was Young" is an evocative and gripping tale offering a balance of humor and emotion. It celebrates fathership, highlighting the depth of adult love and sacrifices. Though launched over three decades back, the movie's depiction of the struggle between societal expectations and personal goals, combined with its touching representation of household characteristics, makes it exceptionally pertinent even today. With stellar efficiencies, the movie leaves audiences reviewing their relationships, roles, and obstacles in life and society, making it a timeless classic in Hong Kong cinema.

Top Cast

  • Chow Yun-fat (small)
    Chow Yun-fat
  • Terrence Fok
  • Wong Kwok Ling
  • Mutsumi Itakura
  • Sachiko Nakamura
  • Kam Hing-Yin (small)
    Kam Hing-Yin
  • Tang Yiu Ming
  • Katsumi Muramatsu
  • Kazunori Nobuzane
  • Lee Chi-Ngai (small)
    Lee Chi-Ngai
  • Yat Sun Chan