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Cast:
Ada
Choi
Tse
Kwan Ho
John
Shum
Cheng
Pei Pei
Lam
Suet (cameo)
Director:
Kwan
Shun Fai
Score:
  
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THE
MIRACLE BOX
AKA:
N/A
Year:
2004 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Though
based on the life of self-sacrificing doctor Joanna Tse and
her work during Hong Kong's tragic SARS crisis, the main focus
is on Tse's loving relationship with her husband Albert. Those
familiar with the real-life story may already know the outcome
of this touching biopic and will perhaps be more able to
comment on the film's authenticity. Nevertheless, from the
perspective of someone unfamiliar with the real lives of the
two doctors, it is the cinematic quality that I find myself
commenting on.
After
passing her medical exams, young student Joanna Tse enters the
profession while also keeping in contact with her former tutor
Albert Lai. Though Lai is seen as a laconic figure, he
nurtures a heart-felt love for Joanna - a feeling that she
happily returns. Their courtship advances and he two
eventually marry, blissfully happy with the direction their
lives have taken. Tragically, Albert's previous battle with leukaemia
is again resumed as the doctor finds himself facing up to the
return of this devastating illness. Returning from her
prestigious post in an Australian medical institute, Joanna
resolves to nurse her husband back to health and do everything
she can to devote her life to helping others.
In
trying to summarise the synopsis, it's difficult not to reveal
what happens to both characters. Obviously, those familiar
with the people who inspired the film will already know the
ending, but for everyone else it's important to give away as
little as possible. Suffice to say, this is a sentimental, yet
occasionally very powerful drama that offers insights into
love and sacrifice. While many may be uncomfortable with, what
could be seen as, a saccharine-coated drama, there's an
undeniable resonance in the storyline. Though 'The Miracle
Box' doesn't tackle terminal illness as successfully as
'Funeral March' or 'C'est La Vie Mon Cherie', any realistic
tackling of leukaemia is bound to have an emotional punch,
while the deep scare that SARS left in the Asian consciousness
is still very much in evidence. The fact that this is inspired
by real people does mean that comparisons to the
aforementioned films is pointless, of course.
The
relative box-office success of 'The Miracle Box' is perhaps
due to the fact that, at its core, this is an optimistic
production. Though the strong religious faith of the central
characters is put under immense pressure, this is a story
where any tragedies are courageously faced. The illnesses that
are faced are also not allowed to take over from what is
essentially a traditional love story between two people who
clearly adore each other. It is therefore more than just an
extended medical drama or melodramatic biopic; though there
are theatrical moments, the film mostly deals with genuine
emotion and a welcome dose of subtlety.
Some
may still be discouraged by the lack of tension or real
impetus, as there is little build up to the narrative's most
powerful scenes. It's true that the final twenty minutes deal
with a great deal in a rather hasty manner; without giving too
much away, the closing third of the film rushes some pivotal
moments, therefore endangering the overall impact. Director
Kwan Shun Fai lets the pace unravel at this point and the
measured pacing of the opening hour seems to be contradicted
by its ending. I'm not aware of Kwan's other work or
background, but such a lack of control is more than sign of an
inexperienced director than anything else. In a similar way,
the respective believes and convictions of Joanna and Albert
are not fleshed-out as strongly as would've been advised.
While
'The Miracle Box' is an imperfect drama, it is without a doubt
a film that benefits from a few exceptional performances. Ada
Choi is superb as Joanna Tse - her efforts in this role show
the massive advancements she has made as an actress in the
past decade. Her relationship with Tse Kwan Ho is realistic,
touching and achieves something that flounders more prominent
productions: you actually believe that the two leads are in
love and this chemistry makes their marriage supremely
sympathetic. The growth of their love is one of the
production's definite merits and isn't dependent on grand
gestures. Meanwhile, screen veteran Cheng Pei Pei has a
pleasing supporting role as Joanna Tse's mother and John Shum
(who definitely couldn't be referred to as 'Curly' anymore) is
a welcome addition. 'The Miracle Box' may or may not be
faithful to its inspiration, but its a film with a message
that is refreshingly earnest.
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