I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the 2021 Hong Kong drama "Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" (aka "Drifting") here in 2022. Granted, I hadn't even heard about Jun Li's movie here, but I didn't need to have heard about it to watch it. Simply with it being a Hong Kong movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to watch it.
Seeing that the movie was starring Francis Ng, I must admit that things were looking good, and I was definitely having some expectations to the level of entertainment.
And let me just say that writer and director Jun Li delivers a wholesome and enjoyable movie. "Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" is a most welcomed movie to the Hong Kong cinema, as it depicts the lives of those unfortunate Hong Kong residents that live in slums and on the streets. And it was such a much needed breath of fresh air to the Hong Kong cinema, as it was so far away from the usual fast paced action, sappy romance and slapstick comedies that you get in an abundance. So thumbs up, way, way up for writer and director Jun Li on that accomplishment.
It should be said that not only was it because of a great and well-written storyline that "Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" turned out so enjoyable, but most definitely also because of some very emotional and memorable performances by the cast in the various roles of those poor people living on the streets in Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong.
I was really impressed with Francis Ng's performance in this movie. But then again, I have always enjoyed his performances in the movies he is in, but I will say that "Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" is possibly the crowning achievement of his acting career thus far.
"Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" is a movie that hits home and stays with you for a long time, especially if you are familiar with the living situations of Hong Kong.
My rating of "Zuk Seoi Piu Lau" lands on an eight out of ten stars.
