Lavender (2000)

Director: Riley Yip Kam-Hung

Producer: Claudie Chung Chun

Writer: Riley Yip Kam-Hung

Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Kelly Chan Wai Lam, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Pei-pei Cheng

Running Time: 102 min.

Plot: A young woman's life is changed when an angel with a broken wing lands on her balcony.

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

MIGHTY PEKING MAN'S REVIEW: Everybody needs love. I don't care if you're Charles Manson or Ron Jeremy. Anyone who thinks otherwise is either not breathing or some kind of robot. Love is something that transcends and gives new meaning to the definition of happiness. For those of who have been in or are currently in love, we know the ups and downs that come along with it. The "ups" of love is caring for someone like no other and vice versa. This includes sharing, spending time and experimenting with each other's inner souls and intimate desires. Unfortunately, the "downs" of love is what hits you hard and, just like falling in love, it usually comes when it's least expected. No matter what, love will always ends one of two way: 1.) Growing from each other or 2.) death - basically, whichever comes first. This should come to no surprise, because if there's one thing I learned about life in general, it's that "nothing lasts forever"; and even if "life" was forever, then love wouldn't be. Sad but true.

Using heavenly icons and mystical antics, "Lavender" explores the aftermath of lost love and the conquest to reestablish happiness after tragedy. Directed by Riley Yip Kam-Hung ("Metade Fumaca"), the film follows the similar footsteps of Hollywood's "Michael" (that flick nobody watched that starred John Travolta) and even more, Jingle Ma's "Fly Me To Polaris". "Lavender" is pure fantasy, and every woman's deepest dream - especially for the fact that Hong Kong/Japanese heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro is under the wings.

"Lavender" focuses on a naive fallen angel (Takeshi Kaneshiro) who accidentally crash lands on the apartment balcony of Athena (Kelly Chen), a young woman who lives alone and runs a small aromatherapy shop (in which the "lavender" scent mirrors the film's title). The Angel, who calls himself "Angelo" tells the dumfounded Athena that he will return to Heaven once the "door" opens up. In the meantime, Angelo talks Athena into letting him stay at her place until the time comes for his return. When Athena tells him that she can't afford to support his existence, Angelo assures her that all he needs his "love" to survive. As Angelo gets to know Athena, he discovers a depression within her heart, due to a boyfriend who had recently passed away. With this known, Angelo goes on a mission to fulfill happiness and love into Athena's life.

It's almost impossible to get bad performance out of Kelly Chen and Takeshi Kaneshiro, but they were still solid choice for their roles of Athena and Angelo. One thing I like about Kelly Chen is that she is never overwhelming - she tends to stay subtle whether her character is mad, happy, or hysterical; yet she has no problem getting her point of performance across. The same goes for Takeshi Kaneshiro, where it's safe to say that he's the male counterpart to Chen's talent. Co-starring with the two is the outstanding Eason Chan ("Twelve Nights") who plays Chow Chow, an openly gay neighbor who develops a small crush on Angelo, but only goes as far as being a friendly guide to him. Also, look for a string of cameos from stars such as Pei-pei Cheng (Jade Fox from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), Terence Yin and Vincent Kok.

All in all, "Lavender" is the perfect film for a couple to share a couple of hours behind the tube. It definitely brings out a good feeling and there's almost something for everyone - a little fantasy, romance and comedy. Sorry guys, not even a hint of action here, but you're bound to get some real "action" after watching this with your girl.

MIGHTY PEKING MAN'S RATING: 7/10