Mad World

Movie to move the heart, mind and soul

There were other films that caught my eye on November 4 but it was the subject matter this film chose to dwell on – bipolar disorder, the cast of Eric Tsang and Shawn Yue as well as the trailer that drew me to this film.

I had a roommate who was bipolar and much like the character in this movie, Tung (played by Shawn Yue), she refuses to be medicated. She is a brilliant and joyful individual. We lost touch years ago and I miss her sometimes. She hardly experienced being misunderstood like Tung. Most likely because the society she grew up and live in has a better understanding of mental disorders.

Growing up in Asia, I can understand the ignorance of those surrounding Tung who sees him as dangerous or crazy. There is stigma associated with mental disorder in some societies. Thus, much insensitivity prevails, which only makes coping and recovering so much more difficult.

This movie portrays the struggles Tung’s own father (played by Eric Tsang) has with the disorder. In the beginning, audience sees his fear of his own son and hears his doubts about whether Tung should be released from the mental health facility. We also see his transformation from ignorance to genuine concern, making the effort to learn about bipolar disorder and finally, the important stand he makes for his son.

There is one line the father says in the movie that resonates, “So, can everything be outsourced in life?” When our loved ones are ill and old, when something is easier ignored than embraced, should we just push it to someone else to deal with? It’s a common theme in this movie. Is it not ironic that only Tung has continued to face and embrace those who needs care and love, much to his detriment many times?

The director, Wong Chun explained after the screening that the movie was a play on the bipolar life in Hong Kong. Everything is so fast moving but lives are not necessarily heading in that same direction. People still face depressing situations when they get home. But isn’t that so in many big cities?

The movie switches between past and present seamlessly especially in the first half of the movie, giving the viewers a view into what haunts Tung's mind and memory. 

It’s a heart wrenching film that calls for more understanding, tolerance and support for those who have mental illness. It also reminds us to embrace the people and things that matter despite being in a rat race that seems to foster insensitivity and self-centeredness.

I recommend not watching the trailer if you want to experience the full impact of the movie.