The Last Dance is a moving exploration of family, tradition, and personal growth set within Hong Kong’s funeral industry. Directed by Anselm Chan, the film features Hong Kong comedy icons Dayo Wong Tze-wah and Michael Hui Koon-man in poignant dramatic roles, showcasing their range and talent. Wong stars as Dominic, a once-successful wedding planner who faces financial ruin after his business was devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Desperate to turn his life around, Dominic takes over a funeral shop in Hung Hom from a retiring agent, despite his aversion to the work and the challenge of handling the deceased.
Dominic’s new venture is anything but easy. His business partner, Master Man (played with gravitas by Hui), is a stern, elderly Taoist priest who initially disapproves of Dominic’s customer-first approach. However, Dominic’s efforts to fulfill an unusual request from a grieving mother eventually impress Man, revealing to both men the profound impact their work can have on comforting the living.
The film also delves into Man’s complicated family life. His son Ben, who resents being pressured into following the Taoist tradition, harbors dreams of leaving, while Man’s daughter Yuet, a paramedic, struggles with feelings of neglect and stifled ambitions. Portrayed with depth by Michelle Wai Sze-nga, Yuet is an empowered yet conflicted woman navigating her own path while dealing with her father’s ingrained sexism. This aspect of the film stands out, transforming The Last Dance into an unexpected women’s empowerment story, highlighting Yuet’s inner struggles against her father’s traditional views. She faces a life where her father’s traditional beliefs relegate her to a secondary role, yet she finds her own way to reclaim her dignity and autonomy.
The screenplay by Chan and Cheng Wai-kei is subtle and thought-provoking, exploring existential questions around family duty, tradition, and self-fulfillment without slipping into melodrama. The film’s Chinese title, “Break Hell’s Gates,” references a Taoist ritual designed to free souls for reincarnation. Here, it symbolizes the emotional journey of those left behind, highlighting the survivors’ need to find peace and move forward in life.
With compelling performances and rich storytelling, The Last Dance tackles profound themes while respectfully showcasing Hong Kong’s funeral customs. It’s a sensitive, life-affirming story about letting go of the past and embracing what truly matters, making it one of Hong Kong cinema’s recent gems.
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