My First of May: Aaron Kwok and Natalie Hsu Stars in Tender Family Drama of Love and Sacrifice
Movie Information and Stills Courtesy of Illume Films & Entertaining Power
Director: James Hung
Written by: James Hung, Li Cheuk Fung
Starring: Aaron Kwok, Natalie Hsu, Nina Paw, Gigi Leung, Patrick Tam
In THeatres January 16
My First of May will warm audiences’ hearts this New Year with its North American premiere on January 16. Written and directed by rising filmmaker James Hung, the film is a tender, realistic portrayal of a father-daughter relationship, the pursuit of dreams, and the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. Spanning three generations, the story delicately explores the bonds of family and the preciousness of every moment.
The film stars Hong Kong cinema icon Aaron Kwok as Tang Suk Yin, a father weighed down by the responsibility of caring for his daughter, and rising star Natalie Hsu, in her first Best Actress–nominated role for Last Song for You, as Tang Chi, a young girl living with muscular dystrophy. Their moving performances bring to life a story of love, sacrifice, and hope that will resonate with audiences everywhere.
Synopsis
TANG Suk Yin (Aaron KWOK), Elaine YEUNG (Gigi LEUNG), and their daughter TANG Chi (Natalie HSU En Yi). The family of three had their world turned upside down when Chi was diagnosed with a serious illness and was told she was unlikely to survive beyond the age of two. They must face the heart-wrenching reality of life and death. Despite their bleak future, the couple makes a promise to cherish their remaining time and accompany Chi to the end. Miraculously, their daughter survives past the age of two, but this brings significant changes to their family. To care for her, the couple must sacrifice their lifelong dreams and freedom. Suk Yin gives up his squash career, while his wife, unable to bear the pressure, abandons the family. In a moment of despair, Suk Yin withdraws from his family and turns into a recluse.
Without parental care, Chi relies on her grandmother, SUEN Yau Mui (PAW Hee Ching), for support. However, when her grandmother's health deteriorates, Suk Yin can no longer ignore his responsibilities and returns home to care for Chi. After being apart for over a decade, how will they overcome their accumulated grievances? Unexpectedly, a small understanding from years ago becomes the key to releasing their emotions. With Suk Yin’s support, the deteriorating Chi finds mobility in her ring finger, and rekindles the love and care within her family. Observing his daughter's slight movements in her ring finger, Suk Yin realizes the profound impact people have on one another, which can create incredible life force. He cherishes the time spent with his daughter and hopes that their fleeting happiness will not slip away.
當全身僅只一根無名指能活動，如何連繫一個家？壁球盃賽冠軍球手鄧叔彥(郭富城 飾)與妻子楊靜嫻(梁詠琪 飾)因為女兒出生不久便患上通常活不過兩歲的罕見肌肉萎縮症，只好暫時放棄一切來照顧幼女。鄧叔彥的運動事業終被耽誤，加上妻子抵受不住壓力而選擇放棄家庭出走，令他從此一蹶不振，開始逃避和自暴自棄。女兒鄧辭(許恩怡 飾)彷彿成了遺孤，由嫲嫲孫友梅(鮑起靜 飾)獨力照顧，竟也奇蹟地活到了十八歲。她天性樂觀，沒有因病而自卑，正為應考公開試而努力。直至孫友梅的身體狀況變差，鄧叔彥不得不回到家中重新擔起作為父親的責任。一對分隔十多年、形同陌路人的父女，怎能克服彼此之間的矛盾和怨懟，重建親情？
Director: James Hung 孔令政
Written by: James Hung 孔令政, Li Cheuk Fung 李卓風
Starring: Aaron Kwok 郭富城, Natalie Hsu 許恩怡, Nina Paw 鮑起靜, Gigi Leung 梁詠琪, Patrick Tam 譚耀文
My First of May Official Trailer
Cantonese (with English subtitles)
Directors’ Note
"For me, My First of May is more than just a heartwarming story. This work is like a lighthouse in the fog, calling forth light in a time shrouded by dark clouds, inspiring inner positivity.
A few years ago, I was in the depths of despair, where trauma and pressure relentlessly eroded my sense of self-worth. An article I once read about children with rare local diseases and their families struck me like a wake-up call, pulling me out of my haze. Compared to the so-called hardships I faced, these patients endure endless suffering every moment of their lives, yet they continue to fight for life with a positive and determined attitude. The conflicts between patients and their families, the crushing economic burdens, and the invisible mental pressures all carry lessons of profound wisdom. Their unwavering will brought me encouragement, warmth, and, most importantly, a reminder.
My First of May is a film for the entire community, and at the same time, it is very personal to me. I tried to channel the energy of these life warriors into creating original stories and characters, hoping that through their struggles and light, the audience would reflect on 'family' and 'life,' and awaken the courage and goodness within their hearts. On the journey of facing life’s storms, indulging in pessimism only leads to self-destruction. In truth, the sunlight after the rain is right before us. Just like the ring finger, which represents 'happiness,' the Tang family in the film has never truly been abandoned."
Director James Hung
「對我而言《無名指》並非僅僅限於一個暖心動人的故事。這部作品乃濃霧中的燈塔，於烏雲籠罩的時代呼喚光輝，啟發出内在的正能量。
回想數年前，我曾身處谷底深淵，創傷和壓力肆意地貶低自我的價值。昔日的一篇探討本土罕見病患兒童和家屬的文章，仿佛當頭一聲棒喝，教我從渾噩之間驚醒過來。相對我眼前的所謂逆境，罕見病患者每分每秒在無盡的困苦中遭受折磨，卻能以正面積極的姿態去拼搏人生。患者們與親人彼此之間的矛盾、殘酷的經濟負擔、無形的精神壓抑、皆具有令人醒悟的智慧。他們澎湃的意志為我帶來鼓勵、溫度、更重要的是警惕。
《無名指》乃一部屬於整個社群的電影，與此同時亦是屬於我本人，非常私人的一部作品。我試圖追隨生命鬥士們的能量，編寫出原創的故事和人物，期望籍著他們奮鬥的光華，引發觀眾對「家庭」及「生命」的思考，呼喚心中深處的「勇」和「善」。迎對風雨的路途上，放縱任意地擴大悲觀，只會落得自我沉溺的下場。其實雨後的陽光就在眼前。就如代表著「幸福」的這根無名指，原來從未捨棄電影中的鄧家三口子。」
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My First of May will warm audiences’ hearts this New Year with its North American premiere on January 16. Written and directed by rising filmmaker James Hung, the film is a tender, realistic portrayal of a father-daughter relationship, the pursuit of dreams, and the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. Spanning three generations, the story delicately explores the bonds of family and the preciousness of every moment.