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Highly Overrated But Still Good

Good concept, poorly executed.

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Did anybody else wonder why the Chinese guy with a thick Chinese accent is an orthodox Jew living in Israel and unable to speak Chinese? Does anyone watching this film wonder how the Hong Kong tech geek morphs into an Australian filmmaker (who is about to make Scud's next films - how's that for self-indulgent)? More jarringly, is there any psychology in Ivan's instant transformation from over-achieving workaholic in denial to hedonistic, self-accepting, out gay man? Did anyone else in the audience feel that all the female characters (the granny, the mother, the lesbian pal, Windson's mother) walk on for their cameo, but ultimately are missed opportunities in characterization? Don't get me wrong, this film has a lot going for it. Windson's suppressed sexuality that lets him flash his bits around the gym sauna and be used naked in bed or in the shower without any ability to reciprocate emotion is more subtly drawn, perhaps because he is unable to develop emotionally, leaving his contradictions to express his frustrations. Ivan's morbid obsessions from childhood to the end of his own life are poignant. The film is beautifully shot, even while it is being coy with shadows about its flaunting of gratuitous nudity.Flawed, yes, but moving and watchable nonetheless. Let's see what Scud does next.

This film is about a successful young man who falls in love with a his best friend even he knows his love cannot be reciprocated."Permanent Residence" is a very well made film. I was pleasantly surprised throughout by the technical aspects, such as excellent scene composition, great lighting and cinematography. Scenes for "Permanent Residence" were shot in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Israel. For a niche film without promised returns, I am impressed that the director managed to secure a generous funding to finance this film.Plot wise, "Permanent Residence" has a touching plot that deals with life, death, love, friendship and betrayal in a matter of two hours. The character development is excellent, and I feel for Ivan's pain for his love that is not reciprocated. I am angered by Windson's selfishness. I wonder whether he is just truly selfish and exploited Ivan financially, or he is closeted and decided to follow the social expectations.Being a niche film, "Permanent Residence" also shatters taboos by incorporating funeral scenes. I commend the filmmakers for their courage in making a non-mainstream film, especially in Hong Kong where such films are marginalised into oblivion."Permanent Residence" is a film to feel and savour. I hope there will be more Hong Kong films like "Permanent Residence".