The Oscar Hammersteins, Bernie Taupins and Tim Rices of this world would appreciate this endearing Hong Kong film, which focuses on the overlooked figure of the lyric-writer – here, specifically in the Cantopop industry. Norris Wong’s initially light and scampering comedy drama is counterbalanced by a cynicism that warns of the emotional hazards of dreaming big in this ego-crushing melody factory. In the words of the film’s swansong: “Success is great, but no one talks about being frustrated.”
Chung Suet Ying, also known as Sze, is a member of a group of high school students who aspire to become Cantopop lyricists and songwriters. Despite being warned by her tutor that becoming a full-time lyricist is unlikely, she is determined to pursue her passion as a profession. She learns the intricate skill of matching Cantonese tones to music and catches the attention of a Taiwanese company, giving her hope for a breakthrough in the Asian music industry. However, she soon realizes that the key lesson she must learn is how to cope with disappointment in pursuit of her dream.
Wong incorporates a journal-like style in this work, incorporating endearing animations and adding decals to real-life scenes. This delicate approach also reveals a keen understanding of the impact of music on internal thoughts, as seen through Sze’s admiration of soundwaves on her laptop and getting caught up in a song while shopping. Similarly, just as a lyricist carefully chooses words to enhance the underlying melodies, Wong focuses on the bittersweet theme that drives this story: the protagonist’s anxiety about whether she will succeed. In an industry where lyrics are often second to other factors and subject to the preferences of producers and celebrities, writing a jingle for a ride-sharing app becomes Sze’s final opportunity.
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Source: theguardian.com
