【電影簡介】

桃姐（葉德嫻飾）是侍候了李家數十年的老傭人，把第二代的少爺羅杰（劉德華飾）撫養成人。羅杰從事電影制片人，五十多歲了仍然獨身，而桃姐也繼續照顧羅杰，成為習慣。一天，桃姐如常到街市買菜，回寓所煲湯、做好滿桌的飯菜，在等待從內地出差回家的羅杰，桃姐看著窗外的街景打發時間，不知不覺間卻竟昏迷在地上。桃姐醒來時發現自己身在醫院，桃姐是中風了，一邊手臂不能活動自如，必須利用物理治療盡量恢復活動能力。

羅杰在百忙工作中為桃姐找合適老人院，期間巧遇昔日電影拍攝認識的草蜢哥（黃秋生飾），桃姐出院來到老人院，環境陌生，院友怪異，桃姐強裝鎮定。羅杰工余常到老人院探桃姐，主仆閑話家常一如母子，仍保持互相揶揄調侃習慣，桃姐嘴硬心甜，院友羨慕。

羅杰特意帶桃姐參加電影首映禮，桃姐首次刻意打扮準備，取收藏已久的名貴衣服出發赴會；首映禮上桃姐大開眼界，更終有機會見到電影明星，桃姐感嘆自己有生之年已然無憾。

【音頻文本】

The movie 'A Simple Life' by Hong Kong director Ann Hui is a real tear jerker. It documents the relationship between an old servant and her young master. As the elderly woman grown helpless in her old age, the young master assumes the role of a guardian in return for her many decades of loyal service.

Despite the title of the film, a house servant's life is never simple. The servant Ah Tao knows where to get the best fruit and vegetables at the lowest prices. She knows the recipes of numerous delicacies like the back of her hand. On top of that, she has to take care of herself and discipline herself, so that she won't become a bother to her master.

The only thing about her life that borders on the word 'simple' is her unchallenged loyalty to the master's family. When she was young, Ah Tao turned down many admirers. As a result, she never formed a life of her own. Luckily, she is considered to be respectable member of the extended family within which she has served for more than sixty years.

The director presents a very feminine narrative, venturing into considerable detail in order to depict thedaily trifles of a servant's life, including how she goes about creating an exquisite meal; how she insists on her independence; and how she gratefully rejects or accepts the kindness of her master.

Ann Hui's detail-minded, feminine perspective also helps with her depiction of the prevailing sense of loneliness among senior citizens. By putting the young master in the shoes of the aged servant, the director is able to highlight this loneliness through stark contrast. At one point, the master is seen awake and alone in a quiet apartment; a hint that the servant Ah Tao also spent many sleepless nights in a similar fashion.

The full emotional strength of this perspective is boosted by the remarkable skills of Deanie Ip, who is not so much acting as she is being herself. She is able to bring out the humble dignity of a confident servant who is constantly aware of her position. Andy Lau, as the young master, provides audiences with a departure from his normal on-screen image; hiding the charm of his physical appearance behind his tender respect for the elderly lady.

With an emphasis on detail, Ann Hui has created an emotionally powerful movie. The slightly melancholic tone may make you think about old-age and death. However, Ann Hui has not supplied enough food for thought in this regard; all she does is observe, relay, and let you observe.

Still, 'A Simple Life' is a very touching movie. The director is more than capable of presenting her vision, as are the actors in realizing that vision. On a scale from one to ten, I give it a seven.

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