'20:30:40' is about 3 decades worth of being a woman. Analysing and showcasing these different moments, possibly the most important moments, of any woman's life. First we have Xiao Jie (Angelica Lee) who has recently left her family behind to start life as a pop idol in a girl duo. The two girls become close and begin to have feelings for one another. Xiang Xiang (Rene Liu) is confused begin a 30 year old flight attendant and has a string of men after her. Finally lily (Sylvia Chang) is 40 and feeling it, her husband has left her for another family he has and she runs her florist while trying to start a new life. Throughout the three stories there are subtle connections but the three protagonists never really meet one another. This allows Sylvia Chang (as director and writer) to explore each woman and the effect they have on those around them to their full effect. A number of secondary characters, mainly being the men in their lives, pop up and serve each story well. Anthony Wong plays a rather comedic but also tragic record producer who fails at supplying the young girls with a good career. All the performances in this film are beautiful, each main actress capturing the confusion of their characters as well as keeping them strong. Without the brilliant writing and direction of Chang though this film would probably fall flat on its face as a dodgy female empowerment propaganda film. Chang notes the fragility of the female, but doesn't deny that the love of a good man can and does help. It is also obvious that Chang has experienced moments not unlike those in the film. The film may be a bit too positive, although Angelica Lee's segment is quite heartbreaking, the film is obviously a pick-me-up film that shows the bright side of life.
Review of 20:30:40
