Lunch with Charles

I had the great privilege of seeing this film at the Cambridge International Film Festival 2001. Michael Parker said he calls the film a Romantic Tragedy and Comedy, and hopes we agree that each character is doing what they need to be doing by the end of the film. I certainly did, and I'd like to thank him for 109 minutes of sheer quality.

I have to say that I think I've rarely seen a more rounded film, the story was entertaining and funny without trying too hard. Cinematically it was beautiful to watch and the acting was engaging and first class..this says a lot not only about the actors, but about the quality of the story writing and the directing too. For a first film this was outstanding, indeed I'd think it was outstanding how ever many films Michael Parker had directed before. I look forward with great anticipation to his next film.

The subject matter of the film was treated gently, and yet considered seriously. The 'jokes', poking fun at cultural identities, and loss of identities etc. were done in such a way that I am sure no one could have been offended, the gentle humour from situations arising was one of the things that made me take this film to my heart. So many films that deal with situational comedy are flat and often irritating because they use too many 'in your face', 'beat you about the head until you get it', techniques, not so here....here you will be led by the hand through a warm, at times bitter sweet and always cleverly questing story. Thank god for someone with talent to be in charge of both the writing and the directing.

Initially I came to see the film for Nick Lea's performance, what I got was not only a great performance from an actor I admire, but also a real treat visually (oh the scenery!) and audiologically...the music was such an integral part of the story that it was only on second viewing I managed to isolate some of the compositions and really listen....I commend the composers and performers for a job well done, a sparkling part of a beautiful jewel-like whole.

The surprise of the film for me was Bif Naked..who gave a lovely performance as Matthew's (Nick Lea) girlfriend and I hope to see her in more films soon, I found her very engaging to watch. All the actors worked so well together that at times it was possible to forget that you were watching a scripted story. All in all the most heartwarming and entertaining film I have seen this year.

Ok, here goes nothing. This movie has two basic plots, which interlace to become one main plot. Basic plot one: Tong, a Hong Kong realtor, and his wife April, a business woman, have been estranged for three years since she moved to Canada to pursue a career. Neither one wants to leave their country to be with their spouse. April sends Tong her wedding ring, and he comes to look for her in Canada. Basic plot two: Natasha, a down-to-earth, spiritual former vocalist and her boyfriend, Matthew, a yuppie and a romantic, own a rustic bed and breakfast in the wilderness. Matthew wants commitment, but Natasha isn't sure, as she has never truly experienced being alone. They argue, and she leaves, to rejoin her band, whos singer has fallen ill. Main plot: April and Matthew meet, and travel together to Banff. Tong and Natasha meet, and travel together to Banff. Hold onto your socks.

Lunch with Charles was interesting on many levels and for many reasons. The film switches back at the beginning and the end from a crowded Hong Kong street to the wildly beautiful scenery of British Columbia. The mismatched lovers are also contrasts in culture and outlook.

The actors were outstanding and did a great job in keeping the situation which could have been somewhat silly from getting out of hand.

Nick Lea would have impressed me even if I was not already a fan. I like listening to comments about his acting from people who do not know who he is. In this case, most of the audience that attended were not Lea fans. I still heard favorable comments. The other leads were also well acted.

It's an entertaining movie with people portrayed whom for the most part you really wouldn't mind spending time.

I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was thoroughly impressed with all aspects of this film. The acting, scenery, score (I'm a big Paperboys fan(Finnegan's Take in the movie) and storyline were fresh and real. It was refreshing to see Vancouver being portrayed as Vancouver, for once - not a front for a Pacific Northwestern State like so many other movies, and the "inside" Vancouver jokes had most of the audience laughing out loud. I recommend this film to anyone who lives in the Vancouver area and/or anyone who needs to sit back, relax and become whimsical and hopeful, despite all the bumps along the road of life.