Er shi san shi si shi

This is a powerful movie from Taiwan, where the lives of three women in different stages of their lives - ages 20, 30, 40 - face the consequences and hardships of their roles in life.

I first saw this movie on a plane-ride to China, and it was well worth the hour and a half plus time. I've found the lead actresses, Sylvia Chang, Rene Liu and Angelica Lee to have given very powerful and commanding performances in their respective roles, provided much drama, realism and heartfelt moments in making the movie engaging and captivating.

While a film that could give you a few tears, this movie also has some humor that will give you a few chuckles, particularly in the part where Sylvia Chang's character try to outwit her love-starve tennis instructor lover.

I also particularly enjoy the sincere portrayal of Rene Liu's character, how her struggles and hardship of failed relationships and life-on-the-rocks livelihood are detailed; her praying upon the grave of her deceased mother to help her through the hard times is emotional. Their portrayals of their lives could be something you could relate to in real life.

While the three women are not related in the story, the story cleverly makes connections and plot twists involving the three.

There are some moments where the plot does drag on at times, but not to the point of sheer boredom. Overall, a very nice drama from director Sylvia Chang.

Grade B+