To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It's not the destination, it's the journey”. That pretty much sums up the majority of romantic comedies. For the most part the outcome is pre-ordained and the guy will get the girl by the time the credits fade. So, if we know what is going to happen, why watch the preceding story? There lies the challenge of a good romantic comedy. To keep you engaged in the journey. Does “Heart to Hearts” make you want to sit back and take in the ride or skip to the end? Only one way to find out.
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Executive Alex (George Lam) appears to have it all. Good job, apartment and a model girlfriend in Peggy (Rosamund Kwan). When Peggy decides she wants to move out, George slips into despair and in an effort to get him out of it one of his friends gets him to take over an after school music class. His grumpiness sees him mocked by the students including Vivian (Vivian Chow) whose bad singing is a regular source of frustration for him. After coaching her and seeing improvement, they become friends which creates a misunderstanding with her mother Judy (Carol Cheng) who thinks Alex is her lover. Alex and Judy over tine become closer but complications ensue when Peggy re-enters his life.
One of the key dynamics that can torpedo a lot of romantic comedies is the central pairing. You have to be able to buy into the developing relationship or else interest will wane and switch off. Fortuitously here, we get a couple that have not only chemistry but are likeably flawed.
Carol Cheng was for me been a great re-discovery over the past couple of years as older movies get re-released in Hong Kong. Along with “Her Fatal Ways” this is one my favourite performances of hers. She plays an overprotective mother with élan. She's not afraid to play with the defects in her character and is able to generate laughs with the situations she puts herself in. It makes you warm to someone who, in other hands, could be quite an annoying presence. Opposite her is the equally charismatic George Lam who also makes the most out of what is, on the surface, a rather brusque individual. Recovering from a broken heart at the outset Alex clearly doesn't want to be involved in his volunteering and is abrupt and has little time for anyone. As they become closer, the pairing feels increasingly natural and unforced which when the standard third act threat to the relationship occurs, makes you will them to stay together. Their flaws combined with the engaging performances make for a recognizably human couple and provide the beating heart of the film.
The antagonist in theory is Rosamund Kwan's Peggy. A rather spoiled self-absorbed model that is clearly not the right fit for Alex despite her beauty. It's a testament to her performance also that despite what was in essence a one note role, she never comes across as wholly unlikeable and that, like the others, is portrayed as a human. Making up the principle cast is Vivian Chow as the at times frustrated daughter embarrassed by her mother's over protectivenes
The comedy here is for the most part rather gentle. Hong Kong comedy had a tendency at its worst to veer into territory that would leave modern sensibilities requiring a cold shower and intense therapy. Surprisingly, we don't get this here. The comedy stems from misunderstanding and character. It doesn't mock them but rather chides them playfully. Carol Cheng gets most of the physicality; check her reactions trying to fix a blender in a home economics class as a highlight. It's a variation of the traditional romantic comedy archetype of the kooky lady invading the life of the straight-laced male, only dialled down a notch as she proves to be more than capable of holding her own.
Stephen Shin directs competently and doesn't overdo the visuals, keeping it light and warm with it's look. Whilst more prominently known for his work on D&B's action movies during the 80's and 90's such as “Black Cat”, he proves to have the necessary light touch to make “Heart to Hearts” flow swiftly to its inevitable happy ending. This was actually followed up with two sequels (which are next on my lists) which demonstrates the original's popularity.
Charismatic leads, solid direction and some genuine charm. What more could you ask for in a romantic comedy? A very enjoyable contribution to the genre that is instantly likeable and will have you smiling at the end.
