Human relationships in focus in awards contender “A Man and a Woman”

By Alex Miao

The producers and cast of human relationships movie “A Man and a Woman,” shortlisted for the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition, opened up about the film’s themes at a SIFF conference on June 19.

The plot involves a man (played by Huang Bo) and a woman (Ni Ni) flying at the same time to visit Hong Kong, finding their individual souls there, and waiting to re-enter the mainland at the same hotel.

"When people come of age, it is sometimes difficult for a man and woman to communicate," said director Guan Hu, explaining the genesis of the movie which originated from several conversations between himself and lead actor Huang Bo.

"I mainly wanted the movie to address the problems of communication between men and women, and drew on real life situations," said Hu.

There was debate about the title of the film, with Huang suggesting "He and She." But they agreed the story was about human relationships, and communication between two tired souls, rather than the simple emotions between men and women.

"When people reach middle age, the breakdown is sometimes only a moment away," said producer Liang Jing. "And often it is hard to go back to the simplicity of being a teenager, carrying a lot of labels, and the responsibilities given by society," he added.

Liang said the movie is about telling people they don't necessarily have to solve the burdens of life right away. “We have to learn how to accept the reality, be optimistic, release the pressure, and then look for solutions," he said.

Huang Bo added the story is both simple and complex. “Simple to the point that it's just a man and a woman in the movie, but often sometimes the simplest covers the most complex."

Huang Bo spoke highly of his co-star Ni Ni, saying her peak performance “interpretation of the character is accurate and wonderful."