"Based on real people and events"
"Chung Chun-Tao, known as Ah Tao..."
"...was born in Taishan and adopted as an infant"
"Her adoptive father died under the Japanese occupation"
"Her adoptive mother sent Ah Tao..."
"...to work as a servant for the Leung family"
"She has served four generations of the family..."
"...over a span of 60 years"
Ah Tao was already with my family when I was born
At 20, I went to college in the States
At 30, I came back to Hong Kong
And since then, Ah Tao has been with me
That is, until two years ago...
How much?
H K$6 per catty
HK$6?
Pick whichever ones you like, I'll cut the price
Okay, you want ones with big heads and tails
This one is okay?
- Enough? - Yes
HK$16
What a fussy one, bruising all my stock...
She's coming!
- Sister Tao! - Good morning
Morning...
- Good morning, Sister Tao - Morning
- Sister Tao - How's business?
Fine, what do you need today?
Garlic
Okay, take your time
Muzi...Muzi...
Ignoring me, Muzi?
His wife's run off
- I'll put my coat on - No rush
And my glasses
Take your time!
Why's it so cold?
No placemat?
How long this time?
Two days
Haven't had ox-tongue in a while...
It's ages since I had ox-tongue
You want more angioplasty?
Forget about it!
You had crab today
You shouldn't eat ox-tongue
I like it stewed
(Beijing)
What's that?
Snacks for them
No, no, they're still talking
Take it away!
The reason the set's larger...
...is that it wasn't big enough!
If...
You explain it to him
Same problem, you need it to be bigger
I need space for a table and three stuntmen
Not to mention the lights! What about that?
What can I say?
What'd you expect me to say?
Of course, you all have reasons for wanting more
We have an A Team and a B Team...
Working on top of each other
How can I shoot in such a crowded corridor?
Have you ever shot a film before?
- A film! - Gentlemen...
The art department has maxed out the budget!
Films have budgets, you know that?
I made films while you were still in short pants!
I've had it!
Hey!
- Talk to him! - Director Tsui...
- Same problem, what's the point? - Please calm down
Sit down, sit down
Calm down
Please sit down, both of you
Just sit
I don't think it helps to fight like this
It won't help us to achieve...
...a good outcome
Right now, we're over budget
Maybe we can cut costs...
...in the post-production?
Or maybe I can raise the budget a little bit
Great performance!
My performance?
Awesome!
You think I was acting?
You were great!
You should be an actor for real!
I wish I didn't have to 'act'...
But how else to trick him into adding 5%?
It's not tricking...
You don't know
It's tough being a director
Shooting a film is like giving birth
The key thing is to see it through to the end
Otherwise you end up with a robot!
Okay, okay, I get it
But keep an eye on your spending, okay?
Roger...
Don't nag, okay?
- All I'm saying... - Stop going on about it!
I'm starving!
- Waiter! - Here!
One moment...
What is it?
I'd like to have...
- ...tofu - Tofu
And...
- ...a portion of lamb ribs - Okay
- And the mutton - Okay
And ten wheat buns
Shit, I don't eat lamb...
Never mind, I don't like it either
When he's finished that lot...
...you and I can have sashimi together
Why not now?
Okay
But I don't eat anything raw
Just get my order, and get a move on!
And you?
What are you going to have?
Vegetables
- Is this okay? - Okay
- Hey... - What?
I want the set to be twice the size...
Come on...
Kaka, what's the matter?
Where are you taking those pretty little paws?
Ah Tao!
I forgot my keys!
Ah Tao! I forgot my keys!
Morning, Roger
- Hello, Vincent - Do sit down
Are you alright?
It's nothing
You don't look well
I'm a bit rushed today, so I'll keep it brief
Fine
You've calculated the interest wrong
There's a US$100,000 discrepancy
We went over it
The contract is very clear
The bank is supposed to charge us LIBOR rate
But you're charging us the prime rate
You can see it here
I highlighted it
See what I mean?
I'll correct it immediately
One more thing...
I know today's a public holiday in the US
But if our office in Beijing...
...doesn't get the second payment this afternoon...
...we'll have to close down the production...
...and sue the bank for all our losses
Michael...
Please call up Mr Leung's company account
Go through it in detail
And follow our agreement to the letter
I'm sorry, Roger
It's alright
No need to see me off
Gotta go, see you tonight
Hey!
I've been waiting for you all morning!
The air-con in the conference room drips
It's this way
Over there
This is my namecard
I'll let you know when I change jobs, Miss
Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry...
Where's the problem? Which air-con is it?
Excuse me...
This way...
I'm terribly sorry
How's the food here?
Good
Then why aren't you eating?
I'm full
Have an orange
You go ahead
Not right now...
I haven't eaten yet
Leave first if you're hungry
Go get some lunch
I just talked with the doctor
He'll discharge you in a couple of days
You'll have to come back for physical therapy
You'll regain up to 80% of your movement
But you'll need to watch your diet in future
Get one stroke, you get another
Don't worry
I've been thinking...
I can hire a maid, hire one...
...who speaks Chinese
So you'll have someone to talk to
What time is it in San Francisco?
Afternoon
Call your mother for me
Why?
Tell her I'm retiring
Retiring
Why?
I want to live in an old people's home
Are those places expensive?
You'd like to live in one?
Yes, how much will it cost?
Don't worry, I can pay for you
No...
I have money, I can pay
I have money
HK$5,000 for a single room
HK$4,000 for a shared room
HK$3,500 for three-to-five sharing
If her total assets are less than HK$30,000...
...we can apply for social security for her
But we don't pay commission for that
Commission?
Don't you know about that?
There are so many scams out there
In some homes...
...they do the paperwork for you...
...to claim social security payments
And they pay you HK$500 per month
But it's just a scam
The money they give you...
...is charged back on their bills
We're not like that
We run a straight business here
Everything's out in the open
Can I see a typical monthly statement?
HK$580 per month for diapers?
That charge depends on the brand used
Also on the quantity
That one is water-tight
More expensive
That old man often needs to change his
What is "escort charge"?
- Escort charge? - Yes
The escort accompanies the old person
To medical check-ups, physical therapy...
To massage, acupuncture and so on
The charge depends on who the escort is
For illegal South Asian immigrants, it's HK$150
For Mainland Chinese, it's HK$200
For holders of HK ID cards, it's HK$250
The most expensive ones are mixed-race Chinese
They're HK$300
That's just a fact of Hong Kong life
It's an advantage to have a foreigner with you
Your charging structure...
...is quite complicated!
Is that all?
No...I want to know...
...if you have registered nurses, health workers...
...pharmacists, dietitians...
...occupational therapists, physiotherapists...
Okay, okay...
I'll ask my superior to explain to you
He wants to know everything!
The guy's trying to make trouble
This is my boss
"Grasshopper"?
"God of Wealth"?
Let's chat over there
Long time no see!
Right, long time no see
How ya doing?
That auntie...
She's your girlfriend?
Sorry...
You can't tell at first glance...
But her cleavage is really something
Those young chicks have nothing on her
How about you?
- How about you? - You're a big shot now
What are you working on?
Nothing much...
Well...Three Kingdoms
- Another version? There've been so many - Right
Right, another one every few years
Got a part for me in it?
You must be kidding, it's an action movie!
I could have a go, couldn't I?
It's hard work
How so?
What if you got hurt?
No insurance, no pension...
That's true, at my age...
...I wouldn't recover from a fall
So, tell me about...
This place?
Well, six or seven years ago...
...my girlfriend...
She sort of suggested...
...investing in old people's homes
So I decided to give it a go
It's seriously profitable
We've made a bundle
You know, Hong Kong's population is ageing
Demand is high, so we've opened more branches
Both sides of the harbour
Before you know it...
...we'll outnumber convenience stores!
Just tell me which area you need
It should be around here, I think
We've always lived here
Right, once you're used to a place...
...it's hard to die anywhere else
You and I are about the same age
It's not for you, is it? Are you okay?
No, not for me
Your mother?
No, it's for our maid
She's worked for us for 60 years
How old is she?
More than 70
You're so kind-hearted
Looking after your maid
It's touching to see
And meritorious!
Let's see...I can...
...give you a 20% discount
No charge for air-con or heating
And lower charges for escort service
We'll do all we can...
...to make her stay here pleasant
To be frank, she might well die here
Is that too blunt?
Hard to believe...
...she's been with us for 60 years
Are we there?
- Yes - This is it?
Ms Chung Chun-Tao!
My name is Choi, I'm the supervisor, welcome!
Watch your step
It's alright, I can manage
Take it slowly
Watch your step
Take care...
Slowly...
This is where you'll be living
Sit down
Sit over there
This way...
Would you like a wheelchair?
No...
You're doing well!
We don't have many single rooms
This is the comfiest one
Sit down
Slowly
Don't stare at me
Unpack all your belongings
We'll put nametags on everything
Including your clothes, shoes and socks
That way, your things won't get lost
These are the nametags
If you have any valuables...
...take good care of them
Or you can ask us to keep them for you
But if anything gets lost...
...we're not responsible
I don't have...
That's good
Then just unpack everything
If you need help, press that buzzer
Need any help?
No
I wish everyone was like you
Take a rest first
Dinner time!
Dinner time
Open your mouth, Ma'am
Open your mouth
Swallow, Uncle
Eat up
What's the matter with you?
What the hell?
Don't you know how to eat?
Look at you! Sloppy pig...
Headmaster, let go!
What are you doing?
Look at him!
"He who hears no counsel is a scoundrel!"
You're so messy, are you crazy?
I'm giving this to you
You're new here?
I saw you come in
None of your family was with you, right?
They're all in America
These aren't my false teeth!
Who took mine?
How can I eat?
Here, these are yours
Idiot!
What should I call you?
My name is Chung Chun-Tao
Chun-Tao?
That sounds like a maid's name
Am I offending you?
Just call me Ah Tao
Ah Tao
That sounds better!
Keep your opinions to yourself!
Never mind him
Let's eat
You like our dishes?
I want to go home...
No family here...
I want to go home...
I want to go home now...
I'm leaving, you know? Leaving...
I want to go home...
Alright...
I'll take you home
- Going home... - Yes, you are
Come on...
I'll carry your luggage for you
I'll go with you
I'll see you home
Slowly, now...
Going home...
Go home...go home
Ah Tao!
What are you doing? Stop that!
Let the cleaners do it!
Is this place alright?
Fine
- Used to it now? - Yes
Just stop that!
Don't, let me do it
Come on, let me
Come on...
Don't...
Tell me if you need anything
I'll bring it for you
I don't need anything
Are you sure?
Shower gel? Tissues?
A change of pyjamas?
Better to have two pairs
Yes, alright...
Okay, I'll bring them next time
You're so busy...
When will next time be?
Probably next week
Stop that
Leave it
When you next come...
...bring some fermented tofu
With chilli
You don't like the food here?
I haven't had tofu in quite a while
If you haven't had it, you don't need it!
Not good for your health anyway
Maybe I should get you a cell phone
Then you could call me if you needed anything
No
Don't waste your money
I can't use one anyway
I could teach you
No...
I can always ask the nurse to call you
I guess so
You don't need to worry about me
Do you remember when your grandma had a stroke?
You remember?
You've forgotten already
You were away
She had a stroke...
...and then got better
She was much better...
Then she had another
I'm much better off here
People take care of me
Your son?
No
I thought not, he doesn't look like her
God-son?
Yes
Ah Tao, you're very lucky...
...to have your god-son visit you
1,2, 3...1, 2, 3,4, 5...
1, 2, twist...
Stand on the spot and twist...
1, 2...
1,2, 3,4, 5...
1, 2, 3, 4...1, 2...
You're not getting it...come on...
You take a break
Auntie Kam, come on...
Let me take the lead...
You're so...
So...
Hey, newcomer!
Come on, let me show you how
I...you go to hell!
I can hardly move!
Then you should exercise more!
Don't be too stubborn at your age!
Follow my example, I have many interests
I swim, I learn English...
And I dance...
You need interests, or you die!
I'm right, aren't I?
Right?
Uncle Kin, stop this tomfoolery
What? I'm just communicating!
Come, sit down
My name is Mui
They call me Mui Gu
This is my mother
Hello
Just call me Ah Tao
Tao...
Have some sweet soup
No thank you, I can't take sweet things
I see
It's nice of you to come here...
...to see your mother
That's not it
I'm here to see her
I have regular dialysis
They have a machine here, it's more convenient
I'm old...
Too old to take care of her
I had a stroke
I told you...
...not to give the flat to your son
You wouldn't listen
Now he's dumped you here...
...and never even visits you!
You're our mother
We agreed to go halves on your expenses here
I've paid my share
I can't force him to pay his
Tell Ms Choi here to ask him for the money!
So much for your precious son!
It's his answering machine again
Don't worry...
You can settle the account here later
You walk ahead
I can wait
- Tired? - No
We can sit for a while
Sit? Alright
How many times do I have to tell you...
...not to talk to them like that?
Why would they listen if you talk like that?
How can we get the permit we need...
What?
Approved?
It's been signed?
Okay, okay, I'm sorry
I was wrong
Fine, fine...
I'll check my schedule and see when I can come
Okay, bye
Any seats?
Sit anywhere
Granny, you can sit here
- Thank you - You're welcome
Thank you
Thanks
- You're welcome - Thanks
Can you clear the table?
Ready to order?
What kinds of fish do you have?
Garoupa, sea bass, butter fish
Any sea bream?
Garoupa, sea bass, butter fish
Which would you like?
Garoupa
And some steamed vegetable
No oil, no salt and no soy sauce
So, nothing at all on it?
- That's right - Okay
- Hey! - Yes?
One bowl of steamed rice
One lunch set between the two of you?
So?
Okay
- Your fish - Thank you
You go ahead
You're not eating?
No, I'm not hungry
I have a meeting later
You know how much we eat at those meetings
Come on...
Here, let me do it
I wonder how Kaka's doing at Mrs Chan's place?
I'm sure she's fine
Better than if she stayed with me
I can't even take care of myself
Here...
Thanks
How is it?
The fish is not bad...
But the sauce is too salty
Next time we'll bring your own soy sauce!
You were always so fussy,
you spoiled the rest of us
Bro, the taxi outside is about to be ticketed
Do I look like a taxi driver?
Aren't you?
I fix air conditioners
Ms Choi, these grapes are nice
- Are they sweet? - Here...
I don't want it either
I haven't won a single game
Just wait...
The "4"?
Your turn
You can have this
Uncle Ha!
- Don't fall asleep! - It's your turn
Which tile to play?
I'm sleepy
I want a nap, I'll stop playing
Uncle Ha!
What the hell?
What shall we do?
My wife says she's picking up our son
Then we'll drive to Scotland for the vacation
Well, you fancy joining us?
No...
My daughter wants to go to Japan
Maybe we can juggle the schedules...
Anyone want ice?
I do
Okay
What is that?
Something dark, looks good...
Ah Tao made that just before her stroke
It's ox-tongue
Good, it's ready to eat
- It's edible... - Better if it was reheated
Hey!
You should serve it cold
Can't you wait?
Defrost it
Can't be done...
We don't have a microwave
Never mind, just warm it on low heat slowly
Let's get started
We should finish the game first
Okay
- Had enough? - Come on
Enough? Then...
Okay, slice it...
- Shall I slice it? - Go ahead
You're better at it
Of course, when it comes to food...
You're the expert
- Let me do it - You're messing it up
- Don't rush... - Let me do it
- Try it - What a struggle!
Watch out or I'll cut your arm off!
Hey, let me get a look-in!
That's my slice!
- That one? - Perfect!
Great! Tasty, not too salty...
It should be sliced thinner
What's happening?
Mahjong!
Off dancing again, Uncle Kin?
No, to Shenzhen
I hear that in the Futian district...
...they have a matchmaking agency for old people!
Are you sure, Uncle Kin?
Just RMB100 to buy a hope!
Come with me, Auntie Kam
Let's go together
How about you, Ah Tao?
The "2"...
That's yours
No, yours
Okay, let's race for it
- Okay - Ready
1, 2, 3!
I didn't even get to "3"!
Well, we'll let you have it...
...for being the one in our class...
...who brought us those great dishes from Ah Tao
Remember...
how we came here after practice?
Tao always cooked for us
We always left full to bursting!
She always dressed the same way
Black pants, white top...pretty cute
Those pants were too short
Fancied her, did you?
She looked pretty good
Aren't you off to Shenzhen?
It can wait
Ah Tao, your god-son on the phone
Hello?
"Once there was a fatty"
"Went to worship with a catty..."
"...of pork, his ass it itches"
"Dies with his side in stitches"
"One for water, two for skin"
"Three for the thirst that'll do you in"
"Four for the pimples blotching your face"
"Five for liquor, six for death"
"Seven are monkeys, eight are their tails"
"Nine for the hospital with no bed"
"Ten for the car-crash which busts your head"
"And Miss Hong Kong kisses you off!"
Know who we are?
Roger's old classmates!
You have to list our names!
Who was it who broke my bowl?
Wow, you still remember that?
And the one who peeled chestnuts for me...
ls Hengzi there?
What a memory!
Is Ah Chun there?
Ah Chun, say something!
Ah Tao, miss you...
...your stuffed duck dish!
Not to mention...
Your taro cake, your steamed crab...
Your marinated chicken...
And, most of all, your beef brisket
Ah Tao!
Shall we all come and visit you?
No need!
Just tidy the place when you finish eating
Don't worry, I'll do it
Ah Tao...
I'm off to Mainland China tonight
I'll visit you when I get back
Okay, take care, no need if you're busy
Hello? Hello?
She hung up
- Just like that? - Yeah
Breathe in...
Okay, now push...slowly...a bit harder...
That's very good
Just a bit higher...
Right, that's good
Fine, now let it down slowly
Very good!
Alright? Now, one more time...
Try to keep your back straight k
You've made real progress!
Today, let's do it one extra time
Concentrate!
Good, keep hold of the rail
Stand properly
Stay balanced
Clasp your hands together
Clasp them, very good
Hold them up in front of your chest...
Now, push them outwards!
Stretch!
Very good! Now, laugh out loud!
Very good!
Okay, grab the rail again...
I'm much better now
We can take the minibus
The minibus
Let's take the minibus!
Ah Tao, button's off
Can you sew back, please?
Oh...
Please...
Wait a moment...
I'll do it later
Ah Bill, sit down!
Sit down first
Come on, sit down
Ms Choi...
Good morning!
Where's Ah Tao?
She's been expecting you
I'll fetch her
Ah Tao
Your god-son's here
Let me just sew her button first
Okay, alright...
Let me
It's done
Ms Choi...
I won't be back for dinner
Okay, Ah Tao won't be back for dinner!
Hello! Good morning
Hello! Morning morning.
Why's she frowning like that?
Ah Tao, long time no see!
Good morning
Who's that?
From Block 80
Come in...
What are you doing here?
Why are you back here?
She knew you were coming
I gave her the keys, she let herself in
Clever cat, you can open the door!
See? My slippers are still here!
Don't run off!
Stop! You want to go?
You want to go somewhere?
We must get you a new servant
Hey, come here!
Come and sit here!
Come on
What is it?
Bamboo leaves, pearl barley...
Four bowls simmered down to two
Have one now...
And take the other back with you
Well...
It's as thick as a paste!
Like porridge!
Critical, as ever!
You need one box or two?
Two
- Where? - Here
Can't get parts for it now
So?
Throw it away
No...
Just put it here, it's an antique!
Keep it...now give me a hand
Open that cupboard
I'll do it...watch out...
You stay there
I bought that when Jason was born
And you want to keep it?
Of course!
Leave it there
What about the rest of it?
I'll hang on to them