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Reviews
The Story of 90 Coins (2015)
....this beautifully romantic film is filled with warmth, wonder and wisdom.
FILM REVIEWS by ROBERT JAMES O'DELL
I N D E P E N D E N T S H O W C A S E /
Short Films
I N S U P P O R T o f I N D E P E N D E N T F I L M S
03/10/19
The Story of Ninety Coins
Director: Michael Wong
Writer: Bai Xuedan
Stars: Dongjun Han, Zhuang Zhiqi, Jose Acosta
How much is a promise worth these days? An aspiring fashion designer finds out when she has to choose between fulfilling her promise and realizing her dream.
Those of you who have followed my film page are well aware of my passion for the medium of independently made short films which my film page allowed me the opportunity to be introduced to and explore. Along the way, I have been presented the opportunity to view some full length independent films which were made off the grid and the filmmakers themselves have reached out to me and allowed me access to. Now I have been given a new and exciting opportunity by a talented Malaysian filmmaker working out of Beijing, China named Michael Wong, who has reached out to me to share his work.
The culture in which this story is told is rich in folklore, beliefs and tales of ancient moral tomes passed on through generations. They seek to teach life lessons attempting to help steer the path of those being told them toward a better life. Thus is the case of "The Story Of 90 Coins".
Wang Yuyang (Donjung Han) is smitten with his girlfriend, Chen Wen (Zhuang Zhiqi), an up and coming fashion designer who seems a bit more reluctant about committing herself to take their relationship to the next level. Han convinces her to give him ninety days in which he will present her with a coin a day and show her the type of man he will be for her thus convincing her their union will be one of true and unconditional love. The next ninety days prove to be the very essence of everything joyous and uplifting about falling in love. And of course, they do fall in love. But inevitably time passes and the pull of the reality around them increases in frequency and becomes a glaring force that dims the idealism of their new found love. The film questions whether idealistic happiness is strong enough to bear the burden of every day life complications. Can the promise of a lasting love overcome the elements that would crush it?
Sensitively written by Bai Xuedan, heartwarmingly acted by the two attractive leads and lovingly directed by Michael Wong, this beautifully romantic film is filled with warmth, wonder and wisdom. It is a treasure to the senses with its eye pleasing lush color captured in the cinematography by Liwei Jian and its romantically rich musical score by Wei An. Its expeditious running time of just over nine minutes leaves us wishing for more. Yet the emotional grasp the film gets on you is strong and tight. It establishes a link to the young lovers which is both compelling and heartfelt. I was totally swept up in the moment and moved by the plight of Wang and Chen.
The film truly brought out the hopeless romantic in me. But don't take my word for it. Watch it right here on Film Reviews by Robert James O'Dell.
The film is in Chinese with English subtitles.
Rating: 95%
The film is currently getting about 60+ accolades from international film festivals; which includes the Best Direction & Best Cinematography at Malta Int'l Short Film Festival, Best Foreign Short & Best Actress at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, Best Drama & Best Cinematography at Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Foreign Short Film at Ukrainian International Short Film Festival, Rising Star Awards at Canada International Film Festival, an Official Finalist at London Film Awards