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Happiness

Name: Happiness
Director: Law Yiu-Fai
Released: 2016
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

8.0/10

Good

2016

Director

Law Yiu-Fai

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Happiness is a sophisticated character study that finds its strength in deconstructing conventional social structures. By replacing the patriarchal family model with a bond between two social outliers, the film offers a meaningful critique of traditional stability. The narrative excels when exploring the intersection of aging and chosen kinship. It avoids common clichés, particularly regarding disability, by treating cognitive decline with dignity and complexity rather than using it for cheap sentimentality. While the film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or ethnic variety, its focus on underrepresented social realities provides a refreshing departure from mainstream, formulaic storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Happiness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on platonic and familial bonds between a young man and an older woman, avoiding traditional nuclear family ideals by highlighting chosen kinship among social outsiders.

How does Happiness portray gender?

Good

The film challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing the emotional weight placed on women. Auntie Fen serves as a mentor, and the male protagonist gains maturity through his relationship with her.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Happiness?

Fair

The narrative offers an authentic portrayal of the Cantonese and Hong Kong experience. It prioritizes a non-Western perspective on abandonment and social isolation over Western-centric family drama clichés.

How does Happiness represent religion and culture?

Good

The film redefines the ideal family unit by portraying the biological father as a figure of abandonment. It suggests that family is defined by caretaking rather than bloodlines.

Does Happiness include disability representation?

Good

Alzheimer’s disease is portrayed with nuance rather than as a mere plot device. The narrative acknowledges the tragedy of cognitive decline while using it to foster profound human connections.

Present on Screen

Nuanced and dignified portrayal of Alzheimer's disease.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by centering women's roles.
Reimagines the nuclear family through chosen kinship.
Provides an authentic, localized Cantonese cultural perspective.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Features an ethnically homogeneous cast.
Does not explore diverse religious or spiritual perspectives.

Official Synopsis

After his mother's death, Chan Kai-yuk feels so alone that he leaves Guangzhou for Hong Kong to look up the father who abandoned him and his mom. But Yuk's hopes are dashed on finding his dad has a new family and considers him a burden. Alone and homeless, Yuk is taken in by Auntie Fen, a middle-aged recluse who leads a solitary existence. At first, their different habits and personalities lead to numerous squabbles, intensified by Yuk's self-centeredness and Fen's odd temperament. As time goes on, Yuk learns Fen is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. The discovery unexpectedly serves as a catalyst for the young man's growth as a caring friend. For the first time in her life, Fen feels truly blessed. But it is a situation rife with irony due to the nature of her disease and the accelerating elusiveness of feelings and memories.

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