A Simple Life is simply divine. Expressing hope in human nature which befits the challenges of taking care of our sick and elderly, while its premise is rife with potential for sentimentality it remains remarkably restrained. It's a subject matter that Director Ann Hui handles with tender care and attention that's complimented by a plangent piano soundtrack to tug at the heartstrings tempered with a downbeat reality and tear-jerking performances from both Andy Lau and Deanie Ip that are just the icing on the cake. While these sorts of films aren't normally my cup of tea, you must have a heart of stone if this doesn't leave you unaffected by the sheer wholesomeness of its depressing reality.