Unfinished writing

Why did you go see this film?

My local cinema hosted the British Film Festival and ‘Flash Gordon’ was offered as a 4K restoration nostalgia flick. I’ve never seen it before and am aware I’m missing a lot of pop culture references. My partner notes the best thing about it is Timothy Dalton who plays Prince Barin absolutely straight while everyone around him is hyperaware they are in a flamboyant pantomime.

What was the best thing about it?

Music by Queen, the outlandish costumes and Princess Aura can bring me back from the dead any time.

What was the worst thing about it?

The ‘romance’ between Flash and Dale. There’s nearly nothing to the relationship except shared trauma.

Who would you recommend go see it?

If you’re interested in cult classics, definitely have a look. If you want something hokey that you can turn your brain off to, likewise. Perhaps if you’re interested in costume design this could be an interesting reference?

If this film was a piece of clothing what would it be?

I think a sequinned pastie. Maybe even with a tassel. Maybe leave a cheeky one out.

This film was presented in Mandarin with English subtitles. The Chinese title for the film is 一点就到家 (Get Home at One Point), which I think translates to A Homecoming.

Why did you go see this film?

As a tea fanatic I was interested in the setting of the film, Yunnan, which is the birthplace of tea. It has also been a long time since I’ve seen a Chinese film and the trailer for this one looked like fun.

What was the best thing about it?

The slightly zany energy that infuses this film really makes an otherwise predictable narrative arc quite fresh. The themes feel familiar but the delivery makes it by turns more funny or more dramatic than it would be.

What was the worst thing about it?

Wei Jinbei (the ‘entrepreneur’ of the three) attempts suicide near the opening of the film and there’s nearly nothing you can do to prepare for that without a content warning.

Who would you recommend go see it?

This feels like a film for young Millennials/older Gen Zs who are not just inspired by entrepreneurialism but really want to live their life with authenticity. It also speaks to an audience who sees the mass migration of youth to the cities as a problem and is keen to see revivification of more remote villages.

If this film was a car, what would it be?

A novelty delivery van.