Yesterday Once More

Yesterday Once More is a pure exponent of romantic comedy from the year 2004, enticingly peppered with thrilling elements. Directed by the celebrated filmmaker Johnnie To, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Hong Kong's pop king Andy Lau and pop queen Sammi Cheng, along with noted character actress Jenny Hu. The film boasts a unique premise that marries humor, romance, crime, and action in a seamless blend, resulting in a captivating cinematic experience that is anything but dull and conventional.

The movie opens with our protagonists, Mr. and Mrs. To, played by Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng respectively, not in a happy conjugal scenario, but in the throes of divorce. The couple, once in love, now finds more pleasure in bickering and faultfinding. But this is only a shadow of their real professions. The estranged—and estranging—couple happens to be a team of art thieves, who excelled in heists and carried the reputation of snaffling the most inapproachable valuables from sophisticated household settings.

As skillful thieves, the couple derived pleasure from their cat and mouse game with the wealthy victims of their thefts. Unfortunately, their extraordinary professional bonding could not salvage their marital relationship, and they decided to part ways, albeit with mixed feelings.

Their dramatic split does not end there. Being crafty and cunning, they compete against each other for one last big heist. The target is a priceless antique jewelry set scheduled for auction, but the catch is the complexities of cracking this lavish treasure. What ensues is a comedic series of deceptions, tricks, and traps as they try to outwit each other at every turn. However, this prospective heist serves as a catalyst for them to re-examine their bond, love, and companionship.

Andy Lau as Mr. To is charming and charismatic, embodying his character with flair and finesse. He brings an air of sophistication, intelligence, and humor to his thieving persona, all the while grappling with his suppressed feelings for his wife. On the other hand, Sammi Cheng as Mrs. To is feisty and daring. She is not just a pretty face but a woman full of determination, strength, and wit. The on-screen chemistry between the two leads is alluring, their romance tinged with lingering resentment and amour-propre, but also an undeniable undercurrent of affection and longing.

Jenny Hu's inclusion in the movie brings an additional layer of intrigue and mystery. As Mr. To's elder sister, she has her own agenda. Her character is well-etched, blending stoic resolve with an empathetic heart for her brother.

The director, Johnnie To, effectively entwines humor, action, mystery, and the romance genre to weave a narrative that keeps the audience guessing. He ingeniously utilizes his main characters to sustain an entertaining tug of war, laden with layers of emotional complexity.

The film's title Yesterday Once More lends a nostalgic angle, which resonates throughout the movie. The idea of returning to the old days, to a time where love was uncomplicated and pure, lingers in the narrative, making it resonate with the audience on a deeper level. The riveting storyline, combined with an emotionally engaging plot, provides a beautiful landscape for the audience to traverse the depths of relationships, love, and ambition.

The cinematography is compelling, with elegant shots capturing the opulence of the wealthy while subtly playing with light and dark shades that symbolize the character’s moral shades. The music score is laudable, effectively propelling the narrative forward.

In essence, Yesterday Once More is a delightful concoction of romance, action, and crime that guarantees an entertaining and eminently watchable caper. The movie showcases the fallibility and complexity of human emotions juxtaposed with the thrill of the chase. It's an intricate blend of art and entertainment that speaks of love, longing, and a dash of nostalgia. The performances are enthralling, the direction is ingenious, and the storyline is gripping, making Yesterday Once More a definite must-watch. Whether you are a fan of Hong Kong cinema or a casual movie-goer, this movie offers something for everyone.