A Beautiful Life

A Beautiful Life (2011)

Genres - Drama, Romance  |   Sub-Genres - Romantic Drama  |   Release Date - May 20, 2011 (USA - Limited)  |   Run Time - 122 min.  |   Countries - China, Hong Kong  |   MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Jason Buchanan

An uptight Beijing policeman falls for a brash real-estate agent, who runs off with his life savings only to beg for forgiveness years later as he slowly succumbs to the effects of vascular dementia. Fang Zhendong (Liu Ye) is a single cop who has devoted his life to taking care of his younger brother when he meets Li Peiru (Shu Qi) at a local karaoke bar. As he contends with a midlife crisis, she reels from losing her job after an affair with her boss suddenly goes sour. Smitten by the sound of his name as it rolls off Li's lips, Fang loans her all of his money, after which she promptly runs away to Hong Kong. Years later, however, Li realizes she has forsaken the love of a lifetime, and returns to Beijing to seek forgiveness. But just when they should be planning the rest of their lives together, Li learns that Fang suffers from a terminal case of vascular dementia. Heartbroken, she vows to remain by his side, regardless, and care for him as his condition deteriorates. Later, Li learns that she is pregnant with Fang's child, and begins writing a diary so he will know his father's story. Then, one fateful day, Fang loses his way during a long walk and winds up in the hospital. As he lies dying, Fang hears the voice of his true love one last time.

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Keywords

brother, dementia, forgiveness, mid-life-crisis, police-officer, real-estate-agent