THE DRUNKARD

THE DRUNKARD (JIU TU), 2010
Hong Kong | 35mm, Color, 106´ | Cantonese
Directors: Kwok-shiu Freddie Wong, Wing-Chiu Chan
Cast: Kuo-Chu Chang, Irene Wan, Wei Wei

Dubbed the first stream of consciousness style novel in Chinese literature, Liu's landmark 1962 novel The Drunkard has finally made into a film by veteran cultural figure Freddie Wong. Lau (John Chang) may love to indulge in a bit of alcohol and womanizing, but he's also a serious writer who's respected by his colleagues in the cultural world. However, his work is getting less and less respect from his commercial-minded editor, who forces Lau to write action-filled wuxia serials and erotic stories. After an attempt at a tasteful, cultural magazine fails, Lau succumbs to the commercial reality and writes practically anything to survive. Haunted by his memories of World War II and his professional failures, Lau falls even deeper into his addiction of drink and woman. Freddie Wong was nominated for best director for this film in the 2011 Hong Kong Film Awards.