If ever was there a more appropriate title for a movie, I don't know of it. This 1960 M.P. & G.I film delivers a well rounded story of the lives of three women living together and their happy times and sorrows. The trio consists of a writer who is living in her romantic past, a younger girl unhappy with her arranged marriage and infatuated with her pen-pal and an older woman whose husband went astray and despite the pleading of him and her sick child she cannot forgive and move on.

Between Tears and Laughter is, at its core, a nice romantic comedy and drama. I found myself at times, despite the troubles of the characters, of wanting to jump into the film into this rather inviting and comfortable setting. Friendship, I believe, is one of the few things that is universal and the friendship between these women to help each other out in times of need is something to really look at with admiration.

Cathay films are, to me, like an favorite old shirt; while I know not everyone can appreciate them, I get a sort of cozy feeling watching them. While I know that at the time they were made, most in Hong Kong were not living the sort of middle class lifestyle that was always showcase dbut yet, they seemed to show that life can be comfortable with just a little romance and good friends. In this age of movies with explosions, CGI and explicit sex, maybe Hollywood could learn a little from this film.

Labels: Cathay, Drama, Hong Kong, Romance