Breaking the barriers of convenience and culture, filmmaker Anselm Chan’s “The Last Dance” strings together the unlikely partnership between Dominic Ngai, a former wedding planner turned financially desperate funeral planner, and Master Man Kwok, a stern old Taoist priest known for his funeral rites and strict observance of tradition. The movie goes beyond the canvas of comedy, diving deep into unconventional narratives around death in the backdrop of Hong Kong's unique funeral tradition known as "break hell's gates".
Previously recognized for his comical works, Anselm Chan takes the audience on a course uncharted with "The Last Dance". The storyline revolves around the Taoist ritual of liberating souls from purgatory which is considered a mainstream ceremonial element in Hong Kong funerals. The film serves as a window into this unique cultural backdrop, demystifying the role of Taoist priests beyond its usual representation of vampire-hunting clerics in the horror-comedy genre prevalent in the 1980s.
The plot unfolds as financially hamstrung Dominic Ngai, offered a half-share in a funeral business, attempts to revolutionize the age-old practices. However, this causes a rift with Master Man Kwok, the upholder of traditional values. As the storyline crisscrosses between death, legacy, and the nuances of human relations, Dominic slowly adapts to his new role, learning the true essence of his responsibilities and his impact on the bereaved.
A parallel plot offers an insight into the traditional beliefs and their conflict with gender roles. The plot delicately unravels Master Man's strained relations with his children due to his staunch beliefs and resultant expectations, sparking up a discourse on ancestral traditions and their place in contemporary society.
As Dominic maneuvers the skywalk between age-old traditions and modern perceptions of death, his journey is fortified with compelling performances and crucial milestones. The defining moment is the riveting scene where Dominic disregards Man's instructions to help a bereaved mother, setting in motion a series of events that reiterates the importance of empathy and acceptance.
Highly engaging, the film boasts of a brilliantly crafted script, powerful performances especially from actors Dayo Wong and Michael Hui, and an excellent overall production design. “The Last Dance” is indeed a dance between life and death, resonating in hearts long after the end credits roll.
