The Lyricist Wannabe review – aspiring Cantopop wordsmith sees dark side of music | Film
The Oscar Hammersteins, Bernie Taupins and Tim Rices of this world would appreciate this endearing Hong Kong film, which focuses on the overlooked figure of the lyric-writer – here, specifically in the Cantopop industry. Norris Wong’s initially light and scampering comedy drama is counterbalanced by a cynicism that warns of the emotional hazards of dreaming big in this ego-crushing melody factory. In the words of the film’s swansong: “Success is great, but no one talks about being frustrated.”Sze (Chung Suet Ying) is part…