Dream Lovers (1986) / Romance-Fantasy
aka Meng Zhong Ren

MPAA Rated: Not rated
Running Time: 95 min.

Cast: Chow Yun-Fat, Brigitte Lin, Cher Young, San Kwan, Chung Lam
Director: Tony Au
Screenplay: Kang Chien Chiu, Manfred Wong
Review published February 4, 1998

In modern-day Hong Kong, a popular orchestra conductor (Chow Yun-Fat, A Better Tomorrow) has visions of a past life as a member of the Qin dynasty over 2000 years ago. Across town, an archaeologist's daughter (Brigitte Lin, True Colours) has similar visions. In that dream of the past, the two were lovers. Now in the present, they find  themselves magnetically drawn together, but the visions of an ancient love that ended in tragedy spill over into their modern world. Are they destined to be doomed all over again?

Dream Lovers is a highly intriguing and well-made supernatural romance, with realistic portrayals by Lin and Yun-Fat, which employs a subtle but very effective directorial style by director Au . The love story is truly tragic, not only in the past, but also in the present as Yun-Fat is involved with another woman to whom he is madly in love, yet he feels compelled to leave her for the lover of his destiny.

In addition to fans of the film's stars, this is also recommended for viewers who enjoyed the Kenneth Branagh suspenser Dead Again. Although Dream Lovers is a slower, less-audience friendly film, it's a more mature and thoughtful presentation with a similar theme. It may not feature the most original story, it's so beautifully done, it hardly matters.

Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo