The 1980s marked a period of profound uncertainty for Hong Kong. With the 1997 handover to China looming and the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984, many residents, particularly the burgeoning middle class, sought stability elsewhere. This political anxiety spurred a significant wave of emigration as people looked to secure foreign passports and a more certain future. It was against this backdrop that Mike Newell’s 1988 drama, Soursweet, emerged, offering a poignant look at the lives of those who embarked on this reluctant exodus.
The film, an adaptation of Timothy Mo’s 1982 novel, follows Lily (Sylvia Chang) and Chen (Danny Dun), a young Hong Kong couple who move to London to escape the political instability back home. They pour their savings and dreams into opening a Chinese takeaway, hoping for a fresh start. However, their new life is far from the idyllic vision they imagined. Soursweet meticulously portrays their struggles with cultural alienation, the gruelling demands of their new business, language barriers, and the subtle yet persistent racism they encounter. The narrative delves into the pressure on traditional family values, the clash between Chinese and British customs, and the desperate yearning for a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Though made by British filmmakers, it was a significant early cinematic portrayal of the Chinese immigrant experience in the UK.
More than just a historical artefact, Soursweet serves as a powerful snapshot of the struggles and complex social dynamics faced by Chinese immigrants decades ago. For today’s global youth, especially second-generation Asians navigating dual identities, or those contemplating their own move abroad, the film‘s themes resonate strongly. The search for home, the bittersweet compromises of assimilation, and the resilience required to forge a new life continue to be universal experiences. Soursweet offers a valuable lens through which Gen Z can understand the historical roots of their own cultural journeys and the enduring human spirit in the face of monumental change.
Catch the trailer to Soursweet below:
Cover image via SCMP.
