The Last Dance (2024) Movie Script
The pandemic has done severe
damage to the local economy.
F&B, travel and wedding industries
are the biggest victims,
with many eateries and
wedding agencies shutting down.
Experts believe that
Hong Kong's economy will not
return to normal
in the short-term.
- Uncle Ming!
- Hey, guys
Uncle Ming?
Yeah, have a seat.
You're Jade's husband?
Boyfriend.
You're still not married?!
My name's Dominic.
Jade told me that
you were a wedding planner.
If serving the living doesn't pay
Come make money off the dead.
I'm ready to learn.
The job's not that hard.
It's all trivial tasks.
Anyone with a pulse
And a breath can do it.
Any tips for a newcomer, then?
How thick is your skin?
Pretty thick, I think.
That's good.
Then you won't take the insults personally.
I understand.
Good.
Let's go.
Where to?
To work.
Keep the change!
It's not for you.
It's for the family.
How many each?
Three each.
Everyone
Bow three times,
then call your ancestor to wake up.
- Wake up, Grandpa
- Dad, Wake up
Everything is accounted for.
Thank you, sir.
Please check.
Family, please turn away.
Pardon us. No harm, no foul.
I know the stench is unbearable.
But you'll get used to it.
I'm fine
The most unbearable thing of all
is poverty.
Funeral service
is a combo of brain and brawn.
Agents are "the brain".
That's us
The "brawn" is the Taoist priest.
My partner is Hello Man.
He's the best Taoist priest around.
You'll meet him in a bit.
Hello Man
sounds like
an agreeable man.
Hello and all
Other pros named him that out of respect.
You'll see once you get to know him.
Here's your share.
It's okay
I didn't do much.
Take it.
Thank you.
Look
I'm passing my business to you because
my niece Jade vouched for you.
I'll waive the assignment fee.
Just pass me the rent
every month.
If you have business,
split it evenly with Man.
But remember
Do right by the clients
and your staff, understand?
I understand.
Have some tea.
Cheers.
Your tea, Master
Listen up.
We're Taoist priests
To put it nicely
We live on people's faith.
To put it bluntly
We feed off the dead.
If we want their respect,
we have to respect ourselves first.
- Get it?
- Yes.
- Get it?
- I get it.
- Get it?
- Yup.
- Get it?!
- Yes, sir!
What's all the fuss?
Uncle Ming.
Have some tea.
Thanks.
What's the matter?
Don't get me started on that punk.
Let's get a smoke.
Excuse us, Uncle Ming.
By the way
Count it.
It's all right.
How's the new kid?
He's no spring chicken.
But he has an advantage
He needs money.
Honestly
I doubt he'll last long.
Watch that short fuse of yours.
He's going to be your partner.
Don't use the "p" word.
You're my only partner in this life.
Just lend the kid a hand.
Don't be such a boomer.
I'm in my 80's.
What else am I?
You tell me.
All right.
Drink up, boomer.
Boomer
Mark my words.
When you're in Vancouver,
you'll freeze to death.
It's no joke over there.
"DEBT REPAYMENT DUE"
"LATE RENT DUE"
Hello?
Where are you?
I'm stuck in traffic.
I won't take long.
You stole the funeral offering?
It's my salary.
Only a half-day's pay.
Dominic
Money may be important,
but you shouldn't force yourself.
Weddings and funerals
aren't that different.
Weddings have newlyweds.
Funerals have the newly dead.
Weddings have gifts.
Funerals have offerings.
It's all the same.
Cake cutting is nothing like break hell's gates.
Both involve a blade.
They're both performances.
Weddings are shows
and so are funerals.
Where does this go?
Suey
Yes?
Toss this. It's decayed.
Okay.
Boss, let's toss these coffin boards, too.
They're fossils.
These boards are a century old!
They're worth more than four of you!
They're the store's gems.
- All right.
- Boss
How about this chair?
That's so old.
What if it's haunted?
Yman!
Yeah?
Toss this chair first.
Sure thing.
Suey!
Yeah?
It's an unfinished game.
It may be Hello Man's game.
- Snap a photo.
- All right.
I can try moving the pawn
It's checkmate any which way.
Oh, Hello Man!
Welcome!
Who's Hello?
Where are your manners?
Pardon me.
Master Man.
Uncle Ming arranged for us to be partners.
Sorry.
Co-owners.
I'm Dominic.
You must be Master Ben.
Just call me Ben.
Nice to meet you.
Come here
Yman,
Kit,
Suey.
My employees, they're very capable.
Ask them for whatever you need.
He's always like that.
You guys really tidied up.
I figured cleanliness will bring more business.
Are these for sale?
The funeral industry is very competitive.
Selling merch
will give us a leg up.
I'll have
what others have,
and I'll have what others don't, too.
This is a nice bracelet.
Let me have one for my wife.
Master Ben
That's for holding ashes.
Really?
Well, she wouldn't know.
How much is it?
It's all right
Where's my bamboo chair?
Where's my bamboo chair?
In the trash.
What's your name again?
Dominic.
Dominic
Are your parents still around?
They passed a long time ago.
You should join them.
His late wife gave him that chair.
It's his throne.
If you don't find it
You're screwed.
Find that chair!
Can I help you?
I'm looking for Master Man.
Shoes off.
Okay.
Master Man
We've found the chair.
It's back in the shop now.
Is it disinfected?
It's been cleaned.
How?
Once with water,
then a thorough wipe with alcohol
Auntie Yuet!
I left work late.
I couldn't get walnut biscuits in time.
You should've called me.
Then I could've just bought it myself!
Yeung!
Wash up for dinner.
Okay!
I'll let you eat.
Bye, Master Man.
Have you had dinner?
Your noodles, Father-in-Law.
Thank you.
Say grace.
For He is the same yesterday,
today and forever.
Amen.
Bon appetite.
Let's eat!
How guilty did you feel?
You brought a feast.
It's nothing special.
But the restaurant has great reviews.
Master Man, I recommend this.
This suckling pig
It looks huge,
but it's only four days old.
It's really crispy!
Enjoy your food.
Don't you know Dad is vegetarian?
I thought that's only on work days.
All the other priests eat meat.
Don't compare Dad to those amateurs.
That's right.
How can you compare my dad to amateurs like me?
We're paramedics.
You called an ambulance?
Yes.
Sir?
What happened?
After dinner,
he was watching TV.
So, I went back to my room.
He suddenly screamed.
He had his hand over his chest.
Pulse 145, SpO2 94
You can't carry him!
- You look so weak.
- One, two, three!
You'll drop him!
Don't worry, sir.
Both genders have the same physical requirements.
His heart stopped.
Sir?
Patient has no pulse.
CPR.
Clear!
No pulse.
Continue CPR.
ETA to the hospital?
30 seconds!
01, 02, 03
24, 25, 26, 27
28, 29, 30
Collapse case.
Patient fainted at home.
He went into cardiac arrest en route.
CPR was done the whole way here.
"Wifey"
I'm off tomorrow.
Wanna watch a movie?
Dating's not for me.
We can have a meal as friends.
We're not friends.
I get it
You only call me when
you're moody over losing a patient.
If that bothers you
Don't call me.
Good morning.
This merch is pretty well-made.
But did you need to use my face?
It's just a dummy.
Yeah, right
What's the cost?
$8 each, delivery in 3 weeks.
Too expensive.
$5 each.
Order 1,000.
Delivery in 2 weeks.
If they refuse,
hire another firm.
Got it.
Another firm!
Hey!
What the
Was she for real?
Excuse me
Welcome.
Have a seat.
My surname is Chu.
This is my wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Chu.
How can I help you?
My little brother just passed.
I want to hold a funeral for him.
Understood
we'll do all we can.
Let me introduce our services.
The basic plans at most coffin shops
are about the same.
The price is determined by
choosing cremation or burial
The mourning hall's size
The type of coffin
The number of paper art
And so on.
Since the departed was so young,
I don't think we have to
follow all the traditions.
It'd be better if we give
him a special tailor-made funeral.
The event will be much more memorable.
But of course,
it will cost a little more.
We don't have a lot of preferences
As long as it's a proper funeral.
I understand.
Let's go into details.
Would you like a coffee?
Pour-over or espresso?
We've looked into the
departed's personality and hobbies.
So
I suggest "memory" and
"remembrance" as main themes
The trend these days
is tailor-made memorabilia.
Like this one.
The concept is
The departed is lighting your path ahead.
Naturally, this item may not suit this funeral.
We understand that the departed liked cars.
We can make car-related memorabilia.
How much will this cost?
Not much.
$50 each.
If we make 100,
we can offer a 10% discount.
That's $45 each.
We won't have that many guests.
Alfred's friends are overseas.
We can mail it to them.
It won't cost much.
- Hey there.
- Hi.
I'm here for my takeout.
Lin.
Is my takeout ready?
It's outside.
Okay.
That looks bad.
I'm used to it.
Lin, money's here.
Wait.
Have some red date tea.
You look so pale.
You may be young,
but women need supplements.
Thanks, Lin.
Yuet!
We got a call.
Coming.
I'm off.
Go.
Hey.
Boss.
Is the hall ready?
In half an hour.
Show off the venue on social media.
Got it.
Has the departed arrived?
He's inside.
Come on!
We have a deal!
We have rules here
You already got paid!
This isn't part of our deal.
What's the matter?
They won't dress the departed.
Let's be clear.
We're paid to move the "fish".
The agent usually dresses the corpse.
How much do you want?
$1,200
each.
That's no problem.
He's wearing his own suit.
So, please
Be gentle.
All right.
Uncle Ming used to be hands-on with everything.
Now that we're outsourcing,
don't be frugal.
Confirm what a quote covers.
Okay?
Sorry, Boss.
Where's makeup?
Here.
Mr. Ngai, right?
This is makeup for the dead.
Not amateur hour.
I'm not new.
I do five "fishes" a day.
Sorry.
You're a master.
How long will it take?
45 minutes.
Can you go faster?
Do it yourself.
Master
You got this.
Watch the venue.
Don't open it until 18:45.
How about you?
I'm busy with something.
Mr. Chu.
I studied your brother's Insta account.
He doesn't like just any car.
His dream car
is Masarati.
We put a lot of effort into
making this 1:1 scale paper Masarati.
I hope this gift will bring joy
to your brother in heaven.
My brother
died in a Masarati crash!
What's wrong with you?
You call yourself pros?
You should've checked!
You'll hear from me about this!
Have some tea, Master Man.
I made a mistake today.
I'm sorry.
You didn't offend me.
You just offended that family.
It was my neglect.
I should've checked how the departed passed.
That wasn't neglect.
You just didn't care.
Your heart isn't into it.
You didn't take funerals seriously.
That's why you're an amateur.
Uncle Ming passed me his half of the shop.
I wanted to balance the books
as soon as I could.
What are you saying?
You're using Ming
to tell me that we should be equals?
That's not what I mean.
As my elder, your advice is appreciated.
I was wrong, I know what I did.
I won't make the same mistake again.
I'm sorry.
Ben Kwok!
You're supposed to check his homework.
Mandy, please
Women's underwear are filthy.
- It can't touch my robe.
- Sorry, Father-in-Law
- Sorry
- I got this
You never learn
What's so filthy about women's underwear?
I said it a million times
Women menstruate.
The ancestors don't like it!
You heard them say that?
Ancestors don't have moms?
They don't have periods?
Say that again!
You heard me.
Say that again!
Ask the ancestors if you can't hear!
How dare you!
Bickered with your old man again?
Everything about me pisses him off.
He plays favorites.
My brother is always right
and even my breathing ticks him off.
Father and daughter don't hold grudges.
Pear, apple and fig soup.
It chills the body.
Sit down.
I'll do a check-up.
Blood pressure's high.
Are you taking your meds?
Every day, just like you asked.
Let me see your leg.
It's so swollen.
Did that hurt?
No.
Inhale
Exhale
In
Out.
Any trouble breathing?
Not really.
If you have trouble breathing,
call me right away.
I'm okay, don't worry about me!
I'm serious.
Call me right away.
All right
Don't get so worked up.
Drink your soup.
- Miss?
- Hi.
I hear you offer tailor-made services?
Let's talk inside.
Have a seat.
How should I address you?
Call me Miss Yan.
- Miss Yan.
- Yup.
Something to drink?
Water's fine.
I want a coffin made of gold-thread zhennan.
Price is no issue.
Gold-thread zhennan is endangered.
Even money can't buy it.
You're the only honest one in this neighborhood.
We want your business, of course.
But we can't promise what we can't deliver.
I'll hire you guys, then.
Find me the best zhennan wood coffin.
Thank you for your trust.
When will the departed be laid to rest?
He won't be buried.
I don't get it.
If Miss Yan can pay this much
to preserve her son's body,
why not just hire a cryonicist?
He's not a popsicle.
Cryonics on a corpse takes planning.
Ms. Yan's son got sick really young.
It's natural that she'd want to save him.
She couldn't give up so soon.
But her method doesn't work.
Even a mummy would have its organs removed
and blood let out.
We're preserving the whole body
with organic materials.
Even in a vacuum,
rot will set in.
You guys are impressive.
You're still debating this?
The client gave us instructions.
Just do as she said.
Why are you doubting her?
She said she'll revive her son
when technology allows it.
Isn't that nuts?
We're in servicing.
The client paid.
We serve.
You're better off spending time
finding a pro for this
and just get it done.
I've asked around.
Miss Yan's famous in this neighborhood.
They all think she's crazy.
No one will take it.
Boss.
I know what you're thinking.
It's not gonna happen.
We only do events.
You said we'd never touch the corpses.
Come on! You're too young to be so fussy!
How often do you hear a client say
Money is no issue?
It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer!
Fine!
Bonus on top!
Master Man!
I heard from other shops
that you took that lunatic's case.
You don't have to call her that, Master Man.
There are shops that do embalming.
I don't see the problem.
You're leaving a wrapped corpse in a coffin home.
That's the same as abandoning it!
Everyone becomes a corpse when they die.
It's no different whether
they're above or below ground.
The difference sets an amateur and a pro apart.
Master Man.
A business puts customers first.
We can't dictate
what a customer wants.
If they ask for a Western memorial,
I can't break hell's gates for them.
I'm not letting you take this case.
Refund her deposit.
Get one thing straight, Master Man
I'm your partner,
not your subordinate.
I don't need your permission.
I'm notifying you out of respect.
Even if your service isn't needed,
I'll give you your share.
The shop's license is mine.
I'm rejecting this job.
Do it yourself if you're so smart!
Hi, honey.
The other parents say that
joining the church helps us.
I've enrolled you in baptismal class.
All right
I've got no work this Sunday.
Buy a decent suit.
Don't wear that silly outfit.
I'll go buy it now.
All right, bye.
When did you get here?
Just now.
Coffee?
Did you hear that phone call?
No.
Shit
If I don't get baptized,
my son won't get in that school,
add my wife will crucify me.
Hello Man won't like it.
He doesn't have to know.
No freaking way.
He'll kill me if he knew I helped you.
That's right.
He'll kill you if he knows.
Damn it
I'll give you part of my share.
You're such a bastard.
Who sent you here?
The ancestors, of course.
Go to hell!
Hurry.
Let's go.
One, two, up!
Put him down.
When did he die?
Six months ago.
Six months?!
Dude
Morgue freezers
are like home refrigerators.
Even pork rots in them in a few days.
How do we do this?!
Just get on with it!
Hey!
Hey!
It's okay, Miss Yan,
I can do it alone.
Don't speak. Let's get it done.
Thank you.
Thank you
Thank you for not treating me like a nut.
Master Man.
What is it?
Today
For today
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Why bring up something so shameful?
How can it be shameful? Miss Yan was so grateful.
For the first time,
I feel like I've helped someone.
You've helped her?
You're an accomplice to sin!
You know what?
Life is a bus ride.
At the final stop,
you hop off and take the next bus.
The kid's at the final stop.
He hops off,
but you won't let him transfer.
He'll never reincarnate now.
What will he do now?
He'll become a wandering ghost.
It's a tragedy!
Miss Yan just can't let go of her son.
That's an excuse to be selfish?
I'll tell you something.
I met my wife at 18.
We were married 50 years.
When she died, I wanted to die.
But I sent her off anyway.
I didn't want to let go, either.
"Leaving the underworld"
"The misty path is hard to navigate"
"Ng Kin-chung died and
fell into the underworld"
"But you shall be spared from suffering"
"Visit the 10 palaces of the underworld"
"You shall reincarnate early"
"At the first palace, meet King Qinguang"
"Raise your head,
and you will see the Helpless Bridge"
Don't crush the departed.
You can come back for it.
It's the fish's stuff.
What's the big deal?
I'll carry it.
Don't call him "fish".
Call him "boss".
Without him,
we'd be unemployed.
Want us to dress him, like always?
Yeah, thanks.
For $1,000 more, can you teach me?
Sure.
Got a collapse case.
27 Cook Street.
That's Lin's shop!
A lady collapsed.
We're taking the call.
Lin!
Patient has no pulse.
CPR.
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
AED!
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Oxygen!
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Yuet, enough.
Lin's gone.
Don't let tears touch the departed.
She won't want to leave.
Go get some rest.
I've handled the paperwork.
I'll take care of the rest.
Let the departed into the underworld
The trek will be harrowing.
The three souls will drift aimlessly.
The seven spirits will be helpless.
Desire for life springs rebirth.
Aren't you used to it by now?
Time doesn't fix everything.
You know
When the doc certifies a death,
the file's closed.
You have to
learn how to close the file, too.
Mr. Lai,
your wife is in the reposing room.
She'll be dressed and made up.
Are her clothes all here?
No idea, my maid packed it.
If it doesn't fit, buy something at the mall.
Understood.
Do you need to see her after make-up?
No, I really don't.
Then please come back at 4 p.m.
Market's still open at 4.
Make it 7.
Hey, why are you here?
I promised you
I wouldn't be at her funeral.
I'm a woman of my word.
I just want to see her one last time.
Get this straight.
You don't get a say.
I forbid you from coming.
I'm her husband.
I'm her only family.
Only I can hold her funeral.
I'm not allowing you to see her.
Please leave.
Beat it!
You there
My name is Ngai.
Whatever.
Listen up.
I don't want this bitch here.
Handle it well
and I'll know what to do.
If you fail,
I know what to do, too.
No problem.
I know what to do.
What's her name?
Mrs. Lai.
Friendlier.
Hei-man.
Let's start.
Hei-man,
we're starting.
Miss!
You can't go in!
Miss, you can't come in!
I beg you
I'll leave after I see her one last time.
Miss, the host specified that you're not welcome.
You're putting me in a bind.
I want to put it on her.
She can't stand the cold.
Go keep watch.
It's done.
Have a look.
Shall I give you some time with her?
I thought
only her family can have the ashes.
Legally, Mr. Lai is indeed Hei-man's family.
But emotionally
I think you are.
Let's eat.
Bon appetite.
Let's eat.
What for?
They rejected him.
It's pointless now.
You're baptized, you have to do it.
Happy?
Can we eat now?
Mandy,
it's okay that you're Catholic.
But we're a family of Taoist priests.
Why did you force Ben to convert?
The school said it'd help Yeung's chances.
It's not Mandy's fault.
I did it for our son.
I follow the religion that helps me.
Since Catholicism doesn't help now,
I'll stop believing.
Ben Kwok.
Embarrassing yourself is bad enough.
You've betrayed family.
You've betrayed Dad!
Kwok Man-yuet!
Watch it.
Want a fight?
This is my family business,
not yours!
Your family?!
Aren't we family, too?!
Eat!
Enjoy your family meal.
Eat up.
Master Man, your share.
Does the client know you stole the ashes?
I didn't steal it.
It couldn't fit into Lai's columbarium slot,
and he asked me to handle it.
And the necklace?
How much did you make from that?
Money's not everything.
Money isn't everything to you?
You light up at the sight of money.
Master Man
It's true that I'm greedy.
I'm not as devoted as you.
I've worked all kinds of jobs.
I've had ups and downs.
When I did weddings,
I finally found some stability.
Then the pandemic knocked me back to square one.
My company had employees
both young and old.
I couldn't pay them.
I thought re-mortgaging my flat
and my savings could be stopgaps.
That stopgap lasted two years.
I was bled dry.
I couldn't stay afloat anymore.
I had to fold the business.
My mortgage and debt repayments now add up to
nearly US$13,000 a month.
In Hong Kong,
even breathing costs money.
Actually
I've always been grateful to you and Uncle Ming
for saving my neck
when there was a noose around it.
I know I was no good.
I fumbled all the time.
But if I hadn't fumbled,
I wouldn't have learned some things.
What have you learned?
A well-run funeral home
needs a brain and a brawn.
Agent and Taoist priest.
Taoist priests transcend the soul of the dead.
Agents transcend the soul of the living.
Why would living souls need transcending?
That's ridiculous.
No
There are a lot of troubled souls.
Living can be hell.
I'll let you be.
Dominic
Have something to eat.
Waiter, bring us a cup.
Da Hong Pao.
You know tea.
This was like gold to my grandfather.
When he drinks Da Hong Pao,
he'd sing
"The soothing breeze blows"
"The autumn moon is boundless"
"My yearning for my lover"
"makes days feel like years"
You know it, too?
My old man played it on loop.
I memorized it.
"But today, we are far apart"
What's the next line?
"'Tis impossible to meet."
It's easy to get it wrong.
This line's the hardest to sing.
"'Tis impossible to meet."
"But today, we are far apart"
"'Tis impossible to meet."
"The solitary boat"
"sits silently on this breezy night"
"Look! The setting sun shines on
that pair of sparrows"
"Alone I lean against the window,
thinking in silence"
How could you trip up?
Don't get me started.
Just watch where you tread today.
Don't get in Hello Man's firing line.
- Mrs. Ting
- It's ready.
Why are you still here?
Master Man
I arranged Ben to work today.
It'll look bad if he's absent.
Are you still qualified to do break hell's gates?
It's not that bad.
Master Man, the family is here.
Let's wait until the ritual's over.
You stay out of this.
The family is watching.
Don't embarrass me.
Leave.
Dad, I'm sorry, all right?
Get out of here!
Don't embarrass me!
It's just work.
Who cares what my religion is?
Ben
Stop!
Take off that robe.
You're not qualified to wear it.
Sure
in your eyes, I'm never qualified.
No one's qualified like you!
Ben!
Master Man! What's wrong?
Call an ambulance!
Okay!
How is he?
The doctor said it was a heart attack
and a mild stroke.
The doctor is examining him.
Doctor
He's conscious and stable for now.
Don't over-stimulate him.
Can we see him?
Yes.
But only one at a time.
I'll go see him.
You guys handle the paperwork.
Thanks.
How are you?
I'm half-paralyzed.
It's pretty bad.
Don't worry too much.
The doctor said you're stable now.
I'm done for
Ben and Yuet are outside.
Want me to call them in?
I'm tired.
Paperwork's done.
We have to discuss how to care for Dad.
I'll go ask around
about hiring a nurse.
I have some days off.
I'll use them for Dad's follow-up treatment.
But Mandy will need to help at night.
We can't take care of Dad.
Holy Family rejected my son.
So we're moving to Australia for his studies.
We may leave next month.
What are you saying?
I'm leaving Dad to you.
We have a family crisis.
You can just up and leave?
I've handled him for years.
It's your turn to help out.
You were always Dad's favorite.
This is how a good son acts?
Wait a minute, Yuet.
Don't guilt trip me with that.
There's no law that makes the son do everything.
He told me to inherit his work.
So I gave up school
and became a Taoist priest.
Wearing this thing every day
got me mocked.
Have I ever complained?
What's so embarrassing about the job?
Your father raised us doing that job!
You didn't have to do it like me.
All your life
You studied whatever you wanted.
Dad never got in your way.
The job only passes down to men.
That's tradition.
I can't change that.
I'd do it if I could.
So it's forced on me because it can't be helped.
Just like how it was forced on me back then?
Do you know what you're saying?
I do.
Yesterday, you asked me
if we're in the same family.
Yes, we are.
But it's Dad's family.
Me, my wife, my son.
That's MY family.
My son is good at studying.
I have to give him the best.
I don't want him to be like me
Trapped in funeral parlors because of his father.
Ben Kwok
You're so fucking selfish.
That's right, I'm selfish.
For my son's sake, I have to be selfish.
Why is the flat so messy?
No one cleaned up?
Clean up later.
Let me give incense to the ancestors.
I'll do it.
I got it.
Pour me some tea.
You can't wash yourself, I'll help.
I can wash myself.
I'm fine, just go.
Let me
I can do it.
I don't need you!
I'm fine!
Don't touch me!
Stop, women are filthy!
That's enough!
Ben's moved away.
He abandoned you!
You're sick,
so he left you!
I'm the only one left!
Women are filthy?
I can't touch you?
If you're so capable,
wash your damn self!
Slowly
Are you hurt?
Are you hurt anywhere?
Master Man took his meds and went to sleep.
Don't buy walnut cakes for him again.
You're just like Hello Man.
If I really am like him
He shouldn't hate me so much.
Seems to me that you hate him more.
I idolized him as a kid.
When he practiced
I practiced along with him.
I thought he was amazing.
But only men can inherit his job
because women menstruate.
It breaks the ancestors' powers.
The ancestors' words are gospel.
His ancestors matter more than his daughter.
I don't know how Man thinks
But why can't you just ask him directly?
How?
Are you scared of an answer that you want to hear?
Or an answer that you don't want to hear?
Kwok Man-yuet?
And you are?
Why'd you hit her?!
Cut it out. This is a public place.
There are cops!
Your daughter stole my husband.
What kind of a father are you?!
- I'll call the cops!
- Man!
- That's enough
- Need help?
- I'll call the cops.
- We're fine.
- Bitch!
- That's enough
You're filthy!
Calm down
Let's go home.
My head's itchy.
Wash my hair.
Have you heard from your brother?
Where is he now? Mel what?
Melbourne.
Australia.
His English is bad
His Chinese is bad
How will he survive there?
Worry about yourself while you still can.
I don't get him.
There are plenty of schools here.
Why emigrate?
He did it for his son.
He wanted better opportunities for him.
He's a braver man than me.
At least he dared to go against his father.
Are you mad at Ben for leaving and
not inheriting the job?
He was never good enough to inherit it.
He had terrible grades.
I was worried he'd starve his family,
so I made him work to give him a skill.
What about me?
Are you mad at me for embarrassing you?
Rinse. I'm getting cold.
Eat up.
There's no oil.
I don't want it.
Perfect timing.
Master Man won't eat.
You deal with him.
Master Man.
Came to see me?
Yeah.
This is for you.
A Lucky Bamboo blossoming
That's a rare sight.
Back then, old folks said that's a bad sign.
"When a bamboo sprouts, a home clears out."
That means
if a bamboo blossoms,
a family falls apart.
Old geezers made that up
to scare young folks back then.
People make a family.
Your family is fine.
Bamboos are special.
They only blossom to reproduce.
Once they reproduce, they wither and die
Just like people.
In the blink of an eye
"We are far apart"
"'Tis impossible to meet."
Master Man.
Even bamboo weighs heavily on you now,
I don't know what I can say.
Hey.
Open that up.
Grab that box for me.
- Here?
- Yeah
In the drawer.
Thanks.
The coffin shop is yours now.
"CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION"
Don't worry
The box
isn't as heavy as bamboos.
The shop name stays.
Understood.
Recently, I've been thinking about
getting a Western suit made.
In a Western suit, you'll look like
Marlon Brando, the "Don".
Will I?
Like a twin.
He was also in a wheelchair.
He was shot.
I had a stroke, man.
Got an itch?
Yeah.
I got you.
- Here?
- Thanks.
- Little higher
- Here?
How's that?
Thank you.
Little higher
Master Man.
Don't get angry at me
But I've always been curious.
When I first heard the name "Hello Man",
I thought it meant you're agreeable.
Why is that your nickname?
Keep scratching.
They're saying I'm annoying.
That I'm hard to deal with.
But I don't get it.
How am I hard to deal with?
Well, I get that.
But wait
Why "Hello"?
It's short for something.
Hello
"Hell to deal with"
You little
Good morning, Hello!
Cut it out.
Miss Ng, I have you booked for Monday.
If it's no problem,
we'll send a confirmation.
The lift's on the way.
Goodbye.
Jade, are you all right?
I'm okay.
Maybe it's low blood sugar.
I've been having it lately.
I'll take you to your seat.
There's so much beef.
You don't like beef.
The doctor said I have to eat it
for a few months anyway.
You saw a doctor?
What's wrong?
The doctor said I'm three months pregnant.
You don't want a baby?
Shouldn't we think this through first?
We've been together for years.
You said a marriage certificate is pointless.
I'm okay with that.
But I know you wanted a home.
This is our chance.
I waited years!
Don't you think this will
make our home more complete?
Our home can't be complete without a child?
This may be my last chance.
I'm not getting any younger.
Neither am I.
I'm in my 50s.
When the kid is 18,
I'll be 70.
How much time can I give the kid?
Let's say we're lucky enough
to live until 90
That means the kid will
spend the prime years of their life
caring for us old geezers.
They didn't ask to come to this world
and we're giving them
Two giant burdens the day they're born.
Does that sound fair to you?
Can you be less pessimistic?
I'm being pragmatic.
Life counts down
the very moment we're born.
I don't want to accumulate
all this affection with our kid
then leave it all behind.
And when I die,
I don't want both of us to be miserable.
If they're not miserable,
I'll be even more miserable.
You don't want to be a father.
Fine.
I won't give up my child!
Let's return to the mourning hall.
Master Man, wake up.
Master Man.
Master Man.
Dad.
- Honey, take these offerings!
- Dad, take these offerings!
Dad, take these offerings!
Master Man left this for you.
If you need anything
Call me.
Dominic
By the time you see these letters
I'd reached my last stop.
Time for me to hop off.
You said you're grateful to me
for saving you when you hit a dead end.
But you know what?
I'm grateful to you, too.
You taught me how to conduct a funeral.
Turns out the feelings
of the living matter the most.
All my life
I've only known how to be a Taoist priest.
I never knew how to be a father.
I never knew how to talk to my kids.
You're the only agent I know who
can liberate the living.
At my funeral,
transcend my son and daughter for me.
Give them closure.
Also, make sure you make my corpse look good.
I'll be watching.
Don't get sloppy
Partner.
You're good.
You called it.
"Today, we are far apart"
"'Tis impossible"
" to meet"
Thank you, Master Man.
Guests arriving.
Guests, please stop.
First bow.
Second bow.
Third bow.
Family members, give thanks.
Guests, please offer incense.
How could you?
Why'd you go without me?
Have some tea
Boomer.
Uncle Ming.
Listen
Today is your father's funeral.
No more bickering!
We won't, Uncle Ming.
Uncle Ming.
Thank you for coming.
I thank you on Man's behalf.
Dominic will arrange the ritual.
We understand.
It doesn't matter who starts the ritual.
Seniority doesn't apply.
You make the call.
Thank you for coming to bid Master Man farewell.
It means a lot.
I am in charge of this funeral.
I know you priests want to
pay your respects to Master Man.
But today's break hell's gates ritual
will be conducted by Man's son,
Ben Kwok
And his daughter
Kwok Man-yuet.
A woman breaking hell's gates for Man?!
Are you joking?!
You'll doom Master Man!
Are you insane?!
Exactly!
Women are filthy.
The ancestors will be repulsed!
Hell's gates won't break!
So, the ancestors think women are filthy.
But the ancestors must've touched women before.
They got married and had kids, right?
Master Chuen,
I saw you walk out of a nightclub last week.
The ancestors seem fine with you.
The masters said,
women's yin taint their blood.
It'll break the ancestors' powers.
They never said Taoist priests can't touch women.
Don't make things up!
Sure, blood with yin is tainted.
But women gave birth to the ancestors.
They were borne from the most tainted place.
Aren't your ancestors filthy, then?
Every one of you say women
cannot break hell's gates.
Has any of you been
personally thanked by a departed
after you broke hell's gates for them?
Master Keung
You left a tile unbroken last time
you broke hell's gates.
Did the departed complain to you
that your incompetence
trapped him in hell?
Why are you so set in your ways?
These are just ancient rituals and etiquettes.
They're just customs that
give us peace of mind.
You really are an amateur.
You didn't inherit this.
What do you know?
You're not even a decent salesman.
Who are you to order us around?
Master Keung
Master Chuen
Master Tai
I don't know why I'm arguing with you.
Master Man's dying wish was
for his daughter to break hell's gates for him.
Should I respect Master Man?
Or should I respect you lot?
In any case
If any of you want to stay and see Master Man off,
I welcome you.
But if you can't stand it
If it pisses you off! Then, please
Act like those with clashing birth signs
And step aside!
If you're really fuming
The door's over there.
Walk through it!
Let's go!
This is what Master Man wanted.
Ben.
Still remember how to do it?
I'll lead you.
Go!
In position.
Open the Eastern Tempest!
Merciful Maitreya, descend!
Break hell's gates to rescue
Man Kwok's soul.
Turn!
Flee the underworld!
Ascend to reincarnation!
Yuet
Since you were little,
you heard me say that women are filthy
That they anger the ancestors
I never thought twice about why that is.
Since my father taught me so
I just followed along.
I never realized that
those teachings hurt you all along.
When I saw you getting slapped,
I didn't feel embarrassed by you.
I regret that
As your father
I couldn't protect my own daughter.
You may think that I resent you
or that I don't love you
But I want you to know
The "yuet" in your name
means "jewel" in Chinese.
Your name, Man-yuet
means "Man's Jewel."
I've never resented you
Nor have I ever not loved you.
Please forgive me
I was not a father who
knew to say "I love you."
Promise me
Learn to treasure yourself
like the jewel that you are.
Value yourself.
Do you understand?
Go!
Yuet! Call out to Dad!
Dad!
Take Dad away.
Dad
Follow me!
Yuet
Good job.
I'm sorry.
You know
To come into this world as a human being
was never easy to begin with.
Our lives may be countdowns
to the inevitable farewell
we don't have to be afraid.
Everything is a bonus.
The world is a sea of people.
It's not easy
to end up on the same bus.
Instead of worrying about when the ride ends
Let's just enjoy the ride
and enjoy the view.
Chat with the person next to you.
That's how we make the ride worth taking.
"Of all the loves in my life,
nothing matches the love of flesh and blood.
When I shed this filthy mortal shell,
I shall find salvation from life and death."
Bai Juyi, "Self-Conscious" (Part Two)
Souls trapped in the human realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
A merciful light shines the way
Transcending those in pain
As life flashes before the eyes
So much were beyond control
How much of the past is drowned by regrets
Imprisoned in the heart?
Staying on the platform,
refusing to take the train
Souls trapped in the human realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
Who will show compassion
for roots yet to be detached?
Stubbornly moving backwards, head down
A weathered voice hums a Naamyum tune
Still holding onto the past
Dancing the last dance
Souls trapped in the mortal realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
Who will show compassion
for roots yet to be detached?
Still mourning sorrows yet to be wiped away
Souls struggling in the human realm can still
free themselves of grief in this life
Take root instead of drowning in sorrow and anger
Turn to those who are freed
and those living in regret
Then you will feel truly blessed
damage to the local economy.
F&B, travel and wedding industries
are the biggest victims,
with many eateries and
wedding agencies shutting down.
Experts believe that
Hong Kong's economy will not
return to normal
in the short-term.
- Uncle Ming!
- Hey, guys
Uncle Ming?
Yeah, have a seat.
You're Jade's husband?
Boyfriend.
You're still not married?!
My name's Dominic.
Jade told me that
you were a wedding planner.
If serving the living doesn't pay
Come make money off the dead.
I'm ready to learn.
The job's not that hard.
It's all trivial tasks.
Anyone with a pulse
And a breath can do it.
Any tips for a newcomer, then?
How thick is your skin?
Pretty thick, I think.
That's good.
Then you won't take the insults personally.
I understand.
Good.
Let's go.
Where to?
To work.
Keep the change!
It's not for you.
It's for the family.
How many each?
Three each.
Everyone
Bow three times,
then call your ancestor to wake up.
- Wake up, Grandpa
- Dad, Wake up
Everything is accounted for.
Thank you, sir.
Please check.
Family, please turn away.
Pardon us. No harm, no foul.
I know the stench is unbearable.
But you'll get used to it.
I'm fine
The most unbearable thing of all
is poverty.
Funeral service
is a combo of brain and brawn.
Agents are "the brain".
That's us
The "brawn" is the Taoist priest.
My partner is Hello Man.
He's the best Taoist priest around.
You'll meet him in a bit.
Hello Man
sounds like
an agreeable man.
Hello and all
Other pros named him that out of respect.
You'll see once you get to know him.
Here's your share.
It's okay
I didn't do much.
Take it.
Thank you.
Look
I'm passing my business to you because
my niece Jade vouched for you.
I'll waive the assignment fee.
Just pass me the rent
every month.
If you have business,
split it evenly with Man.
But remember
Do right by the clients
and your staff, understand?
I understand.
Have some tea.
Cheers.
Your tea, Master
Listen up.
We're Taoist priests
To put it nicely
We live on people's faith.
To put it bluntly
We feed off the dead.
If we want their respect,
we have to respect ourselves first.
- Get it?
- Yes.
- Get it?
- I get it.
- Get it?
- Yup.
- Get it?!
- Yes, sir!
What's all the fuss?
Uncle Ming.
Have some tea.
Thanks.
What's the matter?
Don't get me started on that punk.
Let's get a smoke.
Excuse us, Uncle Ming.
By the way
Count it.
It's all right.
How's the new kid?
He's no spring chicken.
But he has an advantage
He needs money.
Honestly
I doubt he'll last long.
Watch that short fuse of yours.
He's going to be your partner.
Don't use the "p" word.
You're my only partner in this life.
Just lend the kid a hand.
Don't be such a boomer.
I'm in my 80's.
What else am I?
You tell me.
All right.
Drink up, boomer.
Boomer
Mark my words.
When you're in Vancouver,
you'll freeze to death.
It's no joke over there.
"DEBT REPAYMENT DUE"
"LATE RENT DUE"
Hello?
Where are you?
I'm stuck in traffic.
I won't take long.
You stole the funeral offering?
It's my salary.
Only a half-day's pay.
Dominic
Money may be important,
but you shouldn't force yourself.
Weddings and funerals
aren't that different.
Weddings have newlyweds.
Funerals have the newly dead.
Weddings have gifts.
Funerals have offerings.
It's all the same.
Cake cutting is nothing like break hell's gates.
Both involve a blade.
They're both performances.
Weddings are shows
and so are funerals.
Where does this go?
Suey
Yes?
Toss this. It's decayed.
Okay.
Boss, let's toss these coffin boards, too.
They're fossils.
These boards are a century old!
They're worth more than four of you!
They're the store's gems.
- All right.
- Boss
How about this chair?
That's so old.
What if it's haunted?
Yman!
Yeah?
Toss this chair first.
Sure thing.
Suey!
Yeah?
It's an unfinished game.
It may be Hello Man's game.
- Snap a photo.
- All right.
I can try moving the pawn
It's checkmate any which way.
Oh, Hello Man!
Welcome!
Who's Hello?
Where are your manners?
Pardon me.
Master Man.
Uncle Ming arranged for us to be partners.
Sorry.
Co-owners.
I'm Dominic.
You must be Master Ben.
Just call me Ben.
Nice to meet you.
Come here
Yman,
Kit,
Suey.
My employees, they're very capable.
Ask them for whatever you need.
He's always like that.
You guys really tidied up.
I figured cleanliness will bring more business.
Are these for sale?
The funeral industry is very competitive.
Selling merch
will give us a leg up.
I'll have
what others have,
and I'll have what others don't, too.
This is a nice bracelet.
Let me have one for my wife.
Master Ben
That's for holding ashes.
Really?
Well, she wouldn't know.
How much is it?
It's all right
Where's my bamboo chair?
Where's my bamboo chair?
In the trash.
What's your name again?
Dominic.
Dominic
Are your parents still around?
They passed a long time ago.
You should join them.
His late wife gave him that chair.
It's his throne.
If you don't find it
You're screwed.
Find that chair!
Can I help you?
I'm looking for Master Man.
Shoes off.
Okay.
Master Man
We've found the chair.
It's back in the shop now.
Is it disinfected?
It's been cleaned.
How?
Once with water,
then a thorough wipe with alcohol
Auntie Yuet!
I left work late.
I couldn't get walnut biscuits in time.
You should've called me.
Then I could've just bought it myself!
Yeung!
Wash up for dinner.
Okay!
I'll let you eat.
Bye, Master Man.
Have you had dinner?
Your noodles, Father-in-Law.
Thank you.
Say grace.
For He is the same yesterday,
today and forever.
Amen.
Bon appetite.
Let's eat!
How guilty did you feel?
You brought a feast.
It's nothing special.
But the restaurant has great reviews.
Master Man, I recommend this.
This suckling pig
It looks huge,
but it's only four days old.
It's really crispy!
Enjoy your food.
Don't you know Dad is vegetarian?
I thought that's only on work days.
All the other priests eat meat.
Don't compare Dad to those amateurs.
That's right.
How can you compare my dad to amateurs like me?
We're paramedics.
You called an ambulance?
Yes.
Sir?
What happened?
After dinner,
he was watching TV.
So, I went back to my room.
He suddenly screamed.
He had his hand over his chest.
Pulse 145, SpO2 94
You can't carry him!
- You look so weak.
- One, two, three!
You'll drop him!
Don't worry, sir.
Both genders have the same physical requirements.
His heart stopped.
Sir?
Patient has no pulse.
CPR.
Clear!
No pulse.
Continue CPR.
ETA to the hospital?
30 seconds!
01, 02, 03
24, 25, 26, 27
28, 29, 30
Collapse case.
Patient fainted at home.
He went into cardiac arrest en route.
CPR was done the whole way here.
"Wifey"
I'm off tomorrow.
Wanna watch a movie?
Dating's not for me.
We can have a meal as friends.
We're not friends.
I get it
You only call me when
you're moody over losing a patient.
If that bothers you
Don't call me.
Good morning.
This merch is pretty well-made.
But did you need to use my face?
It's just a dummy.
Yeah, right
What's the cost?
$8 each, delivery in 3 weeks.
Too expensive.
$5 each.
Order 1,000.
Delivery in 2 weeks.
If they refuse,
hire another firm.
Got it.
Another firm!
Hey!
What the
Was she for real?
Excuse me
Welcome.
Have a seat.
My surname is Chu.
This is my wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Chu.
How can I help you?
My little brother just passed.
I want to hold a funeral for him.
Understood
we'll do all we can.
Let me introduce our services.
The basic plans at most coffin shops
are about the same.
The price is determined by
choosing cremation or burial
The mourning hall's size
The type of coffin
The number of paper art
And so on.
Since the departed was so young,
I don't think we have to
follow all the traditions.
It'd be better if we give
him a special tailor-made funeral.
The event will be much more memorable.
But of course,
it will cost a little more.
We don't have a lot of preferences
As long as it's a proper funeral.
I understand.
Let's go into details.
Would you like a coffee?
Pour-over or espresso?
We've looked into the
departed's personality and hobbies.
So
I suggest "memory" and
"remembrance" as main themes
The trend these days
is tailor-made memorabilia.
Like this one.
The concept is
The departed is lighting your path ahead.
Naturally, this item may not suit this funeral.
We understand that the departed liked cars.
We can make car-related memorabilia.
How much will this cost?
Not much.
$50 each.
If we make 100,
we can offer a 10% discount.
That's $45 each.
We won't have that many guests.
Alfred's friends are overseas.
We can mail it to them.
It won't cost much.
- Hey there.
- Hi.
I'm here for my takeout.
Lin.
Is my takeout ready?
It's outside.
Okay.
That looks bad.
I'm used to it.
Lin, money's here.
Wait.
Have some red date tea.
You look so pale.
You may be young,
but women need supplements.
Thanks, Lin.
Yuet!
We got a call.
Coming.
I'm off.
Go.
Hey.
Boss.
Is the hall ready?
In half an hour.
Show off the venue on social media.
Got it.
Has the departed arrived?
He's inside.
Come on!
We have a deal!
We have rules here
You already got paid!
This isn't part of our deal.
What's the matter?
They won't dress the departed.
Let's be clear.
We're paid to move the "fish".
The agent usually dresses the corpse.
How much do you want?
$1,200
each.
That's no problem.
He's wearing his own suit.
So, please
Be gentle.
All right.
Uncle Ming used to be hands-on with everything.
Now that we're outsourcing,
don't be frugal.
Confirm what a quote covers.
Okay?
Sorry, Boss.
Where's makeup?
Here.
Mr. Ngai, right?
This is makeup for the dead.
Not amateur hour.
I'm not new.
I do five "fishes" a day.
Sorry.
You're a master.
How long will it take?
45 minutes.
Can you go faster?
Do it yourself.
Master
You got this.
Watch the venue.
Don't open it until 18:45.
How about you?
I'm busy with something.
Mr. Chu.
I studied your brother's Insta account.
He doesn't like just any car.
His dream car
is Masarati.
We put a lot of effort into
making this 1:1 scale paper Masarati.
I hope this gift will bring joy
to your brother in heaven.
My brother
died in a Masarati crash!
What's wrong with you?
You call yourself pros?
You should've checked!
You'll hear from me about this!
Have some tea, Master Man.
I made a mistake today.
I'm sorry.
You didn't offend me.
You just offended that family.
It was my neglect.
I should've checked how the departed passed.
That wasn't neglect.
You just didn't care.
Your heart isn't into it.
You didn't take funerals seriously.
That's why you're an amateur.
Uncle Ming passed me his half of the shop.
I wanted to balance the books
as soon as I could.
What are you saying?
You're using Ming
to tell me that we should be equals?
That's not what I mean.
As my elder, your advice is appreciated.
I was wrong, I know what I did.
I won't make the same mistake again.
I'm sorry.
Ben Kwok!
You're supposed to check his homework.
Mandy, please
Women's underwear are filthy.
- It can't touch my robe.
- Sorry, Father-in-Law
- Sorry
- I got this
You never learn
What's so filthy about women's underwear?
I said it a million times
Women menstruate.
The ancestors don't like it!
You heard them say that?
Ancestors don't have moms?
They don't have periods?
Say that again!
You heard me.
Say that again!
Ask the ancestors if you can't hear!
How dare you!
Bickered with your old man again?
Everything about me pisses him off.
He plays favorites.
My brother is always right
and even my breathing ticks him off.
Father and daughter don't hold grudges.
Pear, apple and fig soup.
It chills the body.
Sit down.
I'll do a check-up.
Blood pressure's high.
Are you taking your meds?
Every day, just like you asked.
Let me see your leg.
It's so swollen.
Did that hurt?
No.
Inhale
Exhale
In
Out.
Any trouble breathing?
Not really.
If you have trouble breathing,
call me right away.
I'm okay, don't worry about me!
I'm serious.
Call me right away.
All right
Don't get so worked up.
Drink your soup.
- Miss?
- Hi.
I hear you offer tailor-made services?
Let's talk inside.
Have a seat.
How should I address you?
Call me Miss Yan.
- Miss Yan.
- Yup.
Something to drink?
Water's fine.
I want a coffin made of gold-thread zhennan.
Price is no issue.
Gold-thread zhennan is endangered.
Even money can't buy it.
You're the only honest one in this neighborhood.
We want your business, of course.
But we can't promise what we can't deliver.
I'll hire you guys, then.
Find me the best zhennan wood coffin.
Thank you for your trust.
When will the departed be laid to rest?
He won't be buried.
I don't get it.
If Miss Yan can pay this much
to preserve her son's body,
why not just hire a cryonicist?
He's not a popsicle.
Cryonics on a corpse takes planning.
Ms. Yan's son got sick really young.
It's natural that she'd want to save him.
She couldn't give up so soon.
But her method doesn't work.
Even a mummy would have its organs removed
and blood let out.
We're preserving the whole body
with organic materials.
Even in a vacuum,
rot will set in.
You guys are impressive.
You're still debating this?
The client gave us instructions.
Just do as she said.
Why are you doubting her?
She said she'll revive her son
when technology allows it.
Isn't that nuts?
We're in servicing.
The client paid.
We serve.
You're better off spending time
finding a pro for this
and just get it done.
I've asked around.
Miss Yan's famous in this neighborhood.
They all think she's crazy.
No one will take it.
Boss.
I know what you're thinking.
It's not gonna happen.
We only do events.
You said we'd never touch the corpses.
Come on! You're too young to be so fussy!
How often do you hear a client say
Money is no issue?
It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer!
Fine!
Bonus on top!
Master Man!
I heard from other shops
that you took that lunatic's case.
You don't have to call her that, Master Man.
There are shops that do embalming.
I don't see the problem.
You're leaving a wrapped corpse in a coffin home.
That's the same as abandoning it!
Everyone becomes a corpse when they die.
It's no different whether
they're above or below ground.
The difference sets an amateur and a pro apart.
Master Man.
A business puts customers first.
We can't dictate
what a customer wants.
If they ask for a Western memorial,
I can't break hell's gates for them.
I'm not letting you take this case.
Refund her deposit.
Get one thing straight, Master Man
I'm your partner,
not your subordinate.
I don't need your permission.
I'm notifying you out of respect.
Even if your service isn't needed,
I'll give you your share.
The shop's license is mine.
I'm rejecting this job.
Do it yourself if you're so smart!
Hi, honey.
The other parents say that
joining the church helps us.
I've enrolled you in baptismal class.
All right
I've got no work this Sunday.
Buy a decent suit.
Don't wear that silly outfit.
I'll go buy it now.
All right, bye.
When did you get here?
Just now.
Coffee?
Did you hear that phone call?
No.
Shit
If I don't get baptized,
my son won't get in that school,
add my wife will crucify me.
Hello Man won't like it.
He doesn't have to know.
No freaking way.
He'll kill me if he knew I helped you.
That's right.
He'll kill you if he knows.
Damn it
I'll give you part of my share.
You're such a bastard.
Who sent you here?
The ancestors, of course.
Go to hell!
Hurry.
Let's go.
One, two, up!
Put him down.
When did he die?
Six months ago.
Six months?!
Dude
Morgue freezers
are like home refrigerators.
Even pork rots in them in a few days.
How do we do this?!
Just get on with it!
Hey!
Hey!
It's okay, Miss Yan,
I can do it alone.
Don't speak. Let's get it done.
Thank you.
Thank you
Thank you for not treating me like a nut.
Master Man.
What is it?
Today
For today
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Why bring up something so shameful?
How can it be shameful? Miss Yan was so grateful.
For the first time,
I feel like I've helped someone.
You've helped her?
You're an accomplice to sin!
You know what?
Life is a bus ride.
At the final stop,
you hop off and take the next bus.
The kid's at the final stop.
He hops off,
but you won't let him transfer.
He'll never reincarnate now.
What will he do now?
He'll become a wandering ghost.
It's a tragedy!
Miss Yan just can't let go of her son.
That's an excuse to be selfish?
I'll tell you something.
I met my wife at 18.
We were married 50 years.
When she died, I wanted to die.
But I sent her off anyway.
I didn't want to let go, either.
"Leaving the underworld"
"The misty path is hard to navigate"
"Ng Kin-chung died and
fell into the underworld"
"But you shall be spared from suffering"
"Visit the 10 palaces of the underworld"
"You shall reincarnate early"
"At the first palace, meet King Qinguang"
"Raise your head,
and you will see the Helpless Bridge"
Don't crush the departed.
You can come back for it.
It's the fish's stuff.
What's the big deal?
I'll carry it.
Don't call him "fish".
Call him "boss".
Without him,
we'd be unemployed.
Want us to dress him, like always?
Yeah, thanks.
For $1,000 more, can you teach me?
Sure.
Got a collapse case.
27 Cook Street.
That's Lin's shop!
A lady collapsed.
We're taking the call.
Lin!
Patient has no pulse.
CPR.
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
AED!
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Oxygen!
26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Yuet, enough.
Lin's gone.
Don't let tears touch the departed.
She won't want to leave.
Go get some rest.
I've handled the paperwork.
I'll take care of the rest.
Let the departed into the underworld
The trek will be harrowing.
The three souls will drift aimlessly.
The seven spirits will be helpless.
Desire for life springs rebirth.
Aren't you used to it by now?
Time doesn't fix everything.
You know
When the doc certifies a death,
the file's closed.
You have to
learn how to close the file, too.
Mr. Lai,
your wife is in the reposing room.
She'll be dressed and made up.
Are her clothes all here?
No idea, my maid packed it.
If it doesn't fit, buy something at the mall.
Understood.
Do you need to see her after make-up?
No, I really don't.
Then please come back at 4 p.m.
Market's still open at 4.
Make it 7.
Hey, why are you here?
I promised you
I wouldn't be at her funeral.
I'm a woman of my word.
I just want to see her one last time.
Get this straight.
You don't get a say.
I forbid you from coming.
I'm her husband.
I'm her only family.
Only I can hold her funeral.
I'm not allowing you to see her.
Please leave.
Beat it!
You there
My name is Ngai.
Whatever.
Listen up.
I don't want this bitch here.
Handle it well
and I'll know what to do.
If you fail,
I know what to do, too.
No problem.
I know what to do.
What's her name?
Mrs. Lai.
Friendlier.
Hei-man.
Let's start.
Hei-man,
we're starting.
Miss!
You can't go in!
Miss, you can't come in!
I beg you
I'll leave after I see her one last time.
Miss, the host specified that you're not welcome.
You're putting me in a bind.
I want to put it on her.
She can't stand the cold.
Go keep watch.
It's done.
Have a look.
Shall I give you some time with her?
I thought
only her family can have the ashes.
Legally, Mr. Lai is indeed Hei-man's family.
But emotionally
I think you are.
Let's eat.
Bon appetite.
Let's eat.
What for?
They rejected him.
It's pointless now.
You're baptized, you have to do it.
Happy?
Can we eat now?
Mandy,
it's okay that you're Catholic.
But we're a family of Taoist priests.
Why did you force Ben to convert?
The school said it'd help Yeung's chances.
It's not Mandy's fault.
I did it for our son.
I follow the religion that helps me.
Since Catholicism doesn't help now,
I'll stop believing.
Ben Kwok.
Embarrassing yourself is bad enough.
You've betrayed family.
You've betrayed Dad!
Kwok Man-yuet!
Watch it.
Want a fight?
This is my family business,
not yours!
Your family?!
Aren't we family, too?!
Eat!
Enjoy your family meal.
Eat up.
Master Man, your share.
Does the client know you stole the ashes?
I didn't steal it.
It couldn't fit into Lai's columbarium slot,
and he asked me to handle it.
And the necklace?
How much did you make from that?
Money's not everything.
Money isn't everything to you?
You light up at the sight of money.
Master Man
It's true that I'm greedy.
I'm not as devoted as you.
I've worked all kinds of jobs.
I've had ups and downs.
When I did weddings,
I finally found some stability.
Then the pandemic knocked me back to square one.
My company had employees
both young and old.
I couldn't pay them.
I thought re-mortgaging my flat
and my savings could be stopgaps.
That stopgap lasted two years.
I was bled dry.
I couldn't stay afloat anymore.
I had to fold the business.
My mortgage and debt repayments now add up to
nearly US$13,000 a month.
In Hong Kong,
even breathing costs money.
Actually
I've always been grateful to you and Uncle Ming
for saving my neck
when there was a noose around it.
I know I was no good.
I fumbled all the time.
But if I hadn't fumbled,
I wouldn't have learned some things.
What have you learned?
A well-run funeral home
needs a brain and a brawn.
Agent and Taoist priest.
Taoist priests transcend the soul of the dead.
Agents transcend the soul of the living.
Why would living souls need transcending?
That's ridiculous.
No
There are a lot of troubled souls.
Living can be hell.
I'll let you be.
Dominic
Have something to eat.
Waiter, bring us a cup.
Da Hong Pao.
You know tea.
This was like gold to my grandfather.
When he drinks Da Hong Pao,
he'd sing
"The soothing breeze blows"
"The autumn moon is boundless"
"My yearning for my lover"
"makes days feel like years"
You know it, too?
My old man played it on loop.
I memorized it.
"But today, we are far apart"
What's the next line?
"'Tis impossible to meet."
It's easy to get it wrong.
This line's the hardest to sing.
"'Tis impossible to meet."
"But today, we are far apart"
"'Tis impossible to meet."
"The solitary boat"
"sits silently on this breezy night"
"Look! The setting sun shines on
that pair of sparrows"
"Alone I lean against the window,
thinking in silence"
How could you trip up?
Don't get me started.
Just watch where you tread today.
Don't get in Hello Man's firing line.
- Mrs. Ting
- It's ready.
Why are you still here?
Master Man
I arranged Ben to work today.
It'll look bad if he's absent.
Are you still qualified to do break hell's gates?
It's not that bad.
Master Man, the family is here.
Let's wait until the ritual's over.
You stay out of this.
The family is watching.
Don't embarrass me.
Leave.
Dad, I'm sorry, all right?
Get out of here!
Don't embarrass me!
It's just work.
Who cares what my religion is?
Ben
Stop!
Take off that robe.
You're not qualified to wear it.
Sure
in your eyes, I'm never qualified.
No one's qualified like you!
Ben!
Master Man! What's wrong?
Call an ambulance!
Okay!
How is he?
The doctor said it was a heart attack
and a mild stroke.
The doctor is examining him.
Doctor
He's conscious and stable for now.
Don't over-stimulate him.
Can we see him?
Yes.
But only one at a time.
I'll go see him.
You guys handle the paperwork.
Thanks.
How are you?
I'm half-paralyzed.
It's pretty bad.
Don't worry too much.
The doctor said you're stable now.
I'm done for
Ben and Yuet are outside.
Want me to call them in?
I'm tired.
Paperwork's done.
We have to discuss how to care for Dad.
I'll go ask around
about hiring a nurse.
I have some days off.
I'll use them for Dad's follow-up treatment.
But Mandy will need to help at night.
We can't take care of Dad.
Holy Family rejected my son.
So we're moving to Australia for his studies.
We may leave next month.
What are you saying?
I'm leaving Dad to you.
We have a family crisis.
You can just up and leave?
I've handled him for years.
It's your turn to help out.
You were always Dad's favorite.
This is how a good son acts?
Wait a minute, Yuet.
Don't guilt trip me with that.
There's no law that makes the son do everything.
He told me to inherit his work.
So I gave up school
and became a Taoist priest.
Wearing this thing every day
got me mocked.
Have I ever complained?
What's so embarrassing about the job?
Your father raised us doing that job!
You didn't have to do it like me.
All your life
You studied whatever you wanted.
Dad never got in your way.
The job only passes down to men.
That's tradition.
I can't change that.
I'd do it if I could.
So it's forced on me because it can't be helped.
Just like how it was forced on me back then?
Do you know what you're saying?
I do.
Yesterday, you asked me
if we're in the same family.
Yes, we are.
But it's Dad's family.
Me, my wife, my son.
That's MY family.
My son is good at studying.
I have to give him the best.
I don't want him to be like me
Trapped in funeral parlors because of his father.
Ben Kwok
You're so fucking selfish.
That's right, I'm selfish.
For my son's sake, I have to be selfish.
Why is the flat so messy?
No one cleaned up?
Clean up later.
Let me give incense to the ancestors.
I'll do it.
I got it.
Pour me some tea.
You can't wash yourself, I'll help.
I can wash myself.
I'm fine, just go.
Let me
I can do it.
I don't need you!
I'm fine!
Don't touch me!
Stop, women are filthy!
That's enough!
Ben's moved away.
He abandoned you!
You're sick,
so he left you!
I'm the only one left!
Women are filthy?
I can't touch you?
If you're so capable,
wash your damn self!
Slowly
Are you hurt?
Are you hurt anywhere?
Master Man took his meds and went to sleep.
Don't buy walnut cakes for him again.
You're just like Hello Man.
If I really am like him
He shouldn't hate me so much.
Seems to me that you hate him more.
I idolized him as a kid.
When he practiced
I practiced along with him.
I thought he was amazing.
But only men can inherit his job
because women menstruate.
It breaks the ancestors' powers.
The ancestors' words are gospel.
His ancestors matter more than his daughter.
I don't know how Man thinks
But why can't you just ask him directly?
How?
Are you scared of an answer that you want to hear?
Or an answer that you don't want to hear?
Kwok Man-yuet?
And you are?
Why'd you hit her?!
Cut it out. This is a public place.
There are cops!
Your daughter stole my husband.
What kind of a father are you?!
- I'll call the cops!
- Man!
- That's enough
- Need help?
- I'll call the cops.
- We're fine.
- Bitch!
- That's enough
You're filthy!
Calm down
Let's go home.
My head's itchy.
Wash my hair.
Have you heard from your brother?
Where is he now? Mel what?
Melbourne.
Australia.
His English is bad
His Chinese is bad
How will he survive there?
Worry about yourself while you still can.
I don't get him.
There are plenty of schools here.
Why emigrate?
He did it for his son.
He wanted better opportunities for him.
He's a braver man than me.
At least he dared to go against his father.
Are you mad at Ben for leaving and
not inheriting the job?
He was never good enough to inherit it.
He had terrible grades.
I was worried he'd starve his family,
so I made him work to give him a skill.
What about me?
Are you mad at me for embarrassing you?
Rinse. I'm getting cold.
Eat up.
There's no oil.
I don't want it.
Perfect timing.
Master Man won't eat.
You deal with him.
Master Man.
Came to see me?
Yeah.
This is for you.
A Lucky Bamboo blossoming
That's a rare sight.
Back then, old folks said that's a bad sign.
"When a bamboo sprouts, a home clears out."
That means
if a bamboo blossoms,
a family falls apart.
Old geezers made that up
to scare young folks back then.
People make a family.
Your family is fine.
Bamboos are special.
They only blossom to reproduce.
Once they reproduce, they wither and die
Just like people.
In the blink of an eye
"We are far apart"
"'Tis impossible to meet."
Master Man.
Even bamboo weighs heavily on you now,
I don't know what I can say.
Hey.
Open that up.
Grab that box for me.
- Here?
- Yeah
In the drawer.
Thanks.
The coffin shop is yours now.
"CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION"
Don't worry
The box
isn't as heavy as bamboos.
The shop name stays.
Understood.
Recently, I've been thinking about
getting a Western suit made.
In a Western suit, you'll look like
Marlon Brando, the "Don".
Will I?
Like a twin.
He was also in a wheelchair.
He was shot.
I had a stroke, man.
Got an itch?
Yeah.
I got you.
- Here?
- Thanks.
- Little higher
- Here?
How's that?
Thank you.
Little higher
Master Man.
Don't get angry at me
But I've always been curious.
When I first heard the name "Hello Man",
I thought it meant you're agreeable.
Why is that your nickname?
Keep scratching.
They're saying I'm annoying.
That I'm hard to deal with.
But I don't get it.
How am I hard to deal with?
Well, I get that.
But wait
Why "Hello"?
It's short for something.
Hello
"Hell to deal with"
You little
Good morning, Hello!
Cut it out.
Miss Ng, I have you booked for Monday.
If it's no problem,
we'll send a confirmation.
The lift's on the way.
Goodbye.
Jade, are you all right?
I'm okay.
Maybe it's low blood sugar.
I've been having it lately.
I'll take you to your seat.
There's so much beef.
You don't like beef.
The doctor said I have to eat it
for a few months anyway.
You saw a doctor?
What's wrong?
The doctor said I'm three months pregnant.
You don't want a baby?
Shouldn't we think this through first?
We've been together for years.
You said a marriage certificate is pointless.
I'm okay with that.
But I know you wanted a home.
This is our chance.
I waited years!
Don't you think this will
make our home more complete?
Our home can't be complete without a child?
This may be my last chance.
I'm not getting any younger.
Neither am I.
I'm in my 50s.
When the kid is 18,
I'll be 70.
How much time can I give the kid?
Let's say we're lucky enough
to live until 90
That means the kid will
spend the prime years of their life
caring for us old geezers.
They didn't ask to come to this world
and we're giving them
Two giant burdens the day they're born.
Does that sound fair to you?
Can you be less pessimistic?
I'm being pragmatic.
Life counts down
the very moment we're born.
I don't want to accumulate
all this affection with our kid
then leave it all behind.
And when I die,
I don't want both of us to be miserable.
If they're not miserable,
I'll be even more miserable.
You don't want to be a father.
Fine.
I won't give up my child!
Let's return to the mourning hall.
Master Man, wake up.
Master Man.
Master Man.
Dad.
- Honey, take these offerings!
- Dad, take these offerings!
Dad, take these offerings!
Master Man left this for you.
If you need anything
Call me.
Dominic
By the time you see these letters
I'd reached my last stop.
Time for me to hop off.
You said you're grateful to me
for saving you when you hit a dead end.
But you know what?
I'm grateful to you, too.
You taught me how to conduct a funeral.
Turns out the feelings
of the living matter the most.
All my life
I've only known how to be a Taoist priest.
I never knew how to be a father.
I never knew how to talk to my kids.
You're the only agent I know who
can liberate the living.
At my funeral,
transcend my son and daughter for me.
Give them closure.
Also, make sure you make my corpse look good.
I'll be watching.
Don't get sloppy
Partner.
You're good.
You called it.
"Today, we are far apart"
"'Tis impossible"
" to meet"
Thank you, Master Man.
Guests arriving.
Guests, please stop.
First bow.
Second bow.
Third bow.
Family members, give thanks.
Guests, please offer incense.
How could you?
Why'd you go without me?
Have some tea
Boomer.
Uncle Ming.
Listen
Today is your father's funeral.
No more bickering!
We won't, Uncle Ming.
Uncle Ming.
Thank you for coming.
I thank you on Man's behalf.
Dominic will arrange the ritual.
We understand.
It doesn't matter who starts the ritual.
Seniority doesn't apply.
You make the call.
Thank you for coming to bid Master Man farewell.
It means a lot.
I am in charge of this funeral.
I know you priests want to
pay your respects to Master Man.
But today's break hell's gates ritual
will be conducted by Man's son,
Ben Kwok
And his daughter
Kwok Man-yuet.
A woman breaking hell's gates for Man?!
Are you joking?!
You'll doom Master Man!
Are you insane?!
Exactly!
Women are filthy.
The ancestors will be repulsed!
Hell's gates won't break!
So, the ancestors think women are filthy.
But the ancestors must've touched women before.
They got married and had kids, right?
Master Chuen,
I saw you walk out of a nightclub last week.
The ancestors seem fine with you.
The masters said,
women's yin taint their blood.
It'll break the ancestors' powers.
They never said Taoist priests can't touch women.
Don't make things up!
Sure, blood with yin is tainted.
But women gave birth to the ancestors.
They were borne from the most tainted place.
Aren't your ancestors filthy, then?
Every one of you say women
cannot break hell's gates.
Has any of you been
personally thanked by a departed
after you broke hell's gates for them?
Master Keung
You left a tile unbroken last time
you broke hell's gates.
Did the departed complain to you
that your incompetence
trapped him in hell?
Why are you so set in your ways?
These are just ancient rituals and etiquettes.
They're just customs that
give us peace of mind.
You really are an amateur.
You didn't inherit this.
What do you know?
You're not even a decent salesman.
Who are you to order us around?
Master Keung
Master Chuen
Master Tai
I don't know why I'm arguing with you.
Master Man's dying wish was
for his daughter to break hell's gates for him.
Should I respect Master Man?
Or should I respect you lot?
In any case
If any of you want to stay and see Master Man off,
I welcome you.
But if you can't stand it
If it pisses you off! Then, please
Act like those with clashing birth signs
And step aside!
If you're really fuming
The door's over there.
Walk through it!
Let's go!
This is what Master Man wanted.
Ben.
Still remember how to do it?
I'll lead you.
Go!
In position.
Open the Eastern Tempest!
Merciful Maitreya, descend!
Break hell's gates to rescue
Man Kwok's soul.
Turn!
Flee the underworld!
Ascend to reincarnation!
Yuet
Since you were little,
you heard me say that women are filthy
That they anger the ancestors
I never thought twice about why that is.
Since my father taught me so
I just followed along.
I never realized that
those teachings hurt you all along.
When I saw you getting slapped,
I didn't feel embarrassed by you.
I regret that
As your father
I couldn't protect my own daughter.
You may think that I resent you
or that I don't love you
But I want you to know
The "yuet" in your name
means "jewel" in Chinese.
Your name, Man-yuet
means "Man's Jewel."
I've never resented you
Nor have I ever not loved you.
Please forgive me
I was not a father who
knew to say "I love you."
Promise me
Learn to treasure yourself
like the jewel that you are.
Value yourself.
Do you understand?
Go!
Yuet! Call out to Dad!
Dad!
Take Dad away.
Dad
Follow me!
Yuet
Good job.
I'm sorry.
You know
To come into this world as a human being
was never easy to begin with.
Our lives may be countdowns
to the inevitable farewell
we don't have to be afraid.
Everything is a bonus.
The world is a sea of people.
It's not easy
to end up on the same bus.
Instead of worrying about when the ride ends
Let's just enjoy the ride
and enjoy the view.
Chat with the person next to you.
That's how we make the ride worth taking.
"Of all the loves in my life,
nothing matches the love of flesh and blood.
When I shed this filthy mortal shell,
I shall find salvation from life and death."
Bai Juyi, "Self-Conscious" (Part Two)
Souls trapped in the human realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
A merciful light shines the way
Transcending those in pain
As life flashes before the eyes
So much were beyond control
How much of the past is drowned by regrets
Imprisoned in the heart?
Staying on the platform,
refusing to take the train
Souls trapped in the human realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
Who will show compassion
for roots yet to be detached?
Stubbornly moving backwards, head down
A weathered voice hums a Naamyum tune
Still holding onto the past
Dancing the last dance
Souls trapped in the mortal realm
Unable to move on
Wandering in limbo
Who will show compassion
for roots yet to be detached?
Still mourning sorrows yet to be wiped away
Souls struggling in the human realm can still
free themselves of grief in this life
Take root instead of drowning in sorrow and anger
Turn to those who are freed
and those living in regret
Then you will feel truly blessed