The film tells the story of a strange friendship between an adult, already on the return of his path of life, and a Chinese girl who just begins her path. Nikos is the radio operator of a merchant ship and has just arrived in Hong-Kong. He is tired and wants to forget his problems by smoking opium. Innocence and hope turns to him in the person of Li, a Chinese girl who lives in a Sampan (a houseboat) and has to clean boats and empty trash-cans to survive.
As dark as this film starts off, it becomes more and more beautiful up to an ending that suggests hope and a new beginning. The change of setting also goes in line with this development. The film begins on a derelict old ship with only a few lonely sailors on board and finishes in the colourful backdrop of Hongkong and Nikos sailing home.
Stephen Rea's portrayal of Nikos is very intense. The Chinese girl who plays Li has a dignity and maturity that is very touching. There is not much talking in this film, but that serves even better to create the haunting atmosphere it has. The music, reminiscent of Philip Glass' compositions, adds to this effect.
This is a movie that will be on my mind for a long time.
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http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112491/