The Shoe Fairy (人éšæœµæœµ, Renyu duoduo)
Vivian Hsu, Duncan Chow, Andy Lau (voice)
Dir: Robin Lee Yun-Chan – 2005 – Taiwan
Loosely based on the story of The Little Mermaid, Vivian Hsu plays Dodo, a girl who was born unable to walk, but is given a new lease of life when a doctor managed to operate and cure her feet. Once able to walk, she develops a passion for shoes, collecting and wearing beautiful shoes. She married the "Smiley Dentist" and, as the story typically goes, they live happily ever after. However, she would soon have an accident that would threaten to kill of her passion.
The Shoe Fairy is the first of Andy Lau’s Focus First-Sights funded films in which he funded six films made by up and coming young Asian directors. And to be honest, he has chosen a real talent to kick off with.
The story itself is likely to be lost on many. It’s highly quirky and as such may not appeal to everyone. But what it does have is a sumptuous Amelie-like script with lots of feel good undertones. Using a fairy tale style as its underpinning, it is an uplifting story that is enhanced by some gorgeous sets and cinematography. Vivian Hsu is perfect as the sweet, innocent Dodo, bringing to life the character and the script.
Overall, I thought The Shoe Fairy is a fun and optimistic movie, and as such, I loved it for what it is. One for feeling good.
7/10
Links:
IMDb entry: The Shoe Fairy
Buy The Shoe Fairy at YesAsia.com