Queerpanorama (2025) Movie Script
1
(TV static)
(dark music)
(light music)
(no audio)
(water flowing)
(water lapping on shore)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(person urinating)
(water running)
(water splashing)
(brushing teeth)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(door sliding shut)
(faint rumbling)
(water running)
(door closing)
(train running)
(announcer's voice muffled)
- [Announcer] Please mind the gap.
(crowd murmuring)
(traffic passing)
(knocking on door)
- Come on in. The door's open.
- Hey.
- Hey, hey.
I'm still working on something.
Just make yourself at home,
I'll be done in a second.
- Take your time.
- And I have two cats. This is Dovey.
I hope you're not allergic.
- No I'm not.
- Do you listen to music?
- Yeah.
- Can I play you something?
- Sure.
(soft electronic music)
- What do you think?
- It's nice.
- Wow. That means it's not good enough.
- I didn't say that.
- [Resident] Do you
want something to drink?
I have tea,
mint tea, jasmine, Earl Grey.
I also have some beer
and Coke in the fridge.
- I'll have Earl Grey thanks.
- All right.
- So you're a musician?
- [Resident] Yeah, it's my new thing.
I'm also a DJ and I host some raves.
I have one next month on
the 22nd, you should come.
- What do you do exactly?
- [Resident] I just press some buttons
and I hope for the best.
- I mean, what do you do for a living?
- I'm a scientist. That's
why I live near HKU.
- Oh, do you have milk?
- With your tea? That's disgusting.
I never understood why locals do that.
- Why not?
- [Resident] Is it a colonial thing?
- It's like a normal thing.
- I'm not judging.
I'm Erfan by the way.
(sexual grunting)
- I'm coming.
Come inside.
- You come too?
- Yeah.
(both panting)
(visitor sighing)
(traffic passing)
(traffic passing)
Are you already a scientist?
- Is that what you were thinking about
the whole time we were fucking?
- Maybe.
- Tell me your secrets,
ask me your questions.
What about you? What do you do?
I am (indistinct).
- Don't bullshit me.
- I'm an actor.
- Are you famous?
Should I know you?
- No.
Why did you ask? Please no.
- What movies have you been in?
I want to watch them.
- They're just bad.
- Well I like bad movies.
- Please.
- Makes me wanna watch them even more.
- Just forget about it.
- If you hate acting so
much, then why do you do it?
- Well,
I like to observe people and
pretend to be someone else.
- Interesting.
- And what makes you
want to be a scientist?
- Science reminds me that
I am a tiny little dot
in a complicated universe of things.
- Like how?
- You want me to bore
you with the details?
- Oh, try me.
- All right, have a seat.
So I study bacteria.
- Mm-hm.
- And science has taught me
that the world is really interconnected,
and the small things teach you
a lot about the big things.
Are you with me?
- Yeah.
- So bacteria behave a certain
way in a group, for example.
But when you have a closer look,
they actually can be very unique,
which has taught me a lot
about how people work.
For example, in Hong Kong,
you look at people in general
and they can be very shy and
sometimes a little bit rude,
but when you look up close,
they turn out to be quite different.
And that's what science
has really taught me,
that we'll never learn the whole picture,
and we like to pretend like
we know shit but we don't.
(cat meowing)
- So you study so much
and you understand that we
don't know much after all.
- Well some science has
real medical implications.
For example, the first
baby with genetic material
from three people was born already.
- Why do we do that?
- Well some people have genetic illnesses
and the genetic material
from a healthy third person
can actually help them out.
- So we can now mix DNA
from many different people
to produce babies.
- Yeah, and we've done it in
animals and plants for a while.
I guess now, humans.
- Yeah, we now do that to people.
- With incurable genetic disease.
Okay.
- And how about a gay couple
who wants to combine their
sperms and put that into an egg?
- I don't know about the morality of that,
but I guess we could
if you really want to.
- How exciting.
- Well, I wouldn't wanna
have kids nowadays anyway.
The world is like pretty
fucked up right now.
- Too late. I'm pregnant already.
Okay. I wanna get a shower.
Yeah, clean towels are over there.
(traffic passing)
- So you haven't graduated?
- Yeah, 'cause I'm 24.
What did you expect?
- Well I assume you're
working at Hong Kong U?
- I am working in the laborious
production of knowledge
and I get paid for it, so I call it work.
But I don't believe
you're younger than me.
- And I'm so, so, so offended.
- What year were you born in?
- I'm born in the same year
that Jesus was supposed to be resurrected.
First January, 2000.
- No way. Show me your ID.
- You don't have to see
God to believe in him.
- That's why I don't believe in God.
- Do you want me to go get it?
- No.
I believe you.
Show me how to do it.
- I don't know how to ride
that. That's my roommate's.
- Is he gay as well?
- No, he's straight and white
but still kind of nice, which is rare.
- You would pass as white here as well.
- Excuse me. Now I'm like
really fucking offended.
- You don't think so?
- No, I'm Iranian, and you're blind.
- Well, sorry to offend you even more,
but we really need to consider anyone
more light-skinned than us, white.
- Bullshit, because
Japanese and Korean people
are whiter-skinned than you are.
- Do they count as white?
- They're actually very like to us.
Fair,
but I'm Persian.
Do you want some beer?
- I thought someone said he's from Iran.
- I'm Persian, and I just
fucked a guy in the ass,
so you can put the dots together.
- Bon appetit.
- Oh, I have to feed my cats.
You can go ahead and eat.
- I can wait.
(cat meowing)
I really want to get a cat too.
- You should. You should adopt.
Don't shop, and you should
get two so they're not lonely.
- Yeah, but I can't.
- Why not?
- My boyfriend is allergic to cats.
- You have a boyfriend?
- Yeah, we are open.
I stated that on my profile.
- I really didn't notice.
What did you think of my love
tattoo while we were fucking?
- What tattoo?
- My love tattoo. It's in Chinese.
- I didn't notice.
- Fine, I'm just like a
joystick for pleasure.
- Let's eat.
- Yeah, enjoy.
(acoustic guitar music)
I still cry
And I see God
Yeah my God
I'm counting
Waters and love
Hearty waters
I am fountain
I crack mountains
You break in
To my legs
- You sing well.
You should consider becoming a singer.
- That was better than, it's nice.
- I've learned.
- You should come to my raves.
I think it's gonna be even more fun.
- Let's see.
- I mean if you hate me and if you never
want to see me again, I understand.
- I normally just do one now.
- Why is that?
- See, I've got a boyfriend.
- I saw.
- But I'm interested
in coming to your rave.
Is there gonna be drugs?
- Not for me, but people
always come up to me
and they ask me for all kinds of shit.
They think I'm the coke guy.
- You look more like the MDMA guy.
- Well I'm the, don't do
any kind of drugs, guy.
I have a natural high from life,
and that's my real talent.
- I see you've got so many talents.
- You want me to write you a Persian poem?
- What else can you do for me?
- I can do everything but
Persian's a really poetic language
and I think it's an easy one, so try me.
- All right.
Say,
I drink beer,
and fuck a father in the ass in person.
- I'm gonna try. All right.
Are you ready?
- Yeah.
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(bus running)
(traffic passing)
(traffic passing)
(pulling drapes)
(slow drumming)
(slow drumming)
(drumming continues)
(water running)
(distant speaking)
(train running)
(couple speaking in foreign language)
(train running)
(train running)
(knocking on door)
- Hi, how are you? I'm Phil.
Nice to meet you.
- (Chinese name).
- (Chinese name) Does it mean two sails?
- It's (Chinese phrase).
My parents want me to be normal so much
they double (Chinese name).
Speak Chinese.
- I'm trying, mandarin's much easier.
I can barely order my meals in
Cantonese. Do you speak both?
- Yeah. How long have you been here?
- Eight years, but I'm leaving soon.
- How do we start?
- Well, the stuff's in here.
Thanks for agreeing to
do this, I appreciate it.
- So I get changed now?
- Sure. The bathroom's here.
(door closing)
(toilet flushing)
(lips smacking)
(person chuckling)
(lovers breathing heavily)
(sexual panting)
(sexual panting)
(heavy breathing)
- Come on. Fuck me.
Yeah.
(heavy breathing)
(Phil grunting)
(Phil sighing)
Did you come?
- Yeah. Sorry.
I got too excited.
- Okay.
- I can go for round two though.
Just let me take a break
and then I'll fuck for real.
- Sure.
Do you want me to keep it on for now?
- Up to you.
Look, I came all over my shirt.
Oh, let me help you.
(Phil sighing)
- Do you do this often?
- Not everyone's into it.
Thanks for being so open-minded.
- Oh, I just got one more
check on the bucket list now.
- Check.
Such an American way of putting it.
- Really? I didn't know.
- You sort of have an
American accent anyway.
- Maybe I got it from my
boyfriend. He's American.
- Is he?
My boyfriend doesn't seem to pick up mine.
- That only happens to
non-native speakers.
- Mine's Taiwanese.
- Do you only fancy Asian guys?
- I wouldn't say that.
I mean I do prefer Asian,
but do you prefer only white guys?
- No, I don't have a preference.
- Everyone has a preference.
- I don't.
- You want something to drink?
- Do you have tea?
- I've only got the usual.
Earl Grey, English breakfast.
- Earl Grey will be perfect.
Do you smoke?
- No. Why?
- You have an ashtray here.
- Oh, it's my boyfriend's.
- Does he live here?
- Yes.
- Is he coming back soon?
- No.
Well, he's based in Hong Kong,
but he doesn't live in this flat.
- Why not?
- He's a flight attendant.
He has his company flat, so that's why.
But he stays over often.
- And you bring boys back while he's away.
- Not so much these days.
The layovers are getting shorter.
- Can I smoke?
- Sure, just open the window.
How do you say open the
window in Cantonese?
(protagonist speaking in foreign language)
(Phil speaking in foreign language)
- It's a difficult home.
(both speaking in foreign language)
You'll never learn the language this way.
- I'm not trying to, just
thought of something.
- What?
- No. Something random.
- Tell me. I'd like to know.
- Oh, this thing, this
funny thing happened.
I'm a school teacher so
we're in class and a bird
flies into the classroom,
and the kids chant something
to open the window,
and then one of them started to cry.
- Why?
- Yeah, why?
Well it turns out the
word for open the window
is the same as open fire in Cantonese.
(Phil speaking in foreign language)
- Yeah.
(violin music)
- [Phil] So what do you do?
- I'm a student at Hong Kong U.
- [Phil] Ah, good for you.
What do you study, smart boy?
- Molecular science.
- [Phil] Sounds difficult.
What's that about?
(violin music)
- Just how we are a tiny little dot
connected in this complicated world.
(violin music)
(violin music continues)
(violin stops)
(screwing cap)
(protagonist moaning)
(moaning continues)
(street talk)
(players speaking in foreign language)
(players speaking in foreign language)
(players speaking in foreign language)
- Sorry about this. Let's get hidden.
(players speaking in foreign language)
- What is this place?
- A dorm.
- Where are you from?
- Tai.
(people talking outside)
(traffic passing)
(people talking outside)
(talking continues)
(lover moaning)
(lover sighing)
(lover exhaling)
- Let me help you.
- No need to worry.
(people talking outside)
- What kind of dormitory is this place?
Why don't you guys have to work?
- We work late.
- What do you do?
- Karaoke.
- What kind?
- Do you need to wash?
- I will when I get home.
- Why do you want to know?
- I'm sorry If it comes out as offensive.
You don't have to answer
if you don't want to.
- But why do you want to know?
- Is your parole keeper around here?
- Yeah, but we close soon.
No customer now, everyone stays home.
- So what's next?
- Nothing.
- Will you leave?
- If I leave, I cannot come back.
- How many years have you been here?
- 15.
- And you've never left the city.
Have you been working at the karaoke bar
since you arrived here?
How old were you?
- 17.
I work different place but same boss.
- Do you like your boss?
- He likes me, I'm behave.
- Behave?
Does he allow your bring
friends back to the dorm?
- No.
There are others that run away.
Disappear. Maybe change jobs.
Many went back home in lockdown.
One even went to jail for a protest.
- You mean the protest
here or in Thailand?
- Thailand.
- I see.
- Both no use.
They are so powerful. We have nothing.
- Yeah,
we have nothing,
but we are many.
- No use.
- But your friend went.
- Stupid.
- Don't say that.
- People die.
Always get worse after
people fight, always.
- Sometimes
the people win.
- Your hope is stupid.
- It's not hope, so we fight.
(person speaking in foreign language)
- So many mad people in my neighborhood.
- Sounds almost like music.
- What?
- He's crying.
- You are mad too.
- Maybe I am.
- It's mad world.
Drink to the new normal.
- What is normal to you?
(person speaking in foreign language)
- To eat on the street,
to watch films in cinema,
to talk a lot.
- I never go to the cinema here.
- What? Not once in 15 years?
- My normal life is different
than your normal life.
- What is normal life to you then?
- I don't know.
- Well, fuck normal.
Who cares about being normal?
Do you smoke?
- No. I smoked before, now I quit.
- Why?
- Tax, it's too expensive now.
- You want one?
- It's so hard to quit.
I smoked for 10 years.
- 10 years.
- How long have you smoked?
- Just a year.
- You start when everyone else has quit.
- Yeah.
- Why?
- There was a time when
I was so depressed,
I wanted to kill myself.
And I saw a pack of cigarettes,
from someone,
on carton it says,
"Smoking kills you slowly."
Look at those words and
thought it was sign from God.
They say,
die slowly.
Live a little longer.
(traffic passing)
(faint conversation)
(phone notification)
- Sorry, I have to go to work now.
- Now?
- Yeah, now.
A customer look for me.
- You just fucked.
- What?
What do you do?
- I'm a teacher.
- Do you fuck your students?
- I don't.
- I don't believe you.
- I get asked that a lot though.
It's everyone's fantasy.
- My teacher raped me.
(phone notification)
- How many times do
you fuck on a busy day?
- Depends, but I don't come
always, need to pay me more.
- You just bottom?
- Depends on the client.
- What if client can make you hard?
- Money makes me hard.
- Would you fall in love?
- You should see the face of them.
- There's no handsome client at all.
- Why pay if handsome?
- I guess they wouldn't.
- Would you?
- I have.
Not as cute as you though.
- Don't fall in love with me.
(traffic passing)
I I have to go now.
- I'll get that. You work hard.
- Thank you.
- What's your name?
- Dan. And you?
- Philip.
- Nice to meet you, Philip.
- Nice to meet you, Dan.
- Quit smoking. Live longer.
(both speaking in foreign language)
- You leave first.
(person singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
(protagonist singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
My name is Tracy
Call me Tracy
Would you take a look at me
Just go Trace
(switch clicking)
(water running)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(muffled dance music)
(door sliding open)
(door closing)
(electronic dance music)
(crowd murmuring)
(electronic dance music)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(crowd murmuring)
(crowd murmuring)
(muffled dance music)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(crowd murmuring)
(crowd murmuring)
(dance music continues)
(traffic passing)
(distant conversation)
(traffic passing)
(distant conversation)
(distant conversation)
(customer speaking in foreign language)
(phone notification)
(people talking)
(phone notification)
(proprietor speaking in foreign language)
- Bye bye.
(door closing)
(lovers grunting)
(man in helmet exhaling)
(water running)
(water running)
(train passing)
(low rumble)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(traffic passing)
(bed creaking)
(cat meowing)
(vacuum running)
(vacuum running)
(traffic passing)
(pigeons cooing)
(traffic passing)
(dryers running)
(low rumble)
- [Next Date] Nice jacket.
- Thanks.
It's from my boyfriend. Best
part of being gay, right?
- But is there any meaning
you wearing it to me?
- No, no, not at all.
We've been open since he
moved back to New York
where he's from.
Before he left, he asked me
to keep some of his clothes,
ends up taking up most
of my wardrobe space.
I think I start to smell like him.
- It's cute.
- And you? Are you single or taken?
- Mm, it's complicated.
- Okay.
- Sorry.
- No, not at all.
Well, we've been talking forever.
- Sorry, I've been busy.
- I thought you were not
interested anymore in meeting up.
- I am.
- You know, sometimes people chat and chat
and at one point just don't
think they're real anymore.
- I am real.
- Glad that we finally meet.
- So,
what do we do?
- Guest?
- A writer.
- Why would you guess that?
- You were stating in your profile,
"I might write about us."
- Hmm. I'm a writer at heart.
- And for a living?
- A delivery boy for now.
- So you must visit a lot of places.
- Yeah.
Different flats, corridor, lobby.
You never know who's living inside,
judging from the outside of the building.
- Sounds interesting.
- No, it's tedious and hard work.
- Sure.
- Pays better than writing, so.
- Of course.
- So how do you pronounce your name?
I noticed the spelling.
- Stefan.
And you, Dang or Dangit?
- Just Dan. It's not English, anyway.
Which part in Germany are you from?
- Leipzig.
- Never heard of that.
- It's in the East.
- You grew up there?
- Yes, before the wall was torn down.
- Wow.
You are the first person
I know from East Germany.
- I can imagine, East German.
- Yeah, but she doesn't know me.
- And I don't quite know you.
- Yet.
Thank you.
Tell me more about life
back in East Germany.
- What do we want to know?
- Do you guys have croissant?
- Why? Croissant is a French thing.
- We have croissants here
back then. It's delicious.
- Told you.
- So what did you have for breakfast?
- In East Germany?
Hard-boiled eggs.
That was too good.
But we had bunch of (indistinct) too. Hmm.
We had something called Brtchen,
looks almost like a croissant,
but made from a different dough.
- Brtchen.
Sounds like a phrase in Cantonese.
- What is it?
- To open the window. (Cantonese phrase)
- I see.
- Thank you.
And coffee. Do you guys have it?
- Sure, but sometimes
there was a shortage,
but you could get it
shipped in private parcels
from West Germany.
- That's allowed?
- They knew that people
get mad with the regime
if they can't drink coffee.
- They got mad in the end after all.
Did your world collapse?
- What world?
- The regime fell when you were my age.
- Well, I was much
younger than you are now.
I'm not that old.
- How old are you now?
- Guess.
- 45.
- Now you're trying too hard.
18. (laughing)
- So which side were you on?
- The better side.
But you never know which
side is better, after all.
- I wonder what would I
feel if the regime falls.
I'm sorry to hear that.
- That's why we didn't meet sooner.
- I hope you feel better now.
- We had quite an age difference.
We both knew this will happen.
When he got sick, we both were very calm.
- How long has that been?
- Half a year.
He went to Switzerland.
- What was he like?
- Hmm, he was kind, generous,
sometimes very stubborn.
- And you, what do you do?
- Was an architect.
- Was?
- Hmm, I do more set design these days.
- Would I have seen one of your works?
- Last one was a ballet adaptation
from "In the Mood for Love."
Two years ago.
- I didn't know about that one.
Well anyways, I've never watched a ballet
or an opera or an actual symphony.
- Why?
Not even a Chinese opera?
- Maybe I'm not cultured enough?
- Ballet is for everyone.
Normally ordinary people.
I did it when I was young.
- What's your a normal life look like?
- Mm. What do I want to know?
- I got asked recently.
I told him my normal life would be
watching films and having sex.
- That's super.
- Makes me think about what
kind of life is worth living.
(lighter flicking)
(German puffing)
- Well you can't choose it anyway.
(lovers moaning)
(heavy breathing)
- Can cuddle for a bit?
You want me to be the
big spoon or the small?
(no audio)
(no audio)
(light clicking)
(lover rustling)
(lover clearing throat)
- [Stefan] Hey, you slept
for a very long time.
- Sorry, I didn't sleep last night.
And your bed is too comfortable.
- Well, you're lucky.
I'm a good person, I didn't dismember you.
- I hope I didn't disturb
your plans for the day.
- Not at all. I plan to stay in.
Are you hungry?
- Yes.
Well, let me cook you something.
Dumplings?
- What kind? Chinese style?
Wait, I'll pass if it is German dumplings.
- [Stefan] It's not that bad.
(thunder rumbling)
(rain falling)
Sorry about earlier.
- What for?
- [Stefan] That we didn't have sex.
- It's okay.
- I thought I'm ready. Maybe I'm not.
I hope I didn't waste your time.
And even if I have, it's not intentional.
- It really pissed me off in the past
when things like this happen.
Or worse if some stranger stood me up
as I have to prepare for bottoming,
and now I've changed.
- What changed?
- I got a dildo.
I can always play with it when I get home.
It's not as good as the real thing,
but knowing that I always have a backup
makes me become calm and patient.
- I like your honesty.
I'll buy a dildo.
- So maybe I don't take
it personal anymore.
I mean people have their reasons.
I've grown old enough
to not put much expectation in people,
or in life.
- That sounds quite
thoughtful. How old are you?
(thunder rumbling)
- 28, as stated on my profile.
- Advertisement says it's
the best time of life.
You want some wine?
- Sure.
- I can barely survive every day.
- It'll get better.
- How did your people survive those times?
- Well then when there's
nothing else you can do,
you stay close to your family
and friends, you stay calm.
You live total normally,
but you don't give up
and have a lot of sex.
- How was gay life in East Germany?
- Well, I was way too young.
It took me some time
to learn that I'm gay.
- Like how long?
- I came out when I was 30.
(thunder rumbling)
- I came out when I was 15.
- So, your parents know?
- Yeah,
they've met my boyfriends.
- You must be really close to them.
- Used to be, not anymore
since 2019 happened.
This is delicious.
- Be careful. It's hot.
- So how did you and your husband meet?
- He was my client. I built this house.
He chased after me and
made me his sugar baby.
What?
When I was way better
looking when I was young,
with dark hair.
- You're still very good looking.
Even with silver hair.
- I don't even know if
that's a compliment,
but you make me a little shy now.
- Have you ever thought
of becoming a movie star?
- No.
- I mean, minus the problem
that comes with fame,
like drug abuse or
depression, hypothetically.
- No.
- Why not?
- Never want to be in public,
not in the public eye.
- What do you want then, in life?
- I want to be a father.
- That's wonderful too.
- We discussed it,
we had a plan, but it was never realized.
- Still have a life in front of you.
Stay hopeful.
- Thanks.
(people shouting in the distance)
(engine running)
(no audio)
(soft footsteps)
I'm still crying
I sing song
Oh my
Oh, pine mountain
I climb mountains
(indistinct singing)
Young sick. (singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
(singing continues)
(traffic moving)
(traffic moving)
(knocking on door)
- Hi, are you Charlie?
- Hi.
(Charlie speaking in foreign language)
(door closing)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
- Fuck me, Phillip.
Please rape me, Phillip.
(both gasping)
Philip.
No, no. Philip.
How Philip, please rape me, Philip.
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(violin music)
(traffic passing)
(cart rattling)
(violin music continues)
(door sliding open)
(cart rattling)
(keyboard tapping)
(keyboard tapping)
(engine humming)
(breeze blowing)
- Hi.
Well, you look even
prettier than your picture.
I never understand why the
locals bring an umbrella
to the slightest drizzle.
- Well, I didn't.
- Well, you're different.
- You how long more do we have to walk?
- A while, be careful of the snakes.
(footsteps)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water flowing)
(water flowing)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(tramping)
(latches popping)
(breeze blowing)
(train running)
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
(cage gate sliding)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Why is this place so empty?
- I just moved in.
(guest sneezing)
Bless you.
- To be honest, I was very
concerned about your address.
Like am I going to this industrial place
in the south at this time?
Maybe somebody's gonna dismember me.
- What make you come then?
- Your pictures are irresistible.
I'm gonna risk it all for that.
(guest sneezing)
- I'm so sorry. Are you fine?
- I think I'm having an allergic reaction.
- From?
- Cats.
- I think my neighbor has one.
- I'll be fine soon. Don't worry.
- Do you need some water?
- Yes, please.
I really like the candles.
You know how to set a mood.
- I just don't have electricity yet.
- Do you plan on making this
place your office or your home?
- Maybe both.
- But it doesn't have a shower.
- We'll figure that out later.
- And Rene is your name?
- Yeah.
- Like the painter?
- Yes.
And yours?
- Matthew, like the Bible.
You are really cute. Has
someone told you that?
(lovers gasping)
Are you okay? Should I stop?
- No. Keep going.
Choke me.
(lovers grunting)
(lovers breathing heavily)
(lovers gasping)
(lovers exhaling)
- That was great.
- Yeah,
that was great.
- You were great.
- Thanks.
- How are you?
- What do you mean?
- I mean, how are you?
- That's one thing about greetings.
We don't really do it here.
- What do you mean?
- I noticed that when I
got admitted to college,
where I finally met people
from different places,
and started being greeted, how are you?
- So?
- I'd say I felt terrible,
and people freaked out, what happened?
I'd say,
stress.
There's too much work. I
feel ugly, the weather sucks.
I just feel terribly unwell every day.
And I think that's how we
honkies feel all the time.
- That's true though.
And it took me a while
to get used to that.
- But I then realized
they expect you to say,
"I'm fine, and you?"
Or they just don't
expect an answer at all.
If it becomes a burden for a person
to say you're not fine,
then why bother the greeting?
- True.
But there's gotta be some way
to say that in your language,
something to say when you meet.
- We ask, have you eaten?
- Oh, of course.
- That's a neutral, no?
You don't have to deal with daily sadness.
You just have to eat anyway.
- How do you say that in Cantonese?
(both speaking in foreign language)
- Your Cantonese actually is perfect.
- I get told that a lot.
- It's rare.
Foreigners can never get the intonation.
- I'm a musician.
I listen to film.
- Really?
- And I dance, too.
I'm in musical theater.
- That's really cool.
Why are you in Hong Kong then?
There isn't a scene here.
- It's temporary.
I am doing the show at Disney now, but
just wait baby,
one day I will make it to Broadway.
- I didn't even know
there's a show in Disney.
- Really?
You've never been. It's "The Lion King."
- Nope, but now I've got a reason.
- Nah, just just wait
until I'm in the real one.
Then you can come visit me in New York.
- I'd love to.
- I'm sure you'd like
it there. Have you been?
- Nope. But I'd love to visit.
- You should.
- Smoking kills you slowly.
- Stress kills you faster.
Don't worry, I'll smoke when I leave.
- You can smoke here.
- You smoke too?
- No.
Can I try?
- Okay, but don't blame
me if you get addicted.
(protagonist exhaling)
- What makes you wanna be an actor?
- Hmm.
That's tough to explain.
I guess I like to observe people
and pretend to be someone I'm not.
I'm good at it.
- I see.
- What does that mean?
I can recognize the
characters for white and gin.
Does this mean my cup?
- It's (Cantonese word).
It can mean penis
but (Cantonese phrase) together
means plain and stupid.
It's an old scripture,
probably from the last tenant.
So the whole sentence says,
"I don't trade with stupid people."
- So white cock means plain
and stupid in Cantonese?
- No. You're making things of up now.
- What does cock mean then?
- There's no such word in Cantonese.
- Then, what is a smooth
butt in Cantonese?
Did I say something wrong?
- No.
- I noticed.
- Do you like it?
- I'd like it either way.
- And do you prefer a smooth version?
- Then what?
- I don't know.
I don't even know what I'm talking about.
- I prefer a person as who they are.
- That's such a standard PC answer.
- If you start looking
at people close enough,
you'd come to the same conclusion.
- Is this an American eagle?
- No, it's a raven.
Eagles are for white America.
- Some kind of crow.
- No, ravens are spiritual
for Black people and Native Americans.
Crows are just bad luck.
- I see.
- I'm gonna name my first kid Raven,
whether they're a girl or boy.
- Cool.
- Are you gonna have kids?
- I think this world too fucked
up right now to have kids.
- It's never not been fucked up.
You seem to manage somehow.
- Every day I wake up,
I can't help but think how
bizarre it is to be alive.
Look out the window
and see people get to work, get off work.
What are they thinking?
How do they live normally?
- We still gotta live.
Sometimes we gotta fight,
so the people after us will remember.
- And it always get worse
after people fight, always.
We might have passed the time that good
can even be the evil.
That change could happen,
we just feel hopeless now.
- It's not hope we fight for.
- Then what is it?
- The certainty that we lost.
No despair, not yet.
Things could take an unexpected turn.
- I must say I appreciate
your American hopefulness.
- It started and it will never end.
I can tell you that because I'm black.
My father's done it and my
father's father's done it.
Peace is just the interval between wars.
- I guess.
- No, I'm kidding.
My father's a dick, I never met him.
Come dance with me, babe.
- No, I can't.
- The guy who shakes his
ass on me, yes he can.
(both laughing)
How do you say, you
dance well, in Cantonese?
(both speaking in foreign language)
- That sounds almost perfect.
- Really?
- I've never thought about the correlation
between music and Cantonese.
- But your language is music.
- I've met people who teach music
but their Cantonese is terrible.
- Well, I guess I'm
just good at listening.
Next time we greet,
you can tell me how
you're feeling terrible.
I'll listen.
- Thanks.
- And I'll tell you how I really
feel instead of just fine.
You know what I'm thinking?
Wouldn't it be great if
our kids were Blasian?
I mean, I'd have to find a Asian lady
and a Black lady for you.
Maybe they're lesbian.
We can raise our kids together.
- Do you know with the current technology,
we could cut the genes from two men,
paste that into a sperm.
Same with the eggs, too.
Some places already are there
for patients to avoid passing
on their genetic disease.
- Really? I've never heard of that.
- So in theory, there would be
a baby made of three people.
- One woman?
- And one day we could put
all of us into our body.
- Who do you mean by all of us?
- I mean,
every one of us.
- That would be God?
Would you write about us?
- I'm constantly writing.
(train running)
(protagonist vocalizing)
(protagonist whooping)
(protagonist singing in foreign language)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(TV static)
(dark music)
(light music)
(no audio)
(water flowing)
(water lapping on shore)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(person urinating)
(water running)
(water splashing)
(brushing teeth)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(door sliding shut)
(faint rumbling)
(water running)
(door closing)
(train running)
(announcer's voice muffled)
- [Announcer] Please mind the gap.
(crowd murmuring)
(traffic passing)
(knocking on door)
- Come on in. The door's open.
- Hey.
- Hey, hey.
I'm still working on something.
Just make yourself at home,
I'll be done in a second.
- Take your time.
- And I have two cats. This is Dovey.
I hope you're not allergic.
- No I'm not.
- Do you listen to music?
- Yeah.
- Can I play you something?
- Sure.
(soft electronic music)
- What do you think?
- It's nice.
- Wow. That means it's not good enough.
- I didn't say that.
- [Resident] Do you
want something to drink?
I have tea,
mint tea, jasmine, Earl Grey.
I also have some beer
and Coke in the fridge.
- I'll have Earl Grey thanks.
- All right.
- So you're a musician?
- [Resident] Yeah, it's my new thing.
I'm also a DJ and I host some raves.
I have one next month on
the 22nd, you should come.
- What do you do exactly?
- [Resident] I just press some buttons
and I hope for the best.
- I mean, what do you do for a living?
- I'm a scientist. That's
why I live near HKU.
- Oh, do you have milk?
- With your tea? That's disgusting.
I never understood why locals do that.
- Why not?
- [Resident] Is it a colonial thing?
- It's like a normal thing.
- I'm not judging.
I'm Erfan by the way.
(sexual grunting)
- I'm coming.
Come inside.
- You come too?
- Yeah.
(both panting)
(visitor sighing)
(traffic passing)
(traffic passing)
Are you already a scientist?
- Is that what you were thinking about
the whole time we were fucking?
- Maybe.
- Tell me your secrets,
ask me your questions.
What about you? What do you do?
I am (indistinct).
- Don't bullshit me.
- I'm an actor.
- Are you famous?
Should I know you?
- No.
Why did you ask? Please no.
- What movies have you been in?
I want to watch them.
- They're just bad.
- Well I like bad movies.
- Please.
- Makes me wanna watch them even more.
- Just forget about it.
- If you hate acting so
much, then why do you do it?
- Well,
I like to observe people and
pretend to be someone else.
- Interesting.
- And what makes you
want to be a scientist?
- Science reminds me that
I am a tiny little dot
in a complicated universe of things.
- Like how?
- You want me to bore
you with the details?
- Oh, try me.
- All right, have a seat.
So I study bacteria.
- Mm-hm.
- And science has taught me
that the world is really interconnected,
and the small things teach you
a lot about the big things.
Are you with me?
- Yeah.
- So bacteria behave a certain
way in a group, for example.
But when you have a closer look,
they actually can be very unique,
which has taught me a lot
about how people work.
For example, in Hong Kong,
you look at people in general
and they can be very shy and
sometimes a little bit rude,
but when you look up close,
they turn out to be quite different.
And that's what science
has really taught me,
that we'll never learn the whole picture,
and we like to pretend like
we know shit but we don't.
(cat meowing)
- So you study so much
and you understand that we
don't know much after all.
- Well some science has
real medical implications.
For example, the first
baby with genetic material
from three people was born already.
- Why do we do that?
- Well some people have genetic illnesses
and the genetic material
from a healthy third person
can actually help them out.
- So we can now mix DNA
from many different people
to produce babies.
- Yeah, and we've done it in
animals and plants for a while.
I guess now, humans.
- Yeah, we now do that to people.
- With incurable genetic disease.
Okay.
- And how about a gay couple
who wants to combine their
sperms and put that into an egg?
- I don't know about the morality of that,
but I guess we could
if you really want to.
- How exciting.
- Well, I wouldn't wanna
have kids nowadays anyway.
The world is like pretty
fucked up right now.
- Too late. I'm pregnant already.
Okay. I wanna get a shower.
Yeah, clean towels are over there.
(traffic passing)
- So you haven't graduated?
- Yeah, 'cause I'm 24.
What did you expect?
- Well I assume you're
working at Hong Kong U?
- I am working in the laborious
production of knowledge
and I get paid for it, so I call it work.
But I don't believe
you're younger than me.
- And I'm so, so, so offended.
- What year were you born in?
- I'm born in the same year
that Jesus was supposed to be resurrected.
First January, 2000.
- No way. Show me your ID.
- You don't have to see
God to believe in him.
- That's why I don't believe in God.
- Do you want me to go get it?
- No.
I believe you.
Show me how to do it.
- I don't know how to ride
that. That's my roommate's.
- Is he gay as well?
- No, he's straight and white
but still kind of nice, which is rare.
- You would pass as white here as well.
- Excuse me. Now I'm like
really fucking offended.
- You don't think so?
- No, I'm Iranian, and you're blind.
- Well, sorry to offend you even more,
but we really need to consider anyone
more light-skinned than us, white.
- Bullshit, because
Japanese and Korean people
are whiter-skinned than you are.
- Do they count as white?
- They're actually very like to us.
Fair,
but I'm Persian.
Do you want some beer?
- I thought someone said he's from Iran.
- I'm Persian, and I just
fucked a guy in the ass,
so you can put the dots together.
- Bon appetit.
- Oh, I have to feed my cats.
You can go ahead and eat.
- I can wait.
(cat meowing)
I really want to get a cat too.
- You should. You should adopt.
Don't shop, and you should
get two so they're not lonely.
- Yeah, but I can't.
- Why not?
- My boyfriend is allergic to cats.
- You have a boyfriend?
- Yeah, we are open.
I stated that on my profile.
- I really didn't notice.
What did you think of my love
tattoo while we were fucking?
- What tattoo?
- My love tattoo. It's in Chinese.
- I didn't notice.
- Fine, I'm just like a
joystick for pleasure.
- Let's eat.
- Yeah, enjoy.
(acoustic guitar music)
I still cry
And I see God
Yeah my God
I'm counting
Waters and love
Hearty waters
I am fountain
I crack mountains
You break in
To my legs
- You sing well.
You should consider becoming a singer.
- That was better than, it's nice.
- I've learned.
- You should come to my raves.
I think it's gonna be even more fun.
- Let's see.
- I mean if you hate me and if you never
want to see me again, I understand.
- I normally just do one now.
- Why is that?
- See, I've got a boyfriend.
- I saw.
- But I'm interested
in coming to your rave.
Is there gonna be drugs?
- Not for me, but people
always come up to me
and they ask me for all kinds of shit.
They think I'm the coke guy.
- You look more like the MDMA guy.
- Well I'm the, don't do
any kind of drugs, guy.
I have a natural high from life,
and that's my real talent.
- I see you've got so many talents.
- You want me to write you a Persian poem?
- What else can you do for me?
- I can do everything but
Persian's a really poetic language
and I think it's an easy one, so try me.
- All right.
Say,
I drink beer,
and fuck a father in the ass in person.
- I'm gonna try. All right.
Are you ready?
- Yeah.
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(Erfan speaking in foreign language)
(bus running)
(traffic passing)
(traffic passing)
(pulling drapes)
(slow drumming)
(slow drumming)
(drumming continues)
(water running)
(distant speaking)
(train running)
(couple speaking in foreign language)
(train running)
(train running)
(knocking on door)
- Hi, how are you? I'm Phil.
Nice to meet you.
- (Chinese name).
- (Chinese name) Does it mean two sails?
- It's (Chinese phrase).
My parents want me to be normal so much
they double (Chinese name).
Speak Chinese.
- I'm trying, mandarin's much easier.
I can barely order my meals in
Cantonese. Do you speak both?
- Yeah. How long have you been here?
- Eight years, but I'm leaving soon.
- How do we start?
- Well, the stuff's in here.
Thanks for agreeing to
do this, I appreciate it.
- So I get changed now?
- Sure. The bathroom's here.
(door closing)
(toilet flushing)
(lips smacking)
(person chuckling)
(lovers breathing heavily)
(sexual panting)
(sexual panting)
(heavy breathing)
- Come on. Fuck me.
Yeah.
(heavy breathing)
(Phil grunting)
(Phil sighing)
Did you come?
- Yeah. Sorry.
I got too excited.
- Okay.
- I can go for round two though.
Just let me take a break
and then I'll fuck for real.
- Sure.
Do you want me to keep it on for now?
- Up to you.
Look, I came all over my shirt.
Oh, let me help you.
(Phil sighing)
- Do you do this often?
- Not everyone's into it.
Thanks for being so open-minded.
- Oh, I just got one more
check on the bucket list now.
- Check.
Such an American way of putting it.
- Really? I didn't know.
- You sort of have an
American accent anyway.
- Maybe I got it from my
boyfriend. He's American.
- Is he?
My boyfriend doesn't seem to pick up mine.
- That only happens to
non-native speakers.
- Mine's Taiwanese.
- Do you only fancy Asian guys?
- I wouldn't say that.
I mean I do prefer Asian,
but do you prefer only white guys?
- No, I don't have a preference.
- Everyone has a preference.
- I don't.
- You want something to drink?
- Do you have tea?
- I've only got the usual.
Earl Grey, English breakfast.
- Earl Grey will be perfect.
Do you smoke?
- No. Why?
- You have an ashtray here.
- Oh, it's my boyfriend's.
- Does he live here?
- Yes.
- Is he coming back soon?
- No.
Well, he's based in Hong Kong,
but he doesn't live in this flat.
- Why not?
- He's a flight attendant.
He has his company flat, so that's why.
But he stays over often.
- And you bring boys back while he's away.
- Not so much these days.
The layovers are getting shorter.
- Can I smoke?
- Sure, just open the window.
How do you say open the
window in Cantonese?
(protagonist speaking in foreign language)
(Phil speaking in foreign language)
- It's a difficult home.
(both speaking in foreign language)
You'll never learn the language this way.
- I'm not trying to, just
thought of something.
- What?
- No. Something random.
- Tell me. I'd like to know.
- Oh, this thing, this
funny thing happened.
I'm a school teacher so
we're in class and a bird
flies into the classroom,
and the kids chant something
to open the window,
and then one of them started to cry.
- Why?
- Yeah, why?
Well it turns out the
word for open the window
is the same as open fire in Cantonese.
(Phil speaking in foreign language)
- Yeah.
(violin music)
- [Phil] So what do you do?
- I'm a student at Hong Kong U.
- [Phil] Ah, good for you.
What do you study, smart boy?
- Molecular science.
- [Phil] Sounds difficult.
What's that about?
(violin music)
- Just how we are a tiny little dot
connected in this complicated world.
(violin music)
(violin music continues)
(violin stops)
(screwing cap)
(protagonist moaning)
(moaning continues)
(street talk)
(players speaking in foreign language)
(players speaking in foreign language)
(players speaking in foreign language)
- Sorry about this. Let's get hidden.
(players speaking in foreign language)
- What is this place?
- A dorm.
- Where are you from?
- Tai.
(people talking outside)
(traffic passing)
(people talking outside)
(talking continues)
(lover moaning)
(lover sighing)
(lover exhaling)
- Let me help you.
- No need to worry.
(people talking outside)
- What kind of dormitory is this place?
Why don't you guys have to work?
- We work late.
- What do you do?
- Karaoke.
- What kind?
- Do you need to wash?
- I will when I get home.
- Why do you want to know?
- I'm sorry If it comes out as offensive.
You don't have to answer
if you don't want to.
- But why do you want to know?
- Is your parole keeper around here?
- Yeah, but we close soon.
No customer now, everyone stays home.
- So what's next?
- Nothing.
- Will you leave?
- If I leave, I cannot come back.
- How many years have you been here?
- 15.
- And you've never left the city.
Have you been working at the karaoke bar
since you arrived here?
How old were you?
- 17.
I work different place but same boss.
- Do you like your boss?
- He likes me, I'm behave.
- Behave?
Does he allow your bring
friends back to the dorm?
- No.
There are others that run away.
Disappear. Maybe change jobs.
Many went back home in lockdown.
One even went to jail for a protest.
- You mean the protest
here or in Thailand?
- Thailand.
- I see.
- Both no use.
They are so powerful. We have nothing.
- Yeah,
we have nothing,
but we are many.
- No use.
- But your friend went.
- Stupid.
- Don't say that.
- People die.
Always get worse after
people fight, always.
- Sometimes
the people win.
- Your hope is stupid.
- It's not hope, so we fight.
(person speaking in foreign language)
- So many mad people in my neighborhood.
- Sounds almost like music.
- What?
- He's crying.
- You are mad too.
- Maybe I am.
- It's mad world.
Drink to the new normal.
- What is normal to you?
(person speaking in foreign language)
- To eat on the street,
to watch films in cinema,
to talk a lot.
- I never go to the cinema here.
- What? Not once in 15 years?
- My normal life is different
than your normal life.
- What is normal life to you then?
- I don't know.
- Well, fuck normal.
Who cares about being normal?
Do you smoke?
- No. I smoked before, now I quit.
- Why?
- Tax, it's too expensive now.
- You want one?
- It's so hard to quit.
I smoked for 10 years.
- 10 years.
- How long have you smoked?
- Just a year.
- You start when everyone else has quit.
- Yeah.
- Why?
- There was a time when
I was so depressed,
I wanted to kill myself.
And I saw a pack of cigarettes,
from someone,
on carton it says,
"Smoking kills you slowly."
Look at those words and
thought it was sign from God.
They say,
die slowly.
Live a little longer.
(traffic passing)
(faint conversation)
(phone notification)
- Sorry, I have to go to work now.
- Now?
- Yeah, now.
A customer look for me.
- You just fucked.
- What?
What do you do?
- I'm a teacher.
- Do you fuck your students?
- I don't.
- I don't believe you.
- I get asked that a lot though.
It's everyone's fantasy.
- My teacher raped me.
(phone notification)
- How many times do
you fuck on a busy day?
- Depends, but I don't come
always, need to pay me more.
- You just bottom?
- Depends on the client.
- What if client can make you hard?
- Money makes me hard.
- Would you fall in love?
- You should see the face of them.
- There's no handsome client at all.
- Why pay if handsome?
- I guess they wouldn't.
- Would you?
- I have.
Not as cute as you though.
- Don't fall in love with me.
(traffic passing)
I I have to go now.
- I'll get that. You work hard.
- Thank you.
- What's your name?
- Dan. And you?
- Philip.
- Nice to meet you, Philip.
- Nice to meet you, Dan.
- Quit smoking. Live longer.
(both speaking in foreign language)
- You leave first.
(person singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
(protagonist singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
My name is Tracy
Call me Tracy
Would you take a look at me
Just go Trace
(switch clicking)
(water running)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(muffled dance music)
(door sliding open)
(door closing)
(electronic dance music)
(crowd murmuring)
(electronic dance music)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(crowd murmuring)
(crowd murmuring)
(muffled dance music)
(dance music continues)
(dance music continues)
(crowd murmuring)
(crowd murmuring)
(dance music continues)
(traffic passing)
(distant conversation)
(traffic passing)
(distant conversation)
(distant conversation)
(customer speaking in foreign language)
(phone notification)
(people talking)
(phone notification)
(proprietor speaking in foreign language)
- Bye bye.
(door closing)
(lovers grunting)
(man in helmet exhaling)
(water running)
(water running)
(train passing)
(low rumble)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(traffic passing)
(bed creaking)
(cat meowing)
(vacuum running)
(vacuum running)
(traffic passing)
(pigeons cooing)
(traffic passing)
(dryers running)
(low rumble)
- [Next Date] Nice jacket.
- Thanks.
It's from my boyfriend. Best
part of being gay, right?
- But is there any meaning
you wearing it to me?
- No, no, not at all.
We've been open since he
moved back to New York
where he's from.
Before he left, he asked me
to keep some of his clothes,
ends up taking up most
of my wardrobe space.
I think I start to smell like him.
- It's cute.
- And you? Are you single or taken?
- Mm, it's complicated.
- Okay.
- Sorry.
- No, not at all.
Well, we've been talking forever.
- Sorry, I've been busy.
- I thought you were not
interested anymore in meeting up.
- I am.
- You know, sometimes people chat and chat
and at one point just don't
think they're real anymore.
- I am real.
- Glad that we finally meet.
- So,
what do we do?
- Guest?
- A writer.
- Why would you guess that?
- You were stating in your profile,
"I might write about us."
- Hmm. I'm a writer at heart.
- And for a living?
- A delivery boy for now.
- So you must visit a lot of places.
- Yeah.
Different flats, corridor, lobby.
You never know who's living inside,
judging from the outside of the building.
- Sounds interesting.
- No, it's tedious and hard work.
- Sure.
- Pays better than writing, so.
- Of course.
- So how do you pronounce your name?
I noticed the spelling.
- Stefan.
And you, Dang or Dangit?
- Just Dan. It's not English, anyway.
Which part in Germany are you from?
- Leipzig.
- Never heard of that.
- It's in the East.
- You grew up there?
- Yes, before the wall was torn down.
- Wow.
You are the first person
I know from East Germany.
- I can imagine, East German.
- Yeah, but she doesn't know me.
- And I don't quite know you.
- Yet.
Thank you.
Tell me more about life
back in East Germany.
- What do we want to know?
- Do you guys have croissant?
- Why? Croissant is a French thing.
- We have croissants here
back then. It's delicious.
- Told you.
- So what did you have for breakfast?
- In East Germany?
Hard-boiled eggs.
That was too good.
But we had bunch of (indistinct) too. Hmm.
We had something called Brtchen,
looks almost like a croissant,
but made from a different dough.
- Brtchen.
Sounds like a phrase in Cantonese.
- What is it?
- To open the window. (Cantonese phrase)
- I see.
- Thank you.
And coffee. Do you guys have it?
- Sure, but sometimes
there was a shortage,
but you could get it
shipped in private parcels
from West Germany.
- That's allowed?
- They knew that people
get mad with the regime
if they can't drink coffee.
- They got mad in the end after all.
Did your world collapse?
- What world?
- The regime fell when you were my age.
- Well, I was much
younger than you are now.
I'm not that old.
- How old are you now?
- Guess.
- 45.
- Now you're trying too hard.
18. (laughing)
- So which side were you on?
- The better side.
But you never know which
side is better, after all.
- I wonder what would I
feel if the regime falls.
I'm sorry to hear that.
- That's why we didn't meet sooner.
- I hope you feel better now.
- We had quite an age difference.
We both knew this will happen.
When he got sick, we both were very calm.
- How long has that been?
- Half a year.
He went to Switzerland.
- What was he like?
- Hmm, he was kind, generous,
sometimes very stubborn.
- And you, what do you do?
- Was an architect.
- Was?
- Hmm, I do more set design these days.
- Would I have seen one of your works?
- Last one was a ballet adaptation
from "In the Mood for Love."
Two years ago.
- I didn't know about that one.
Well anyways, I've never watched a ballet
or an opera or an actual symphony.
- Why?
Not even a Chinese opera?
- Maybe I'm not cultured enough?
- Ballet is for everyone.
Normally ordinary people.
I did it when I was young.
- What's your a normal life look like?
- Mm. What do I want to know?
- I got asked recently.
I told him my normal life would be
watching films and having sex.
- That's super.
- Makes me think about what
kind of life is worth living.
(lighter flicking)
(German puffing)
- Well you can't choose it anyway.
(lovers moaning)
(heavy breathing)
- Can cuddle for a bit?
You want me to be the
big spoon or the small?
(no audio)
(no audio)
(light clicking)
(lover rustling)
(lover clearing throat)
- [Stefan] Hey, you slept
for a very long time.
- Sorry, I didn't sleep last night.
And your bed is too comfortable.
- Well, you're lucky.
I'm a good person, I didn't dismember you.
- I hope I didn't disturb
your plans for the day.
- Not at all. I plan to stay in.
Are you hungry?
- Yes.
Well, let me cook you something.
Dumplings?
- What kind? Chinese style?
Wait, I'll pass if it is German dumplings.
- [Stefan] It's not that bad.
(thunder rumbling)
(rain falling)
Sorry about earlier.
- What for?
- [Stefan] That we didn't have sex.
- It's okay.
- I thought I'm ready. Maybe I'm not.
I hope I didn't waste your time.
And even if I have, it's not intentional.
- It really pissed me off in the past
when things like this happen.
Or worse if some stranger stood me up
as I have to prepare for bottoming,
and now I've changed.
- What changed?
- I got a dildo.
I can always play with it when I get home.
It's not as good as the real thing,
but knowing that I always have a backup
makes me become calm and patient.
- I like your honesty.
I'll buy a dildo.
- So maybe I don't take
it personal anymore.
I mean people have their reasons.
I've grown old enough
to not put much expectation in people,
or in life.
- That sounds quite
thoughtful. How old are you?
(thunder rumbling)
- 28, as stated on my profile.
- Advertisement says it's
the best time of life.
You want some wine?
- Sure.
- I can barely survive every day.
- It'll get better.
- How did your people survive those times?
- Well then when there's
nothing else you can do,
you stay close to your family
and friends, you stay calm.
You live total normally,
but you don't give up
and have a lot of sex.
- How was gay life in East Germany?
- Well, I was way too young.
It took me some time
to learn that I'm gay.
- Like how long?
- I came out when I was 30.
(thunder rumbling)
- I came out when I was 15.
- So, your parents know?
- Yeah,
they've met my boyfriends.
- You must be really close to them.
- Used to be, not anymore
since 2019 happened.
This is delicious.
- Be careful. It's hot.
- So how did you and your husband meet?
- He was my client. I built this house.
He chased after me and
made me his sugar baby.
What?
When I was way better
looking when I was young,
with dark hair.
- You're still very good looking.
Even with silver hair.
- I don't even know if
that's a compliment,
but you make me a little shy now.
- Have you ever thought
of becoming a movie star?
- No.
- I mean, minus the problem
that comes with fame,
like drug abuse or
depression, hypothetically.
- No.
- Why not?
- Never want to be in public,
not in the public eye.
- What do you want then, in life?
- I want to be a father.
- That's wonderful too.
- We discussed it,
we had a plan, but it was never realized.
- Still have a life in front of you.
Stay hopeful.
- Thanks.
(people shouting in the distance)
(engine running)
(no audio)
(soft footsteps)
I'm still crying
I sing song
Oh my
Oh, pine mountain
I climb mountains
(indistinct singing)
Young sick. (singing in foreign language)
(singing continues)
(singing continues)
(traffic moving)
(traffic moving)
(knocking on door)
- Hi, are you Charlie?
- Hi.
(Charlie speaking in foreign language)
(door closing)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
- Fuck me, Phillip.
Please rape me, Phillip.
(both gasping)
Philip.
No, no. Philip.
How Philip, please rape me, Philip.
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(both speaking in foreign language)
(violin music)
(traffic passing)
(cart rattling)
(violin music continues)
(door sliding open)
(cart rattling)
(keyboard tapping)
(keyboard tapping)
(engine humming)
(breeze blowing)
- Hi.
Well, you look even
prettier than your picture.
I never understand why the
locals bring an umbrella
to the slightest drizzle.
- Well, I didn't.
- Well, you're different.
- You how long more do we have to walk?
- A while, be careful of the snakes.
(footsteps)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water lapping on shore)
(water flowing)
(water flowing)
(breeze blowing)
(breeze blowing)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(tramping)
(latches popping)
(breeze blowing)
(train running)
(knocking on door)
(door opening)
(cage gate sliding)
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Why is this place so empty?
- I just moved in.
(guest sneezing)
Bless you.
- To be honest, I was very
concerned about your address.
Like am I going to this industrial place
in the south at this time?
Maybe somebody's gonna dismember me.
- What make you come then?
- Your pictures are irresistible.
I'm gonna risk it all for that.
(guest sneezing)
- I'm so sorry. Are you fine?
- I think I'm having an allergic reaction.
- From?
- Cats.
- I think my neighbor has one.
- I'll be fine soon. Don't worry.
- Do you need some water?
- Yes, please.
I really like the candles.
You know how to set a mood.
- I just don't have electricity yet.
- Do you plan on making this
place your office or your home?
- Maybe both.
- But it doesn't have a shower.
- We'll figure that out later.
- And Rene is your name?
- Yeah.
- Like the painter?
- Yes.
And yours?
- Matthew, like the Bible.
You are really cute. Has
someone told you that?
(lovers gasping)
Are you okay? Should I stop?
- No. Keep going.
Choke me.
(lovers grunting)
(lovers breathing heavily)
(lovers gasping)
(lovers exhaling)
- That was great.
- Yeah,
that was great.
- You were great.
- Thanks.
- How are you?
- What do you mean?
- I mean, how are you?
- That's one thing about greetings.
We don't really do it here.
- What do you mean?
- I noticed that when I
got admitted to college,
where I finally met people
from different places,
and started being greeted, how are you?
- So?
- I'd say I felt terrible,
and people freaked out, what happened?
I'd say,
stress.
There's too much work. I
feel ugly, the weather sucks.
I just feel terribly unwell every day.
And I think that's how we
honkies feel all the time.
- That's true though.
And it took me a while
to get used to that.
- But I then realized
they expect you to say,
"I'm fine, and you?"
Or they just don't
expect an answer at all.
If it becomes a burden for a person
to say you're not fine,
then why bother the greeting?
- True.
But there's gotta be some way
to say that in your language,
something to say when you meet.
- We ask, have you eaten?
- Oh, of course.
- That's a neutral, no?
You don't have to deal with daily sadness.
You just have to eat anyway.
- How do you say that in Cantonese?
(both speaking in foreign language)
- Your Cantonese actually is perfect.
- I get told that a lot.
- It's rare.
Foreigners can never get the intonation.
- I'm a musician.
I listen to film.
- Really?
- And I dance, too.
I'm in musical theater.
- That's really cool.
Why are you in Hong Kong then?
There isn't a scene here.
- It's temporary.
I am doing the show at Disney now, but
just wait baby,
one day I will make it to Broadway.
- I didn't even know
there's a show in Disney.
- Really?
You've never been. It's "The Lion King."
- Nope, but now I've got a reason.
- Nah, just just wait
until I'm in the real one.
Then you can come visit me in New York.
- I'd love to.
- I'm sure you'd like
it there. Have you been?
- Nope. But I'd love to visit.
- You should.
- Smoking kills you slowly.
- Stress kills you faster.
Don't worry, I'll smoke when I leave.
- You can smoke here.
- You smoke too?
- No.
Can I try?
- Okay, but don't blame
me if you get addicted.
(protagonist exhaling)
- What makes you wanna be an actor?
- Hmm.
That's tough to explain.
I guess I like to observe people
and pretend to be someone I'm not.
I'm good at it.
- I see.
- What does that mean?
I can recognize the
characters for white and gin.
Does this mean my cup?
- It's (Cantonese word).
It can mean penis
but (Cantonese phrase) together
means plain and stupid.
It's an old scripture,
probably from the last tenant.
So the whole sentence says,
"I don't trade with stupid people."
- So white cock means plain
and stupid in Cantonese?
- No. You're making things of up now.
- What does cock mean then?
- There's no such word in Cantonese.
- Then, what is a smooth
butt in Cantonese?
Did I say something wrong?
- No.
- I noticed.
- Do you like it?
- I'd like it either way.
- And do you prefer a smooth version?
- Then what?
- I don't know.
I don't even know what I'm talking about.
- I prefer a person as who they are.
- That's such a standard PC answer.
- If you start looking
at people close enough,
you'd come to the same conclusion.
- Is this an American eagle?
- No, it's a raven.
Eagles are for white America.
- Some kind of crow.
- No, ravens are spiritual
for Black people and Native Americans.
Crows are just bad luck.
- I see.
- I'm gonna name my first kid Raven,
whether they're a girl or boy.
- Cool.
- Are you gonna have kids?
- I think this world too fucked
up right now to have kids.
- It's never not been fucked up.
You seem to manage somehow.
- Every day I wake up,
I can't help but think how
bizarre it is to be alive.
Look out the window
and see people get to work, get off work.
What are they thinking?
How do they live normally?
- We still gotta live.
Sometimes we gotta fight,
so the people after us will remember.
- And it always get worse
after people fight, always.
We might have passed the time that good
can even be the evil.
That change could happen,
we just feel hopeless now.
- It's not hope we fight for.
- Then what is it?
- The certainty that we lost.
No despair, not yet.
Things could take an unexpected turn.
- I must say I appreciate
your American hopefulness.
- It started and it will never end.
I can tell you that because I'm black.
My father's done it and my
father's father's done it.
Peace is just the interval between wars.
- I guess.
- No, I'm kidding.
My father's a dick, I never met him.
Come dance with me, babe.
- No, I can't.
- The guy who shakes his
ass on me, yes he can.
(both laughing)
How do you say, you
dance well, in Cantonese?
(both speaking in foreign language)
- That sounds almost perfect.
- Really?
- I've never thought about the correlation
between music and Cantonese.
- But your language is music.
- I've met people who teach music
but their Cantonese is terrible.
- Well, I guess I'm
just good at listening.
Next time we greet,
you can tell me how
you're feeling terrible.
I'll listen.
- Thanks.
- And I'll tell you how I really
feel instead of just fine.
You know what I'm thinking?
Wouldn't it be great if
our kids were Blasian?
I mean, I'd have to find a Asian lady
and a Black lady for you.
Maybe they're lesbian.
We can raise our kids together.
- Do you know with the current technology,
we could cut the genes from two men,
paste that into a sperm.
Same with the eggs, too.
Some places already are there
for patients to avoid passing
on their genetic disease.
- Really? I've never heard of that.
- So in theory, there would be
a baby made of three people.
- One woman?
- And one day we could put
all of us into our body.
- Who do you mean by all of us?
- I mean,
every one of us.
- That would be God?
Would you write about us?
- I'm constantly writing.
(train running)
(protagonist vocalizing)
(protagonist whooping)
(protagonist singing in foreign language)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(no audio)