Emily Ting, who both wrote and directed the movie, occasionally hits on an interesting image, like the workers at their stations, but the biggest trouble here is in the writing. By the time the film gets around to showing what a character has felt, they have already told the audience twice — and most likely another character has explained as well, just in case anyone missed the memo. Of the actors, only Ng resonates. His character is the least understanding and least understood, and, mercifully, Ng does not try to connect the dots between his mood swings. His performance suggests the film that might have been — one in which characters are allowed to just be, without having to explain themselves.

Go Back to China

Not rated. In English and Chinese, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes.