Last Song for You

Last Song for You (Chinese: 久別重逢) is a 2024 Hong Kong romance film directed and written by Jill Leung in his directorial debut and produced by Wilson Yip.

Principal photography began in October 2023, taking place primarily in Cheung Chau, Hong Kong and Shikoku, Japan.

The film also features a theme song of the same title, co-performed by lead actors Ekin Cheng and Ian Chan.

Heartbroken, she cries at home, comforted by her grandmother, who gives her a crystal necklace that can transport a person to their desired time and place.

Also appearing in the film are Chu Pak Hong and Henick Chou as the older and younger versions of Bing, So and Ha's classmate and mutual friend;[2] Chu Pak Him [zh] as So's father;[2] Bonnie Wong [zh] as Ha's grandmother;[2] and Julius Brian Siswojo as Hugo, So's record producer.

[7] To prepare for his directorial debut, Leung took acting classes with actor Chu Pak Him [zh] to improve his communication with the cast.

[8] He envisioned the protagonist being played by Ekin Cheng and Ian Chan in the early stages of the project and directly approached them, as he found both to be musicians who have "a self-sufficient vibe from the showbiz" that suits the character's traits.

[4][5] Cheng accepted the invitation from Wilson Yip right after reading the screenplay, finding the role a refreshing change from the gang bosses he usually plays and a challenging portrayal.

[3] Leung selected Shikoku for its unique mirages of sunsets and sunrises [ja], which he believed echoed the film's themes.

[19] The film also includes an interlude "Tides", which was composed, arranged, and performed by Ian Chan, who also co-wrote the lyrics with singer-songwriter Anson Poon [zh].

[30] Edmund Lee of South China Morning Post gave Last Song for You 3.5/5 stars, describing it as suitable for "jaded viewers to reconnect with their younger, purer selves", while praising Jill Leung's effective writing and the use of an "unsophisticated conception of time travel" that maximize emotional resonance, and highlighting the excellent casting, particularly Ekin Cheng's "refreshing" character and Natalie Hsu's "heart-melting performance" that "elevates the film with its genuine quality".

[31] Calvin Choi, writing for my903.com, described the film as "extremely clichéd" yet "deeply moving", noting that the "ordinary" setting, reflected in both the characters and themes, was made compelling through Natalie Hsu's performance, evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection often absent in contemporary Hong Kong cinema.

[32] Connie Chan of Esquire commended the film as "a stunning directorial debut" by Jill Leung, noting that it stands out among recent Hong Kong films by presenting a heartfelt story of love and dreams through the journey of a middle-aged musician's self-discovery, with strong performances from the cast, particularly Natalie Hsu's portrayal of youthful innocence and the profound resonance brought by the characters' shared memories.

[34] Keith Ho, reviewing for HK01, acknowledged Jill Leung's direction, lauding the choice of filming locations in Cheung Chau and Kōchi Prefecture, which bring a natural sense of elegance and happiness, respectively, while noting the effective use of the nostalgic songs by Ekin Cheng and emotionally enriching tracks by singer-actor Ian Chan.

Ian Chan (left), Natalie Hsu, and Ekin Cheng interviewed by am730 in December 2024
The shrine scenes were shot at Ichijyo Shrine [ ja ] in Kōchi Prefecture , Japan