Film Review - The Lyricist Wannabe (2024)

Everyone has a dream; mine is to be a good film and anime critic. I adore film and anime, and every day I think about discussing and showcasing my love for them. I felt the best avenue for me to showcase that was to be a critic. However, at the same time, I doubt whether I am good enough to achieve my goals. Am I just a hack who managed to get opportunities? I think this way often, and while I know that it is not true, I still think about those things regularly.

I bring this up as The Lyricist Wannabe follows our lead, Law Wing Sze, who wants to be a Cantopop lyricist. She believes it is her destiny to write music. However, many obstacles stand in her way, and we see her try to overcome those obstacles to achieve her goal. The film’s message at its core is that sometimes, no matter how untalented people may say you are or how hard it is to overcome challenges that stand in your way, it is okay to do things that you love. The film’s message resonated with me. Even though I may have my own obstacles, it is okay for me to be determined and review films as it is something I love doing.

The film has a great message at its core. However, I do feel at times it can also be confusing. I’m not sure if this is due to me missing something or if something was lost in the editing process, but there was a moment when our characters appeared to be in Taiwan, and I could not tell you how they got there or why they were going there in the first place. There are a few moments like this, and it leads to scenes that stick out as interesting to watch but don’t fit well together. This is sad because I feel if all the scenes meshed better together, this film could be incredible.

I loved the film’s sense of humour. There is a Student Affairs joke that is excellent; it’s a great way to refer to an incredible film while also making sense narratively as a joke, as you believe these characters would make that joke. The cast is also a true gem. Chung Suet Ying is utterly incredible and endearing as our lead, and the ing cast of Anson bean and Sabrina Ng are also amazing. For a second full-length feature, Norris Wong does an incredible job with the direction. The way it blends reality and fantasy feels organic and magical. It leads to a film that, when the credits roll, is a good time. It is a wholesome and nice drama that is easy to watch and filled with heart.