July Rhapsody is a 2002 Hong Kong drama film directed by Ann Hui and produced by Ann Hui and Derek Yee. This was Anita Mui's final film appearance before her death from cervical cancer in 2003.

Overview

The film's Chinese title literally translates to Man, 40. Its alternative title is Laam yan sei sap. The film explores midlife crisis, marriage, and teacher-student seduction.

Plot

Lam Yiu-kwok (Jacky Cheung), a Hong Kong secondary school teacher, is facing a midlife crisis, marriage problems, and seduction by a student. He and his wife Man-ching (Anita Mui) are married, living in a modest apartment with their two sons. However, his first son On (Shaun Tam) is not his, but from his wife and Mr. Seng (Tou Chung Hua), their former teacher. When Man-ching was a student, she seduced Mr. Seng, her teacher. As a teacher, Lam Yiu-kwok does not have financial success like his friends, successful businessmen and professionals who flaunt their extravagant lifestyles at reunion dinners. Lam Yiu-kwok's wife's ex-lover Mr. Seng returns to Hong Kong. Mr. Seng is old and dying and she is obliged to spend time with her ex-lover. In school, Lam Yiu-kwok receives flirtatious attention from Choi-lam (Karena Lam), a student from his class who has a crush on him. Lam Yiu-kwok's resistance from his raunchy student begins to weaken.

Cast

Awards and nominations