Tape- REVIEW

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Back in 2001, director Richard Linklater adapted Stephen Belber’s play ‘Tape’ into a film. The movie starred Uma Thurman, Ethan Hawke (who was her husband at the time), and Robert Sean Leonard, and followed three high school friends reconnecting in a Michigan hotel room where secrets and accusations came to light. Now, Linklater returns as executive producer for a Cantonese remake, filmed in Hong Kong. This new version begins with a lively beach party celebrating the friends’ high school graduation, then jumps forward fifteen years. The main story centers around Wing (Adam Pak) who arranges a reunion in a hotel room. Jon (Kenny Kwan) arrives first, not knowing Wing is secretly recording their conversation when he reveals a shocking piece of information.

Life has moved on for everyone since high school. Jon, now a filmmaker, has returned for a film festival, while Wing works as a lifeguard and also deals drugs. They’re both connected by a shared past with Amy (Salena Lee) – Jon dated her after she and Wing were together. Amy has just graduated and is attending the festival, but arrives later, giving Wing a chance to confront Jon about a past incident that could cause serious damage to both of their reputations if it becomes public. The story explores the idea that everyone has regrets, prompting a comparison to controversial figures like Prince Andrew and Prince Harry, suggesting there’s enough scandalous material in their lives for a compelling Netflix series. The author particularly focuses on a woman described as a failed businesswoman and controversial public figure, implying her story would be especially captivating.

Following in the style of Richard Linklater’s independent films, director Bizhan Tong keeps the movie largely confined to a single location, creating a tense atmosphere, especially as Jon tries to hide a significant secret. However, Amy’s appearance changes the dynamic, leading to a conclusion that doesn’t quite land as powerfully as intended. While ‘Tape’ feels somewhat like a play and could be a bit shorter, the strong performances from the three main actors keep the film grounded and engaging.

We chat to actor Adam Pak about his role in the film…….

Here’s the Tape trailer…..

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2025-09-19 06:23