far to be comfortable, it is one of films changing perspective about well known realities. a man, a bus, a young woman, a robbery and rape, noble impulse and the passivity of passengers. and the end. shocking, surprising, strange in its serenity. because it becomes a touching story about sacrifice. like every simple story, it preserves a form of mystery who escapes to reviews. because each discovers in different manner the senses of story. because memories about media news about robberies in different parts of world, the Russian films about brutal violence are awaken by the images of "Bus 44".so, an useful film. for define. yourself.

"Che si shi si" or "Bus 44" is an 11-minute short film from Hong Kong that makes a strong statement against bystander culture and passivity when somebody else becomes the victim of a crime. I must say the ending here in Dayyan Eng's little movie was maybe too brutal and shocking, not visually of course, but still. I am not sure if it is somewhat realistic. Then again I keep reading it is based on a true story, so maybe it is. Anyway, overall, this was a good watch with a great moment here and there and I enjoyed it. It is essential to have subtitles if you are not fluent in Cantonese though. I also liked the atmospheric approach that Eng gave the material here. And finally the actors were convincing too. A good effort from everybody involved. This 15-year-old movie deserves to be seen.

I was looking for more on this director after recently seeing his terrific feature length film "Waiting Alone". When I came across "Bus 44" I realized why there was such buzz about this short, and why it won so many prizes internationally! Though "Bus 44" is very different from "Waiting Alone" in style and content, it makes clear why this Dayyan Eng (aka "Wu Shixian") is recognized as a gifted writer and director. I won't go into details about the story--so that the subtle impact of the ending is not lessened--but just be ready to be surprised. Excellent acting by all the leads, especially the lovely Ms. Gong Beibi, and by the young man in the film, Wu Chao. Now that I've seen this, I trying to track down a copy of Director Eng's earlier award-winning short film "East 22nd Street" -- but I haven't had any luck yet. :-(

Saw this film at the Venice Film Festival last year and I must say it was the best short I saw at the festival. Bus 44 is an amazing film with superb acting, direction, and camera work. This gripping story is short, shocking, and to the point, not a minute too long (or short for that matter!) with a profound (and disturbing) statement of issues facing society. See it if it plays at a festival in your area. Look forward to seeing more work from this director.