The Way We Are

The action unfolds during the summer break when Leung awaits HKCEE results. It captures the pace of a city summer: long days, errands, hospital visits, and family gatherings. The period is contemporary, focusing on education, work, and family obligations rather than dramatic historical events.

The film is set in Tin Shui Wai New Town, a densely populated residential area in the Hong Kong suburbs. The local supermarket and apartment blocks frame everyday life for a working-class family. Scenes also move to Shatin for family visits and errands, highlighting a network of nearby communities. The setting emphasizes the intimate rhythms of urban life in Hong Kong.

👪 Family

The story centers on a mother-son relationship and the wider family network. Paw's dedication to supporting her son and his brothers anchors the narrative, while the elderly grandmother and Chan's extended family reveal the strain and warmth of kinship. Small acts of care—carrying a television, sharing meals, or visiting a hospital—show how love sustains a family in tough times. The film uses these bonds to explore responsibility, gratitude, and intergenerational loyalty.

🤝 Community

Neighbors and friends step in to help each other, illustrating a close-knit urban community. Paw's generosity toward Chan and Chan's later gifts back her with mushrooms, symbolizing reciprocal care. The hospital visits, supermarket encounters, and shared meals reveal the everyday generosity that keeps families afloat. The film portrays a social fabric where people rely on each other beyond blood ties.

🎓 Education

Education frames the main conflict and hope: Leung's HKCEE results determine his path to Form 6 and beyond. A teacher invites him to contribute as a student counsellor, recognizing his potential and responsibility. Family financial support and uncles' promises to fund overseas study underscore the tension between desire and means. The theme emphasizes resilience, planning, and the role of education in shaping futures.