There are many reasons for my absolutely wanting to like this movie. If Taylor Wong as one of my fav directors, Cherie Chung and Andy Lau as 2 of my fav actors weren't reason enough, the (Mandarin) themesong also got me hooked. The trailer on Mei Ah's East is Red DVD looked very promising. The actual movie, most unfortunately, is not engaging.

I am especially disappointed at the first portion. The latter part is very good, BUT it would have been much more effective if they did something to make the audience care about the characters SO THAT when the exciting/tragic part comes, we will be on the edge of our seats. Instead, stuff just happen, and we aren't even sure why. Director Taylor Wong never quite made a great film, and this is no exception. And what a pity, because Stars and Roses could have become one of the greatest masterpieces of all time had there been more character development.

[5/10]