What is it like to leave your home? what is it like to move to a completely different country due to the state of your country’s politics? what is it like to tick the other box for your nationality? The Grass is Greener on the Other Side is a documentary that tries to answer those questions. Following 2 men as they decide to leave Hong Kong and move to the UK the film takes a unique perspective on a post-2019 Hong Kong. However, this unique perspective has one major issue. The film abruptly ends, it leaves you wanting more and not truly being satisfied with the journey you have just been on. Which is a shame as seeing these people adapt to life in the UK and talking about why they left and their views on Hong Kong is great but then it has moments that you go why aren’t we seeing that?
Seeing people take about whether there Chinese or not is fascinating and engaging but at the same time I wanted more bite. It is still a fun watch and seeing the journey the 2 men go on is interesting I just wanted more from it. The film is nicely paced though. The film flows from scene to scene nicely and is never boring visually. Especially as this film is heavy on the interviewees talking to tell its narrative. But at the same time, I just wish the film was longer, as I just left with more questions than answers. The Grass Is Greener on the other side won’t blow you away but if you’re looking for an interesting and unique documentary it is worth the watch.
