a major spoiler for a movie you probably won't see anyway

So, I just watched another obscure gay movie. A Chinese one this time. It's called Lan Yu. Very touching, despite some annoying hitches in the plot (the love story remains the main focus throughout, while the background is at times way too sketchy). And the main character is played by this gorgeous, brilliant young actor whom I have never seen before (but probably will again, as soon as I figure out what his name is and what other movies he was in ;). All in all, quite a gratifying cinematic experience (with quite a few sweet and not-so-innocent cuddle scenes, I might add ;P). But I have one question. Why do Chinese movies always have to have a tragic ending?... Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against a tragic ending if it results naturally from the story. But sometimes it feels 'pasted on', just like the obligatory happy ending in so many American flicks. It's almost as if the screenwriter was thinking: OK, we're doing a Chinese movie here, so we have to kill off one of the main characters as soon as they finally overcome all the difficulties and have a chance of a happy life together - no matter how stupid and out-of-the-blue the death may seem. It's a requirement. I felt exactly the same way after seeing Farewell, My Concubine (which is still one of the best films ever made - but you know what I mean). I just didn't think the characters deserved to suffer THAT much. I know life is painful etc., but let's not overdo it, okay? I'm all sniffy now and need some happy slash therapy, pronto.:P

As anyone can clearly see from this post, there's not much going on in my 'RL' right now.;)