This is what I have to admire of Singapore - its willingness to explore the art of movie-making, and taking one further step to make a taboo topic - gay movie.

With the help of the Auteur Sylvia Chang acting as Jen, this movie explored the life of a Singapore woman, who raised her 3 sons with her earnings from her Hainan chicken rice business. The situation is made a little more complex with her two eldest being gay and were already dating men, with reluctant blessings from her. Her only 'hope' to see grandchildren now lied with Leo, her youngest son. With the help of Kim Chui, a neighbour who was interested in her, Jen wished to know if her son was gay.

Along came Sebine, a French exchange girl, whom Jen hoped would convince Leo of the beauty of the hetero world.

But Leo's world was shooked up when his best friend, Batman, left Singapore. As Jen witnessed the tears of Leo shed, Jen knew her wish for her own self-defined perfect world was never meant to be.

I did not think that the movie did justice to Sylvia's talent, but I did believe that her skill did help to save the movie. It was funny to see a Taiwanese actress trying to capture the way of a typical Singaporean woman style of talking.

Alvin Chiang & LePham

I thought the movie should focus on the eldest son too - Daniel (Alvin Chiang). Daniel is a air steward. Who is young and good-looking. Who chooses to settle down with an older guy. Way older guy. Like a daddy-type. What the heck?! Where's the glamour world of a gay air steward? The movie did not pay enough attention on his problem. Only merely at the end where he chooses to get registered with his darling in France Taiwan (thanks, Anon).

Alan Wu & Craig Toh

Harry (Craig Toh), the second son, was portrayed as the typical gay comic relief. Slightly sissy and a BIG drama princess. Who could not stay long in gay relationships. Not of his own doings, but because relationships just happened not to last in his gay world. But I did think it was funny how he would always get gifts for his mom - gifts that were from the line of work of his boyfriend of the moment. Shampoo, and then cookie, and then lastly toothpaste. It was the toothpaste boyfriend that allowed a glimpse of happiness for Harry - it did shine and sparkle. And watch carefully Harry's toothpaste boyfriend - he's none other than the sporting hunk Alan Wu.

LePham & Andy

Leo (LePham Tan)was the teenage son that everyone wanted to watch over - to see what he would be. I was disappointed that the film did not try to explore his relationship with Batman sexually, but instead chickened out and concentrated on the weird, and unnecessary, Sebine. She was a laugh, not in a good way. Leo did explore his sexual side with her, but with Batman, we were expected to accept that Leo was indeed a confused gay boy, just because he cried when Batman left.

Where's Superman when we need one?

But this movie is still a must-watch, to see the attempt made in a country where gay is a taboo practice. Admirable. And light.

3 Comments:

  1. Anonymous said...
    well, let's just say that the movie is not really focus on the gay boys' problems, but with how the mom get through all these and to accept her sons' real identities. the film is about acceptance and unconditional love, the purest love the mom can give, the family is bond together.
    so, personally i think the range of info about the 3 sons here are just right, not much not less.
    i somehow agree with you about Sabine's character, it looks so unrelated. but i guess the director need a MacGuffin to drive the story forward. so Sabine is still important in this plotline of discovery of Leo's sexual confusion and the mom's false hope.
    lastly, the eldest son got registered with the lover in Taiwan. ;)
    oh, Sylvia is superb in this film, such subtle yet strong emotion she displayed!
    teddy
    Jon said...
    Taiwan??? Ooops... My bad. I thought it was in France.

    But really, Sylvia was superb. One thing I can recall easily (I have watched this movie many months ago, and just re-watched last night), is when Jen slapped Leo. That performance of Sylvia was admirable. I so wanna believe the slaps happened.
    Anonymous said...
    yup, that's a good scene.
    you see, she demonstrates to us that a good actor is the one who "is" or live the character, and not someone who "act" the character. because somewhere in the middle of the film, i forgot she's Sylvia but the mom!
    teddy

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