And just when you thought that local cinema industry could no longer make significant thought-provoking movies anymore, Singapore Dreaming breathes life into the rather lackluster industry. With realistic characters that local audience can connect to and backed up by a terrific and sincere screenplay, this is Singapore’s filmmaking at its best.
Singapore Dreaming tells a story of the Loh family that pin their hope on their freshly graduated son from the United States, expecting him to make it big on his own and bring some money into the family. As things began to look better for them when the patriarch won S$2 million through the lottery, he dies of an heart attack without spending his money on things he want the most. The family is then left to grieve over his death and also to discover what they really want in life.Richard Low plays Loh Poh Huat, the elderly traditional father, whose idea of the Singapore Dream is to attain the 5Cs has been inserted into the minds of his family members. Mum Siew Luan (Alice Lim) plays the pillar that supports the family but is usually taken for granted. Being the only graduate, Seng (Dick Su) tries to look for a job with a respectful pay to repay the debts of his father and of his live-in girlfriend Irene (Serene Chen), who had used their savings to send him overseas. Mei Loh (Yeo Yann Yann) completes the family being the capable secretary but neglected daughter of the family. Lim Yu Beng plays Mei’s husband, CK, an ex-army regular turned insurance agent, and is expecting their first child.
What makes this movie such an achievement is that it tackles the topical issues that Singaporeans face with seeming preachy or satirical. Despite of their well-known satire movie Talking Cock, couple directors and scriptwriters Woo Yen Yen and Colin Goh succeed in conjuring up a story that has the perfect mix of ingredients for a poignant local film.
Under the duo’s direction, they elicited strong emotional performances from the ensemble of actors that never seemed forced or fake. Special mention goes to Yeo Yann Yann for her emotionally vulnerable portrayal of Mei and her character displays an aura of melancholy that escalates over time in the movie. The actress carries a quiet confidence and is solid throughout. I dare say, that among the ensemble cast, she gave the most authentic and likeable performance.The strikingly beautiful cinematography that captures the backdrop of Singapore gave depth to the various languages and culture that we inhabit. The directors fully understand the elements that make Singapore truly what it is and depict it without overdoing. And Composer Sydney Tan’s contribution provided the emotional punch during the tender moments and it gave the scenes personality, driving it home with its sorrowful melody.
Others may perceive Singapore Dreaming as a comedy-drama, but the humourous bits are part of the drama it portrays. The humour is subtle, wry and very localized for the Singapore audience. With a script that fleshes out the characters like no other local movies in recent years, the actors involved are very fortunate to sink their teeth into the meaty roles that the scriptwriters had written.
This is truly an excellent film made for Singaporeans by Singaporeans. Even Jack Neo could not make films as good as this.
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