Singapore Dreaming

On Wednesday, 30th August 2006, the day before my the latter of my two papers, I, Randy Blah Blah Blah, attended the Gala Premiere of Singapore Dreaming. And this is my review.

Rating: 4/5
Length of Film: 105 Minutes

Directed by Singaporeans, 'Singapore Dream' revolves around a family and how it deals with issues that every Singaporean can identify with: the need to live in a condo or to be a member of a prestigious country club, mainly the 5Cs - Cash, Condo, Credit Card, Car and Country Club.

A first feature film collaboration between Singapore and New York filmmakers, the movie boasts of local stars, among others, Richard Low, Dick Soo and Lim Yu Beng. Highlighting the need of every individual of something more than money, something more than a roof, something more than status, the movie subtly hints of the existence of something beyond materialistic value.

Mr Loh Poh Huat (Richard Low), father, is heavily in debt and frustrated at the lack of success he has in pursuing his dreams. When he strikes lottery and wins two million dollars, life seems to change for the better for the Lohs family. Yet, a sudden tragedy occurs, leaving the family struggling to pick up the pieces.

The movie dialogue is in a mixture of Hokkien, English and Mandarin, coupled with English and Chinese subtitles, which can be rather irritating at times, as the eyes see two languages while the ear hears three.

While clarity of the images seem to be unfocused at times, the movie's soulful soundtrack would definitely bring back old memories for those from the older generation, while leaving a deep impression on the younger generation.

Besides being Lim Yu Beng's first mandarin-speaking role, the movie's Director and Producer Colin Goh, and 1st Assistant Director Stephen Chin, had to resort to staging a mock gangster fight in order to distract onlookers while shooting a scene in Orchard Road.

Serious messages with occasional nuggets of humour, this movie should not be taken lightly. A must-see for every individual regardless of race, language or religion, the movie will leave you pondering insightful questions!

P.S. The movie's theme song is the current audio file being played.