Long Long Time Ago.. (Movie Review + Write Up)

Long Long Time Ago 2 Theatrical Poster

Long Long Time Ago, when Malaysia was Malaya…and Singapore was once part of us…those times we shared, those sweats we shed, are now just fond memories to the pioneer generation of both Malaysia and Singapore.

It was August 9, 1965 when Singapore exited Malaysia and became an independent country. However, despite having historical differences from that point onwards, both Singapore and Malaysia went through a few similar events, and one for sure is racial riots. 

That is kind of a never ending issue in most multiracial countries. It is actually not the cultural difference which caused the issue, it’s the unequal treatment given towards the different races (and I blame the politics). In fact, being a part of a multicultural country is a plus point – you get to learn many different languages and dialects, and not to mention, you would have adaptability towards other cultures.

Besides the modernisation, Singapore has also done better in terms of racial harmony compared to our humble country. This could be seen through the numerous Singaporean productions about their national history, where racial riots were mentioned but no chaos has arose. Things would have been different in Malaysia, anything racial sensitive would not be allowed in any productions, let alone getting into the national cinema. Even if it gets through, film makers are to expect some sort of trouble from the authorities. I wouldn’t say Singapore is perfect but it is way better than Malaysia in this term.

It was a few months ago when the first of the two-part Singaporean production Long Long Time Ago hit the Malaysian cinemas. Set in the mid-1960s, in the backdrop of the olden Singapore, I was surprised to see how the storywriter tied the stories of three major races in their country all together. Despite the mention of racial riots, and the elevation of cultural differences, the three families lived harmoniously throughout.

Theatrical poster for Long Long Time Ago 

The story revolves around a Chinese lady who was said to bring bad luck to her family. The story depicts the life of Zhao Di (Aileen Tan), the eldest daughter of a traditional Chinese household. Being a woman, her family thinks she is good-for-nothing, she would only be the burden to the family after being chased out of her husband’s family after his passing. Since then, Zhao Di has done almost everything she could to feed and to give her children a better life. Slowly, she gained her father’s trust but that was not long before he passed on. Her younger brother, Ah Kun (Mark Lee) has been a spoiled son since he was young.  Zhao Di has always been giving in to him despite his unreasonable behaviour. It was only until the end that he realises how great a sister she was, sacrificing all she had for the people around her. And unfortunately, when she was due to enjoy her life of happiness, she was contracted with cancer. As the show ends, she died peacefully knowing that her family would live a good life after they have gotten themselves a HDB flat upon the demolishment of their kampong.

Before I continue, I would like to commend all the casts for their wonderful chemistry and portrayals as their respective roles, especially Singaporean Mediacorp Actress Aileen Tan, who was given the role of Zhao Di. Zhao Di is described a strong woman with a soft spot and lots of emotions are involved in her character. And Aileen Tan brings up the role so well that I believe that no one could portray Zhao Di better than her… like really, no one!

The cast of Long Long Time Ago only speak their respective dialects, ranging from Hokkien, Teochew, Malay and even Tamil. This is part of the producers’ attempt to make this drama more relatable, and also, closer to the heart. And truth being said, they did it – the movie is not only relatable, it brought us laughter, it brought us to tears, and finally, it made us realise one thing – never wait until its’ too late.

With the movie’s mixed dialects, the film makers are attempting to reach multiracial audiences. They even placed subtitles in three different languages to suit audiences with different native languages. 

However, I am sad to report that it seems that the movie drew in mostly the Chinese audiences, rather than the rest. In fact, I have never seen any non-Chinese watching this movie in the Malaysian cinemas. I may be concluding too generally, as I lived in Penang, so I should not speak for the whole nation. But I dare say, at least 90% of the audiences who watch Long Long Time Ago are Chinese. I bet the same happened in Singapore as well.

I know the film has been taken down from the cinemas so it would be a little too late to ask all of you to give this movie a chance and catch it in the cinemas. But, I strongly recommend this movie to all Malaysians and Singaporeans, regardless of your racial backgrounds. I believe you would laugh your hearts out (and cry me a river) after watching it no doubt! The DVD for Long Long Time Ago Part 1 is now available in CD stores nationwide (such as Artist Gallery or Speedy) so quick, go grab a copy before it is sold out!

As an ending note, I have attached the music video for the film’s Theme Song <Our Memories> for your hearing pleasure.

Warning: The song is very addictive – and it may bring back your childhood (or kampong) memories J

If Only I Could... (Drama Review + Write Up)

At moments of regret, the most common phrase running in our minds is none other than “If only I could turn back time…”

The phrase, though too good to be true, is still commonly mentioned by every single person in the world…

But what if, you could actually turn back time?

In the time-travelling drama <If Only I Could>, the heroines were regretful at the choices they made to their lives. They believed that if they were given another chance, the present wouldn’t be that unfortunate, or at least, they may be living better lives.

Main Casts of If Only I Could...: (from left) Andie Chen, Rui En, Paige Chua, Elvin Ng

As they were merely complaining to one another, they never thought that their “wish” would actually came true. Well, they say God has eyes…and ears…so poof! They were both given a chance to change their life – a strange walkway brought them back to 10 years ago…year 2006…

This drama is by far the one of the best dramas I have seen in 2016 – as the moral of the story stands still throughout – there is NO TURNING BACK in life. Both their lives weren't better after the change - it turned worst in fact.

The characters in the drama were well developed. I especially liked the story of He Daxian and Chen Zhenhao, and not to mention, Andie Chen and Rui En did marvelously well in portraying He and Chen respectively. This drama made me shed tears…and most importantly, it made me realise how important it is to live life as it is.

After watching this drama, I have been thinking very hard – if I really had the chance to turn back time, how would things be different for me?

10 years back, I was 14, studying in Secondary 2. I was enjoying my life as a B-class student – with much contentment and satisfaction from my school life and my academics. Thinking back, I have no regrets in secondary school. My results were great and I will do nothing to change it. I had little friends – but those bonds were great and we are still in touch even now. Though there were minor issues I would like to rectify but I would take that as hardships I had to endure.

4 years from then, I was 18, stepping into college life. That was when my choices would differ. I would have opted for Sixth Form, instead of going into the Foundation programme of my alma mater Sunway University. And if I were to be in Sixth Form, I would have gone into the road not taken – I may have taken Math, Science or even Literature or Music, but one thing for sure is, Accounting would not in my list of choices.

But if I were to change my choice, Sunway University would no longer be my alma mater. That being said, the friends I have acquainted with during my 4-year study, would be strangers to me now. If they were to disappear from my life, it is really difficult for me to imagine how my life would be like. Yes, I would have a new bunch of friends, but would I be able to bond as closely to them as my friends now? Franking speaking, I am unsure of it myself.

Year 2014, I was 22. I graduated from my first degree and started my postgraduate studies then after. I have regrets during the year itself – there were some things I should do or wanted to do but I didn’t – due to my unnecessary hesitations; there were some things I shouldn’t do but I did it nevertheless – all because of my rash decision-making. But now, given a second chance, I would, no doubt, do what I wanted to do without hesitation and at the same time, stop myself from doing things I shouldn’t do. 2 years on until today, many choices were wrongly made and that had brought be regrets – and I would change those choices accordingly, since it’s my second chance.

Noting the huge number of changes I would make, especially in the past 6 years, what would future hold for me? Would I still be working in the company I am currently working at? Would I still be pursuing my postgraduate degree? Would I still be sitting here writing this review? And most importantly, would be future be for the better, or the worst?

All of you must be wondering lots about the “choices” and “regrets” I have made in the past few years of my life. Well, I will keep that as a secret for now – just to keep things interesting.

Now, let’s turn the table to you, yes you! If you can travel back in time to 2006, what would you change in the past 10 years of your life?

To end this article, I have attached the music video of the theme song of Singaporean drama <If Only I Could…> titled <The Best Moments of Life>, performed by Alfred Sim. The song would remind you to appreciate what you have, and accept the choices you have once made. Enjoy :)