Saturday, July 9, 2016

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







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