The story begins with a supposedly accomplished director, Sunny, returning home to celebrate Chinese New Year with the remnant of his family. In actual fact, he is almost broke and struggling with his inner demons. Seeking redemption and catharsis, he tries hard to seek funding for his new project.
Over the course of this project, he has to re-visit the dark moments that left such deep marks to the survivors. This movie also tells the struggle of actually making the film. The director having started to write the film in 2007 and failing to seek funding for the project, the pride of not taking money from his friend. His condescending view of his sister's seeking of solace in religion, and his eventual acceptance of her forgiveness and strength to carry on in spite of the tragedies.
Christopher Doyle did a fantastic job with the camerawork, mainly getting out of the way and giving the characters space to bring the raw emotions to the surface. At the same time, the composition skillfully brings to life the rustic yet bustling town of Georgetown in the 60's and 70's. From the eyes of a boy, one can feel the vastness of the school, and the world beyond. The simple joys of a boy exploring the world, the fear of his unhinged brother and the often drunk father.
It helps to understand a bit of Chinese culture and social norms to appreciate the conflicts and choices made by the characters in the stories. The husband is not merely the head of the family, his wife is expected to stay married through thick or thin. When you are married to a man, you are no longer part of your own family, but you leave yours to enter his family. Filial piety is of utmost importance. It is better to let your children stay hungry and feed your parents than the other way round. Better to sacrifice one's own ambition for the goodness of the rest of the clan.
Every decision, every sacrifice is for the sake of keeping the family whole. Would she leave for a university scholarship and a bright future, or stay on to care for her mother and elder brother? Should the aunt accept the proposal of an Australian to a secure future, or linger on in the twilight years in an unwholesome career? Is the protaganist's choice to leave the anguish behind the right one?
Most important of all, how do you apologize to the dearest person in your heart who is already dead?
This film offers an excellent glimpse to life in Penang in the early years of Malaysia. All casts speak the local Penang Hokkien dialect. Some movies have such compelling stories, realistic effects, artwork and sound that leaves us entertained. This film let the authenticity of the story and the raw emotions reach deep into our hearts.
