12 Lotus

To follow up last year's 881 which became an instant success, Singapore Director Royston Tan kept the same ingredients (cast, getai, musical, etc...) for his new movie '12 Lotus' which was out last thursday. My fear was that it could have turned into a tired formula but even though there were quite many similarities in the movie spirit, this new flick just proves how a major Director Tan has become. It might be a bit more 'underground' than his big hit and if I read the recent reviews I can feel that it disappointed a few Singaporeans who only know Tan through 881. In my opinion, it is more similar to his earlier works (Mother, 15 or 4:30), exposing dark subjects with a sense of humour. Somehow a bit like an Asian Almodovar. It was two hours well spent. And I really like actress Liu Ling Ling (right picture) and her sense of humour. I am sure she is a sweet and fun person to know in real life!

"One Down"

Rewind. The movie I watched today ('Dead Man's Shoes') is not new as it was released 4 years ago but I just got to watch it on DVD for the first time tonight. Strangely enough I do not really recall reading anything about it and I simply bought it on the strength it was released by the always offbeat Warp label (which is primarily a record label). It is a violent but amazing piece of British cinema and I now read that the main actor, Paddy Considine, went on to win the title of ‘Best British Actor’ at the Empire Award on the strength of his play in this very movie. Strong acting and an amazing soundtrack are two good reasons to see Dead Man's Shoes. For all folks into Graphic Novels, this story was also edited in that format and was available through the Warpmart.