It's back, with a different sponsor. This time Nokia's name is splash all over the place. They took the apportunity to exhibit their new N90 phone. In comparison, last year's event organised by Stella Artois was better. Bigger crowd, better location, better food, better value for money, better movies, better everything. I think beer industry makes more money then electronics.
Yesterday was the first day of this 2 week event. Location is at the Padang. Convenient and interesting atmosphere with the city skyline as the backdrop. However, Fort Canning is still my preferred location for its gentle slope to provide a better view of the screen when sitting on the ground. Surrounded by trees and shrubs in dim lighting makes the outdoor movie viewing exciting, romantic, lay-back and cozy. You'll forget you are in Singapore whereas the Padang is very Singaporean. I remembered seeing lotsa more people and ang-mohs. Yesterday's turn out was rather small.
Last year, we had 2 movies in one night. This year, only 1 movie on wkdays, 2 movies on Sat. For $15, it is certainly not worth it. Thursdays are lady's night so I bought a ticket and brought a gal friend. It also happen that they screen romance comedy on Thurdsays. Last night was "A lot like love" and next week is "Hitch". That probably explains why I don't see families.
This year they made things a little more interesting by letting anyone in free if they come dressed like characters from Batman or Fantastic 4, on the days they are screening the movie. Madagascar is screening on 19th and its free for all but people are encouraged to donate to the Children Cancer Society. I reckon they could sechdule that on a "family-Sunday" which will definitely attract a lot of people. Then again, that'll hit them on the ticket sales and knowing S'poreans, they probably will donate either 0, or $2.
The nokia people had a "Nokia louge" with bean bags and inflatable tatami-mattresses. For who? I don't know. At the end of the night, I don't see anyone at the Nokia Louge, or the VIP area (which also had dinner catering.) Why let it go to waste when they could turn those into Quiz prizes. Anyone who gets it right, you'll get to sit in the lounge or VIP area. (Singapore business is always so inflexible and uncreative.)
This year's isn't great. One good thing I could think of is I didn't get any mosquito bites.
Last year's Starlight Cinema post
Official Website
Friday, September 16, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
Be with me
An artsy film (with very little dialog, 1 or 2) by local director, Eric Khoo which also earned him some best director award.
3 stories about love, and wanting to be with their beloved.
1, an old grocery shop keeper losing his life long partner wasn't able to lead his usual life until someone special came along. A true story of a deaf and blind lady learning to speak and live on her own at a very young age was injected into this segment. The strength and optimism of the old lady woke the old man from his grieve. One way or another, there's meaning to life again. The story about the deaf and blind lady was very aspiring. Imagine a Cantonese learning English when she is deaf and blind. How would it be possible? This first story is so real that it touches many hearts. You will empathise and realise his lost, his grieve, his lonliness and his satifaction when his life is back on track again.
2, a middle age, bot-bellied, security guard falling for a pretty executive in the office building he worked in. His appearance and passion for food are totally unattractive. Small shifty eyes, beard, fat, balding, eats non-stop (Lor mee, chicken chop, orh-luah, roast pork ribs, tiger beer for dinner). He started to stalk her, eventually decided to write her a letter to express himself. Although unattractive in many ways, the audience will grow to pity him for his good (fat covered) heart and ill-treatment from his family. Somehow, he felt like a mistake.
3, two female teenagers getting involved after chatting online. 1 was deeply enchanted and in loved with the other, while the prettier one is just enjoying her teenage life and fooling around. They had a great time together but the prettier one changed her taste shortly. She decided to go out with a guy instead. When the first gal found out, she didn't scold or confront her or showed any anger to her but was patiently trying to reach her, just to talk it over. The prettier one, avoided at all cost. (They say, pretty girls have the meanest heart.) Anguished and disappointed, losing her meaning of life, she decided to end her life.
In the end, no one end up with their beloved.
This is a good movie for some, boring and draggy for others. It was a great experience following the foot steps of the characters. The story provoke your emotions appropriately if you are attentive to the movie. The quietness makes you appreciate the picture more. Every sight, wrinkles, touch, sound seems louder then words. Awesome work of a master.
3 stories about love, and wanting to be with their beloved.
1, an old grocery shop keeper losing his life long partner wasn't able to lead his usual life until someone special came along. A true story of a deaf and blind lady learning to speak and live on her own at a very young age was injected into this segment. The strength and optimism of the old lady woke the old man from his grieve. One way or another, there's meaning to life again. The story about the deaf and blind lady was very aspiring. Imagine a Cantonese learning English when she is deaf and blind. How would it be possible? This first story is so real that it touches many hearts. You will empathise and realise his lost, his grieve, his lonliness and his satifaction when his life is back on track again.
2, a middle age, bot-bellied, security guard falling for a pretty executive in the office building he worked in. His appearance and passion for food are totally unattractive. Small shifty eyes, beard, fat, balding, eats non-stop (Lor mee, chicken chop, orh-luah, roast pork ribs, tiger beer for dinner). He started to stalk her, eventually decided to write her a letter to express himself. Although unattractive in many ways, the audience will grow to pity him for his good (fat covered) heart and ill-treatment from his family. Somehow, he felt like a mistake.
3, two female teenagers getting involved after chatting online. 1 was deeply enchanted and in loved with the other, while the prettier one is just enjoying her teenage life and fooling around. They had a great time together but the prettier one changed her taste shortly. She decided to go out with a guy instead. When the first gal found out, she didn't scold or confront her or showed any anger to her but was patiently trying to reach her, just to talk it over. The prettier one, avoided at all cost. (They say, pretty girls have the meanest heart.) Anguished and disappointed, losing her meaning of life, she decided to end her life.
In the end, no one end up with their beloved.
This is a good movie for some, boring and draggy for others. It was a great experience following the foot steps of the characters. The story provoke your emotions appropriately if you are attentive to the movie. The quietness makes you appreciate the picture more. Every sight, wrinkles, touch, sound seems louder then words. Awesome work of a master.
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