Happy Together

Januaury 2007. I was at a DVD store in a Bangkok night market, looking for the film, Happy Together. I asked the shop attendant for help, he said, "gay movie?" I paused for a moment, and then replied, "ya." He walked away and then returned with a few baskets of DVDs. It was however one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Those were no normal discs but gay pornography. So awkward was the situation that my mates sneaked away. But so determined was I at finding the film that I stayed put, sieving through the various graphic DVD covers, enduring stray eyes from the curious customers. In the end, there was no Happy Together.

(Later that night, a voluptuous Thai prostitute tried to hug me, "handsome! handsome!" But before anything could happen, my friend, Big Ryan, pushed me away. But that is another story.)

I don't think it is possible to find a piece of Happy Together off the racks of any stores here in Singapore. I've watched the film 4 times, 3 on Youtube, and 1 on a ripped digital file, but it is still not enough. It is a must-owned piece of Wong Kar-wai ingenuity (the film won him Best Director in Cannes 1997).

Bad 4:3.

Eventually, a junior from school help arranged a sale from Taiwan. I was ecstatic. Alas, it was a poor format, 4:3 cropped for a CRT TV.

Malaysia boleh?

A year ago at all places, a shopping mall in a sleepy town in Ipoh Malaysia that I found a proper piece and I proudly christened my Wong Kar-wai collection, complete.

Here's to Number 29, the bad 4:3 Taiwanese edition.

Oliver Stone

25 JFK (1991) dir. Oliver Stone.
26 Platoon (1986)
27 Heaven & Earth (1993)
28 W. (2008)

You will notice on the top right hand corner that the W. DVD looks conspicuously fake. It probably is. I bought it in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, from the country's most popular shopping centre . I asked the shop attendant, "original?" He said yes, everything in the shop is original. I had no doubts. In my mind, I thought this is a top shopping mall, mind you, and I've seen cops patrolling the streets in front. I later found out from a local friend that the DVD is indeed original, and that there are no piracy laws in Bangladesh. I assumed he meant that even a pirated disc is considered original. I brought the disc back in good faith. In this time of torrent, a loyal (original) DVD collector is a rare breed. Surely my shelves of 200+ originals can make up for a folly, if it should even be a folly in the first place.

GE11

I think the time has come for us to finally see the matured effects of the uncontrolled "free world" of the World Wide Web. One thing for sure, it has balanced the scales a bit more, with the mainstream media more favorable of the ruling party while the Internet the converse, albeit some cyber-bullying practices and one-sided commentaries may have tainted some gems. I always believe the critical voices against the ruling party are a minority in the country but the most vocal on the Internet. The actual polls will show if this assumption is true.

I don't think too kindly of the SDP and have doubts on the caliber and intention of some of the opposition candidates, but I believe that most from the opposition fence do have a genuine desire to serve the nation in their own ways. It takes guts and gumption (and a HDB flat for sale) to play the role of David (for those without the backing of foreign interests).

On another note, I'm always favorable of having former military men in the Parliament. From my personal experience during National Service, top leaders of the SAF are a breed of fine gentlemen, and would do well in serving our country.

To end it off, an interesting look at election posters through the years, compiled by Justin Zhuang.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Supercop. Meet the cop that cannot be stopped.

dir by Edgar Wright. DVD 24. Films 123.

Operation Thunderbolt

I still remember watching the news with my parents at our old apartment. I was 6 back then.

It only took 30 seconds for the Special Operations Force of SAF Commandos to storm a hijacked plane, saved all hostages and killed all hijackers onsight. It was a moment often forgotten. There have been a total of 62 plane hijacks globally from 1950 to 2009 but only 4 countries have successfully saved all its hostages; Israel, Germany, Indonesia and Singapore.

It's not a myth that the SAF is an untested military in war but I believe that when called to duty, we would perform, despite half the size being (working salarymen and 18-year-old) civilians (most of the time grumbling over our compulsory military obligations).

Not much information was ever revealed about who these Commandos were, except that one of them is rumoured to be the legendary Col (ret) Loh Yong Poh, whom I had the honour to meet as a recruit at BMTC, when he was the Commanding Officer. Indeed a larger than life character.

I guess we will never know the real faces behind those black masks. But it's significant to note that we never back away. When it comes to the crunch, Singapore always prevails. At the same time, don't let your political inclinations affect your respect for these men who served the nations with their hearts.

Straits Times' Through The Lens Special here.
Watch a video here.

Once Upon A Time

Once Upon A Time In China I (1991) dir Tsui Hark
Once Upon A Time In China II (1992) dir Tsui Hark
Once Upon A Time In China III (1993) dir Tsui Hark

Andrew Lau

17 Infernal Affairs (2002)

18 Infernal Affairs 2 (2003)

19 Infernal Affairs 3 (2003)

20 Daisy (2006)

Ingmar Bergman

I know the first film I ever saw — it must have been some time in 1924, when I was six or so... was Black Beauty. About a stallion. I still recall a sequence with fire. It was burning, I remember that vividly. And I remember too how it excited me, and how afterwards we bought the book of Black Beauty and how I learned the chapter on the fire by heart — at that time I still hadn't learned to read.

Don't mind me for saying this (and not that I'm discouraging charity) but I cannot help but observe that there is so much more enthusiasm to help, more charity events and performances organized by the youths to help Japan tide over the current disaster, than Haiti in 2010 and Sichuan in 2008. Japan being one of the world's richest nation can survive well without our donations, but the same cannot be said of Haiti and the natives of Sichuan.

DVD Catalogue: Wong Kar-wai

Cataloging all my DVDs as well.

1 As Tears Goe By (1988)
2 Days of Being Wild (1991)

3 Chungking Express (1994)

4 Ashes of Time (1994)

5 Fallen Angels (1995)

6 Happy Together (1997)

7 In The Mood For Love (2000)

8 2046 (2004)

9 Eros (2004)

10 My Blueberry Nights (2007)

11 Ashes of Time Redux (2008)

more to come...

The 90s

The second time we went to the cinema as a family was in 1993 for 1. Jurassic Park (1993), which was a rave in the country. Shaw's at Balestier Plaza if I'm not wrong.

4. He Ain't Heavy He's My Father (1993)

7. Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Both at the extreme ends of the spectrum but still brings out the tears. It's a pity they don't make movies like they used to do so. Hong Kong cinema was a close companion growing up in the 80s and 90s.

worth forgetting

I'm easily satisfied but with all due respect (it isn't an easy job), there have been a few works that truly belong to the category of "films to forget". Coincidentally, there are 2 Singaporean films out of the lot.

79. Pleasure Factory
80. Money No Enough 2
81. Tokyo!
82. Yesterday Once More
83. Dragon Eye Congee

55. Platoon

King: Hey, Taylor, how in the fuck you get here anyway? You look educated.
Chris Taylor: I volunteered for it.
King: You did what?
Chris Taylor: I volunteered. I dropped out of college, told 'em I wanted the infantry, combat, Vietnam.
Crawford: You volunteered for this shit, man?
Chris Taylor: Believe that?
King: You's a crazy fucker, giving up college?
Chris Taylor: Didn't make much sense, I wasn't learning anything. I figured why should just the poor kids go off to war and the rich kids always get away with it.
King: Oh, I see, what we got here is a crusader.
Crawford: Sounds like it.
King: Shiiit, you gotta be rich in the first place to think like that. Ever'body know, the poor are always being fucked over by the rich. Always have, always will.

2. Thunderbolt

The public transport system here is convenient, clean and efficient, save for the stress during rush hours. There have been lots of grouses recently. Lets hope things sort out well. But I don't think I can live without the comforts and convenience of my car. This is only my second week of going public, in a bid to see if it's an option to saving more money (and more money saved means more money for films). But it seems futile thus far. I tend to end work late; tired and hungry. The experiment will have to end by the weekend.

In any case, I remember when I was a boy and my dad wanted to catch the latest Jackie Chan film, Thunderbolt, especially since it involves cars and my dad was in the business (and a car fanatic). I think it sort of drove him mad that my mom wasn't the least bit interested. She didn't want to watch the film. Naturally being the only other male in the family, I accompanied my dad to the cinema. Still remember the fast cars, the Mazda RX7, etc. This was in 1995. A good 16 years ago when I was only 10. Now that's another beautiful thing about cinema. It reflects a certain age, a certain period, memory. This is for Pi Li Huo, or Thunderbolt, at number 81. Directed by Gordan Chan.

75. V For Vendetta (2006)

dir by James Teigue.

Remember, remember the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot, I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

If I had one wish I would wish to see you again if only once before the fifth.

A revolution without dance is a revolution not worth having!

England Prevails.

Scotland Yard.

troubling

It's troubling to see all these poly kids thinking that they are god's gift to filmmaking, while being sore over a 13-year-old's victory at a film competition. Cyber-bullying, accusations of rigging, etc. This is a very small industry and words spread fast. I've seen how production houses blacklist cocky young freelancers and diva-like aspiring artistes to know that you need the right attitude and proper manners to survive.

(3) Howard The Duck

I loved this film a lot when I was a kid, reckon I watched it in the late 80s. I thought about it a lot, thinking how sad it must have been for Howard, never able to see his home ever again and fantasized about making a sequel in which a machine was invented for Howard to return home to his Duck Planet. Today, I realise he's probably very much happy on earth, and in love with Beverly.

(78) Police Story 3: Supercop

There's a good reason why Jackie Chan and his Hong Kong action contemporaries are a cut above the rest. They risked their lives doing their own stunts, and in this case, hanging off a helicopter flying across a busy Kuala Lumpuer street.

The Suitcase

or What To Do With Life If You Have One Million Dollars (Sing $).

Newpaper FiRST Film Fest.

I thought this should have won, at least an entry in the top 11. But it did not. Lim Chee never disappoints eh? Stylistically similar to Epiphany and previous works. Can see the foundations of an auteur. I'll maintain my stand that Lim Chee is probably the most talented filmmaker out of the WKWSCI lot. We're hoping to work on an omnibus feature film, with 10 other alumni. Lets hope it works out well.


This one from the sophomores. Should have won an award though the 5k grant must have come in handy.


And the eventual winner, a little video by a 13 year old boy. It's a very simple film, without all the professional lighting, sound and camera equipment, but less is more. Has shades of Kevin Smith's Clerks, Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi and Vinterberg's Festen. Has the makings of a great work. Smart and witty . I like the "Jam! Wait it's peanut butter" scene. You have to admit that the boy has a flair, especially with his editing and story. Crisp editing and more mature than even student filmmakers from the polys and my university.



Of course it's probably not mainstream and guess that's the flak he is getting from even fellow participants/filmmakers (whom I think obviously need to grow up and learn to be gracious). Work hard though but learn not to be cocky.

Troma!

If someone offered me a hundred million dollars to make a movie? I would first remind him that there are 850 million people in the world who don't have enough to eat.

What an inspiring man this Lloyd Kaufman and his Troma Entertainment is. Can't wait for my books to reach the shore.

Sam Fuller

"Young writers and directors, seize your audience by the balls as soon as the credits hit the screen and hang on to them!"

"If the first scene doesn't give you a hard-on then throw the goddamn thing away."

"You wanna know how I make movies? I'll tell you. First I figure out what would be a good ending, and then I put it at the beginning. The rest comes after that."

Blessings to the world

May rain fall in due time
May there be a rich harvest
May the world be prosperous
May the kings be righteous

Wong Kar-wai Project

When I began my exploration of films by Wong Kar-wai, 5 years back, I discovered an online community of Wong Kar-wai aficionados and the pet calender project. There were different themes for different years and members of the community who volunteered for the project will create a desktop calender with Wong Kar-waiseque images which they may have photographed or created. I was clueless about photoshop but managed to do my part for 2008 and 2009.

"The flags are still, no winds blow, it is the heart of man that is in tumult." 2008's theme was a calender with a line from any of Wong's films. I chose the Buddhist quote that open Ashes of Time, corresponding with an image of a ruined ancient Buddhist stupa I took in India.

"Thinking About You" 2009's theme was a title or lyrics of a song used in a Wong Kar-wai film. I thought the haunting Taiwanese-Hokkien ballad suits this image I took while exploring Little India at night.

Remains my favourite soundtrack from all of Wong's films. Perfidia takes second place and California Dreaming next.

Singapura

Nick

I blogged one year ago about looking for films by Nick Broomfield. I got lucky tonight with an obscure film by an obscure filmmaker (in this part of the world).

Plans

I have a lot of plans but when the stakes are high, they usually don't materialise the way I want them to be. It's time for fortunes to change.

The Creator

Since I was a teenager in secondary school, I have never been able to reconcile my understanding of this world with the concept that an almighty, all-loving and all-knowing creator God-being lives above.

“He who has eyes can see the sickening sight;
Why does not God set his creatures right?
If his wide power no limit can restrain,
Why is his hand so rarely spread to bless?
Why are all his creatures condemned to pain?
Why does he not to all give happiness?
Why do fraud, lies, and ignorance prevail?
Why triumphs falsehood — truth and justice fail?
I count you God one the unjust among
Who made a world in which to shelter wrong.”- Bhuridatta Jataka, No. 453, Buddhist Scriptures.

super powers

They don't have super powers.

Don't fault them for their unity and passion, their sacrifices, when the rest don't seem to care as much, or put in as much hard work as they do.

76 & 77.

I've only watched 2 films by Francois Truffaut all my life but was already fantasizing that I could be his recarnation, back during freshman year. Undeniable to call the French New Wave one of the pioneers in DIY/indie/guerrilla/amateur filmmaking.

400 Blows

Oh, I lie now and then, I suppose. Sometimes I'd tell them the truth and they still wouldn't believe me, so I prefer to lie.

And he ran... Behind the scenes. Turn your car into a tracking device.

Jules and Jim

the world at large

Ice-age heat wave, can't complain.
If the world's at large, why should I remain?

Random Musing

My own perspective of Buddhism is that it doesn't sugar coat hard facts. Life sucks, that's the truth. Now stop whining, take control and make it better.

I think politics, like everything else in life, is never perfect. It surprises me that friends who are devout Buddhists are also very politically liberal. The Buddha taught that unenlightened beings are blinded by ignorance and lack wisdom. Democracy can only work if every participant is well-informed and capable of making wise decisions. Not that mankind is treacherous but history has shown that we are capable of being gullible and selfish. Don't think we can make the best decisions under these state of mind. Democracy, like many other political ideas, only work best on paper.

I like myself to be dependable and self-reliant, never like bothering other people. I work hard and build my own base. Not that I don't have friends who don't share, on the contrary, there are many of them whom always do. But it's always better to be able to stand on your own two feet. My only grouse is that not everyone thinks that way.

I've met many people across the table, from the high to the low and most have this to share; a peace of mind is the most valuable. A lesson I constantly replay in my mind.

I think I can qualify as an amateur philosopher whenever I do my runs, yet philosophy can be rather chaotic, and philosophers at times full of hubris.

Wong Kar-wai

Proof that I'm one of WKW's biggest fan.

It took 3 years and across 5 nations (Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong & Malaysia) to source for all 11 titles by what Time magazine call the "most romantic filmmaker in the world," in 2006. More on the previous post.

The Wong Kar-wai Collection

As Tears Go By (1988)

By the age of 14, I was already getting paid to kill. I've got more guts than most guys, right? But look at me now. I'm just an ordinary guy!

Days of Being Wild (1991)

I used to think there was a kind of bird that, once born, would keep flying until death. The fact is that the bird hasn't gone anywhere. It was dead from the beginning.

Chungking Express (1994)

Did I leave the tap running, or is the apartment getting more tearful? I always thought it would cope okay. Didn't expect it to cry so much. When people cry, they can dry their eyes with tissues. But when an apartment cries, it takes a lot to mop it up.

Ashes of Time (1994)

People say, when you can't have what you want, the best you can do is not to forget it.

Fallen Angels (1995)

We've been business partners for nearly three years. This is the first time we've ever sat together. We hardly ever see each other. I know how hard it is for a man to control his passion. Partners shouldn't get emotionally involved with each other.

Happy Together (1997)

Turns out that all lonely people are the same.

In The Mood For Love (2000)In the old days, if someone had a secret they didn't want to share... you know what they did?

They went up a mountain, found a tree, carved a hole in it, and whispered the secret into the hole. Then they covered it with mud. And leave the secret there forever.

2046 (2004)I once fell in love with someone. After a while she was gone. I couldn't stop wondering if she loved me or not. I went to 2046 hoping to find her there. But I never found her.

Eros - The Hand (2004)

I want you to remember this feeling, everytime you make my dress.

My Blueberry Nights (2007)

A few years ago, I had a dream. It began in the summer and was over by the following spring. In between, there were as many unhappy nights as there were happy days. Most of them took place in this café. And then one night, a door slammed and the dream was over.

Ashes of Time Redux (2008)

The harder you try to forget something, the more it will stick in your memory. Once I heard someone say that if you have to lose something, the best way is to keep it in your memory.

65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 36.