I had sort of gave up on Astro movies, especially the Chinese New Year movies. Not that I do not like the few ones churned out lately, but it did not surpassed the first two, and the fact they paid more attention to the promotion than the movie itself did not excite me at all. They forgotten that our forte is making a local movie where the local people can relate too but instead tried to imitate the Hongkies' style of CNY movie. However, hearing that Director Chiu had returned to make his third movie with Astro, it did brought along a glimmer of hope.
The Journey 一路有你 , largely helm by relatively unknown tells about a conservatively old man from Cameron Highlands, whose daughter is marrying a Caucasian. Although he firstly objected to the marriage, but finally gave in with the condition that the new son-in-law accompanies him to deliver wedding invitations to 11 of his former primary school friends. Thus, without giving too much spoiler, began the journey of self discovery, of discovering the love of family ties, the courage to let go, the power of holding on to dreams, the value of friendship, and finally the story of acceptance. A very touching tale indeed.
Although the whole cast is relatively unknowns, but the heavy burden falls on Australian Ben Andrew Pfeiffer. Being the ackward son in law, he played his part to perfection. Listening to his song in the end, after watching the whole show made more sense than listening it in the local radio. His portrayal as someone who is forced to accept culture other than his own, and his effort to please the stubborn old father made us love him more and more. Frankie Lee, being an amateur in silver screen, played his part well. Although his face seems gloomy all the time, there are a few quiet but poignant moment is portrayed well. I had to mention that the moment where he waited for the daughter to return home and celebrate her birthday. The quiet portrayal of disappointment when the daughter was late, and he had to throw away the dinner was simply heart braking. Joanne Yew had limited role though as the daughter, and her emotion is limited as well. Many of the actor and actress appeared not to be too natural on screen but that did not deter anyone to enjoy the movie.
The script is simple but effective. The CG which only involve a certain home-made balloon is not important. The cinematography is simply awesome. It made me want to visit Cameron Highlands again. Everything comes together to give a very touching tale. There are many light hearted moments sprinkled here and there, but mind you, this is not meant to be a funny movie. Therefore it may not appealed to children, nor young teenagers. Those who are little bit older like me, or those from bit rural area and traditional background will appreciate more.
It may sound corny and old school on paper, but it works well! I came out from the cinema feeling that the higher ticket price for CNY is still worth it. If you were not planning to watch a lot of CNY movies, or even maybe only decide to watch one, then this had to be it.
ratings: 4 poink!
comments: there are still room for improvement, and still not a perfect movie. But did it work? Yes it did worked flawlessly. I felt so touch that I drove home for dinner the next day after watching the show. And do not forget to bring extra tissue for the show.
except Ben , none of the actor / actress are professional , they are just commoner who have their own job and life , but willing to spend 10 days of the life to be apart of the movie , that is why the movie is called - the people movie ...
ReplyDeleteagreed with you, it reminded me of "Not one less" by Zhangyimou. (where none of the actress/actors were professionals)
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