News Links - 9/10/07
Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:04 amHsu Chi in Venice for Closing Ceremony
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/08/1301@271638.htm
Johnnie To In Charge
Exiled - review
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2007/9/film ... -in-charge
Michelle Yeoh to receive French honor
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/2073/1/
'Grace' graces Grass Valley
Writer, lead actress, director promoting film Falling for Grace
http://www.theunion.com/article/20070910/NEWS/109100116
Cinema: Touching tribute to 'getai'
881-THE PAPAYA SISTERS
Directed by Royston Tan
Starring Qi Yu Wu, Mindee Ong, Liu Ling Ling, Yeo Yann Yann, May and Choy (twins Cheng May Wan and Choy Wan), Liu Ru Ping, Wang Lei, Karen Lim, Chen Wei Lian
DURING the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the gates of Hades open so that hungry ghosts are allowed to roam the earth. During this festival, Chinese Buddhists and Taoists pray and make offerings to these “guests”.
In Singapore, it is commonplace to entertain these departed souls by holding makeshift concerts. Known as “getai” or song stage, as many as 500 of these concerts take place all around the island. Entertainers such as comedians, magicians, opera performers and singers will be on stage, donning colourful and elaborate costumes.
881-Papaya Sisters is set against the distinctive flavour of Singapore’s “getai” scene. It tells the tale of two friends who grew up mesmerised by its glitter and glamour.
As the Papaya Sisters (Yeo Yann Yann and Mindee Ong), they strive to become the best in the business even as they struggle to overcome personal problems and health concerns, not to mention, animosity from competitors like the Durian Sisters (May and Choy).
As someone who witnessed the evolution of the “getai” culture in Singapore, director Royston Tan has captured its very essence — colourful lights, glitzy costumes, wonderful songs, glamour and touching human stories.In a way, the movie also pays tribute to the late Chen Jin Lang, a Singapore “getai” songwriting legend who died in August last year.The songs are apparently from his repertoire. The movie also shows some footage of the singer and events that led to his death.
Veteran singers such as Wang Lei, Karen Lim and Chen Wei Lian also appear here as themselves.
“Getai” emcee Liu Ling Ling gives a stunning performance as Aunty Ling, a seamstress who takes the Papaya Sisters under her wing. She is loud and abrasive but totally adorable in her protectiveness of those she loves.
Mindee Ong and Malaysian-born, Singapore-based Yeo Yann Yann as the Papaya Sisters come across convincingly in their roles about friendship and quest for fame on the stage.
The movie also introduces twin sisters Cheng May Wan and Cheng Choy Wan to the big screen as the Durian sisters.
Of Norwegian-Chinese parentage, May and Choy, as they are known, give a passable portrayal of a pair of sexy she-devils.
The movie itself is at times emotional and touching enough to bringa tear to your eyes.
However, just as easily, it could turn around and be hilariously amusing.
In Mandarin and Hokkien, it reaches into the depths of the community. Anybody who is even remotely familiar with the “getai” scene would be able to relate to the scenes.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason — and I fail to see any at all — the director has seen it fit to include some fantasy elements into the story. Thus there is the “goddess of getai”, also played by Liu Ling Ling, who is able to bestow blessings upon the Papaya Sisters and make their wish of making it on the “getai” stage come true.
More difficult to stomach is the battle between the Papaya Sisters and the Durian Sisters whereby they dispatch weapons from their bare hands in the form of flashing lights and other special effects at each other.
These do not add to the enjoyment of the movie. On the contrary, they distract from what is important — “getai” in all its glory.
The saving grace here is the magnificent songs. You may not understand Hokkien but they are no less mesmerising. And yes, 881-Papaya Sisters is a musical with a difference. - By Sharon Wong
Note: This film is called “881” because in Chinese, 881 is pronounced as pa-pa-yao, which is quite close to papaya.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/ ... xpull_html
Yen for Chinese food? It'll cost you.
In an attempt to control export quality, China enforces new licensing procedures. The result: expensive Chinese dinners.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0910/p03s05-usgn.html
Cui Jian Sings His First English Song at Beijing Music Fest
Cui Jian
Public Enemy's Chuck D in Yao Ming jersey
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/10/198@272034.htm
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/09/1221@271851.htm
The Triads Comeback
http://www.feer.com/tales/?p=675
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/08/1301@271638.htm
Johnnie To In Charge
Exiled - review
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2007/9/film ... -in-charge
Michelle Yeoh to receive French honor
http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/2073/1/
'Grace' graces Grass Valley
Writer, lead actress, director promoting film Falling for Grace
http://www.theunion.com/article/20070910/NEWS/109100116
Cinema: Touching tribute to 'getai'
881-THE PAPAYA SISTERS
Directed by Royston Tan
Starring Qi Yu Wu, Mindee Ong, Liu Ling Ling, Yeo Yann Yann, May and Choy (twins Cheng May Wan and Choy Wan), Liu Ru Ping, Wang Lei, Karen Lim, Chen Wei Lian
DURING the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the gates of Hades open so that hungry ghosts are allowed to roam the earth. During this festival, Chinese Buddhists and Taoists pray and make offerings to these “guests”.
In Singapore, it is commonplace to entertain these departed souls by holding makeshift concerts. Known as “getai” or song stage, as many as 500 of these concerts take place all around the island. Entertainers such as comedians, magicians, opera performers and singers will be on stage, donning colourful and elaborate costumes.
881-Papaya Sisters is set against the distinctive flavour of Singapore’s “getai” scene. It tells the tale of two friends who grew up mesmerised by its glitter and glamour.
As the Papaya Sisters (Yeo Yann Yann and Mindee Ong), they strive to become the best in the business even as they struggle to overcome personal problems and health concerns, not to mention, animosity from competitors like the Durian Sisters (May and Choy).
As someone who witnessed the evolution of the “getai” culture in Singapore, director Royston Tan has captured its very essence — colourful lights, glitzy costumes, wonderful songs, glamour and touching human stories.In a way, the movie also pays tribute to the late Chen Jin Lang, a Singapore “getai” songwriting legend who died in August last year.The songs are apparently from his repertoire. The movie also shows some footage of the singer and events that led to his death.
Veteran singers such as Wang Lei, Karen Lim and Chen Wei Lian also appear here as themselves.
“Getai” emcee Liu Ling Ling gives a stunning performance as Aunty Ling, a seamstress who takes the Papaya Sisters under her wing. She is loud and abrasive but totally adorable in her protectiveness of those she loves.
Mindee Ong and Malaysian-born, Singapore-based Yeo Yann Yann as the Papaya Sisters come across convincingly in their roles about friendship and quest for fame on the stage.
The movie also introduces twin sisters Cheng May Wan and Cheng Choy Wan to the big screen as the Durian sisters.
Of Norwegian-Chinese parentage, May and Choy, as they are known, give a passable portrayal of a pair of sexy she-devils.
The movie itself is at times emotional and touching enough to bringa tear to your eyes.
However, just as easily, it could turn around and be hilariously amusing.
In Mandarin and Hokkien, it reaches into the depths of the community. Anybody who is even remotely familiar with the “getai” scene would be able to relate to the scenes.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason — and I fail to see any at all — the director has seen it fit to include some fantasy elements into the story. Thus there is the “goddess of getai”, also played by Liu Ling Ling, who is able to bestow blessings upon the Papaya Sisters and make their wish of making it on the “getai” stage come true.
More difficult to stomach is the battle between the Papaya Sisters and the Durian Sisters whereby they dispatch weapons from their bare hands in the form of flashing lights and other special effects at each other.
These do not add to the enjoyment of the movie. On the contrary, they distract from what is important — “getai” in all its glory.
The saving grace here is the magnificent songs. You may not understand Hokkien but they are no less mesmerising. And yes, 881-Papaya Sisters is a musical with a difference. - By Sharon Wong
Note: This film is called “881” because in Chinese, 881 is pronounced as pa-pa-yao, which is quite close to papaya.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/ ... xpull_html
Yen for Chinese food? It'll cost you.
In an attempt to control export quality, China enforces new licensing procedures. The result: expensive Chinese dinners.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0910/p03s05-usgn.html
Cui Jian Sings His First English Song at Beijing Music Fest
Cui Jian
Public Enemy's Chuck D in Yao Ming jersey
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/10/198@272034.htm
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/09/09/1221@271851.htm
The Triads Comeback
http://www.feer.com/tales/?p=675