This collaboration between Singapore - Australia is a true life story of writer Tony Ayres.
It shows his growing up years with his beautiful yet dramatic mother, Rose (Joan Chen) and sister May (Irene Chen). It shows her mothers life from her nightclub days in Hong Kong before they migrated to stay with Uncle Bill (Steven Vidler) in Melbourne, Australia for better hopes of a brighter future.
However, his mums behaviour simply spoils whatever bright future they have, as she kept on with her flirtatious and opportunist lifestyle. On at Melbourne, she befriends an apprentice chef, Joe (Qi YuWu), who although helped her in certain times, but made more damage in the end, falling for her daughter May.
The stories ping pong back & forth of dismay to hope and seems never to end til when Bill came back (again) to save them. However, that didnt seemed enough.
The story first seemed to come more from the mothers point of view, before shifting focus to Toms perspective. The focus wasnt in depth on the boys part, and was rather shallow with most times just touching the surface of his feelings, hence not being able to dwell into his thoughts fully. Though viewers can sympathise with the boy at times, but are not able to read & feel for the boy fully. However there is more attachement to his mum instead.
That is where the confusion is - is this movie about the mother or the boy?
And more confusing is the poster in Singapore whereby Joe & Rose were featured instead of the little boy, Tom.
The star of the movie no doubt is superb acting from all casts, especially Joel Lok who played the charming & cute character with wide eyes & full expressions of his faces.
Overall, a good start for a Singapore - Australian production, though with backing from Raintree, I expected this to be a Bigger movie.
Finally, one last note, this movie also goes to show how the Asians or Chinese are able to blend in well in Australia (or any Western country for that matter), speaking their language with their accent. And this showcase by the English movie makes it more thumbs up for Asia, a rare opportunity for Asians showcase.
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