1 |
Bong
Chun Hong - Celine Rosa Tan (2:27) |
2 |
Black
Maria - Ronin (4:20) |
3 |
Outsiders
(2:27) |
4 |
Bali
Condo (1:08) |
5 |
Pining
For The Spring Breeze - Stephen Hough (2:31) |
6 |
Pa's
Durian Rendezvous (1:24) |
| 7 |
Lottery
Strike (0:23) |
8 |
Seng
In The City (0:46) |
9 |
Fake
Mozart (Food For Baby's Brain) (0:36) |
10 |
Pa
At The Country Club (1:09) |
11 |
The
Woman In Black (1:02) |
12 |
At
The Wake (1:19) |
13 |
Mahjong
(0:27) |
14 |
Thoughts
Of Pa (1:37) |
15 |
Outsiders
(CK's Walk) (1:51) |
16 |
Ma's
Lament (Bong Chun Hong) (2:14) |
17 |
Endings
& Beginnings (2:12) |
18 |
Ma's
Kindness At The House (0:39) |
19 |
Thoughts
of Pa (Postlude) (1:38) |
20 |
Mei
Man Ren Sheng - Nicole Lai (4:47) |
21 |
Memories
- Ronin (4:28) |
22 |
Contemplation
(1:12) |
23 |
Irene's
Theme (1:54) |
24 |
The
Procession (2:01) |
25 |
Mei
Man Ren Sheng instrumental (4:55) |
REVIEW
While
the local film industry is gradually getting recognition for
its efforts, we must not forget that there is one powerful
element that makes these productions successful- their music
soundtracks.
Before
its general release later in September this year, the soundtrack
album for this local film directed by Woo Yen Yen and Colin
Goh has already made its presence felt. And it has done a
wonderful job in getting us all excited about the movie, thanks
to the pleasant and heartfelt listening experience.
Do
not be put off by the opening Hokkien-sung track “Bong
Chun Hong” performed by renowned theatre actress Celine
Rosa Tan just because of its campy arrangement. Literally
meaning “Pining for the Spring Breeze”, this poetic
theme will be repeated numerous times during the 50-minute
album, with several variations that will tug at your heartstrings.
The emotive score composed by Sydney Tan is nothing short
of moving. The effective use of pianos and strings is complemented
by the occasional wistful accompaniments of the traditional
erhu, adding the essential “Asian touch” to the
music. It is definitely one commendable and excellent effort
by the experienced musician.
There
is a nice range of moods in this soundtrack, ranging from
rousing and stirring ones, to the more fun and entertaining
ones. There is the heartbreaking hum of the main theme “Bong
Chun Hong” in “Ma’s Lament”, which
leads to the culmination of the album’s three musical
themes in “Endings and Beginnings”. There is also
the synthesizer-happy “Lottery Strike” and “Fake
Mozart” which will bring a smile to your face.
For listeners
who prefer more contemporary pop music in their soundtrack
albums, there are two tracks performed by local band Ronin
“Black Maria” and “Memories”.
Then
there is the theme song “Mei Man Ren Sheng” (the
title of the movie in Mandarin), which also literally translates
into “A Perfect and Beautiful Life”. Performed
by Nicole Lai, this tune is beautifully arranged with nice
touches of modern and traditional flavours. The Mandarin lyrics
by songwriter Ng King Kang (which are translated in the album’s
insert) may just provide you with a new outlook in life.
Also,
listen out for the song’s backup vocals performed by
renowned local surgeon Dr Woffles Wu. Not only is he the executive
producer for both the film and the album, he has also contributed
to the soundtrack musically. And if all these pleasurable
aspects of the soundtrack album are present in the upcoming
movie as well, it’d be another addition to Singapore
cinema we can be proud of.
SOUNDTRACK
RATING:
Review
by John Li
|
