SYNOPSIS:
A unique and timeless love story told in just 4 days but spans
16 years, 'The Leap Years' centers on the lovely Li Ann (Wong
Li Lin), a modern girl with the rare sensibility of believing
that there is one person out there that can truly complete her
- her soul mate. On a windy leap day in 1992, she meets Jeremy
(Ananda Everingham). They make a rare connection only to realize
he was leaving the country that very night. He makes her a promise
to meet her every leap day thereafter, same place, same time.
How long can one wait for their soul mate? How will this love
story pan out?
MOVIE REVIEW:
Sigh, a "unique and timeless love story"
(as quoted on the DVD sleeve) like that only happens in movies,
doesn’t it? Well, at least in this case, it started
out as a romantic idea from the original novella “Leap
of Love” written by Dr. Catherine Lim. Where else are
you going to find a girl who still believes in finding the
one person out there who can complete her? And where are you
going to find this girl who is willing to take the initiative
(yes, let the sexist discussions and arguments begin) to ask
a guy out on a date? In a movie set in uniquely Singapore,
anything is possible – even running in a bridal gown
on Esplanade Bridge amidst a heavy downpour can look gorgeously
dreamy.
And
why would our protagonist Li Ann (a constantly beaming and
glowing Wong Li Lin) do that to herself knowing that she may
catch a terrible cold and ruin her pretty gown? Because she
believes in true love, that’s why. She had met Jeremy
(a stunningly suave and fine-looking Ananda Everingham) on
29 February 1992, and had plucked up enough courage to date
him. Because every love story has its obstacles, the two agreed
to meet at the same time and place every leap year. Will our
heroine eventually give up this faith and marry someone who
isn’t her 'soul mate'? Will our heroine overcome all
obstacles and reunite with the man who she has waited for
20 years?
It
doesn’t really matter, because the 90 minute dos more
than just indulge viewers with its lovey dovey plot. It introduces
us to the different sights and sounds of uniquely Singapore,
from the rustling Chinatown to the beautiful skyline, from
the scenic Sentosa to the magnificent Esplanade Bridge –
you’ll see how Singapore can look really pretty if shot
by a capable cinematographer.
You’ll
also be breezily brought through the movie by the entertaining
performances of familiar actors like Vernetta Lopez, Paula
Malai Ali, Nadya Hutagalung (Li Ann’s three very engaging
girl compatriots), Qi Yu Wu (Li Ann’s pretty childhood
friend who doesn’t speak, err, very good English), Jason
Chan (we love his decent image as Li Ann’s almost to
be husband) and Joan Chen (a very dignified portrayal of the
older Li Ann). Also, watch out for Allan “Amazing Race
Asia” Wu’s amusing cameo.
This
reviewer is a cynic when it comes to romantic plots like this,
so it’ll take more than this for him to swoon like a
die hard romantic. Thankfully, this movie still shines because
of Wong and Everingham’s chemistry. Their comfortable
performances are what kept him watching. And secretly hope
that he’ll meet a girl like Li Ann on 29 February at
the next leap year.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 disc contains a 22 minute "The
Making Of" which doesn’t reveal much about
the production except opinions from the actors on issues like
love and romance. There is also a "Trailer"
included in the disc.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
We have nothing to complain about the disc’s
visual transfer, because the sights and sounds of uniquely
Singapore are captivating enough on their own. The movie is
presented in its original English language soundtrack.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
|
