Is this the first ever Singapore's gay-themed film?
Rice Rhapsody is a gay-themed film about the relationship between Jen Fan and her three sons, particularly the youngest one, Leo, who is still living under her roof. Her first two sons, Daniel and Harry, are out as gays, Jen Fan are hoping strongly that her third child will not be so. Confused by Daniel's gay marriage and Harry's frequent change of boyfriends, Jen Fan wants something of the conventional from the youngest.
When a foreign exchange student, Sabine, arrives, Jen Fan sees this an opportunity to stir Leo's interest in girls. She hopes to accomplish this with her business rival, Kim Chui, who is interested in Jen Fan.
However, time reveals that Leo has interest in his best friend from school and this devastates Jen Fan, causing her relationship with her youngest son to deteriorate. It is up to Kim Chui to help to save that family.
It was certainly nice to see Sylvia Chang back in acting, after several positions behind cameras as a writer and director. She did definitely add a charm to the film, and I thought the effort to pick up the local slang was admirable - with the 'lah's. I personally thought the casting was done well, with Sylvia Chang to attract her personal fans, and the boys of the show.. hmmm.. eye-candies. Even Allan Wu was in the movie, as Harry's new boyfriend. Yummy.
Although the story was not developed well, it did not fail to be convincing. It was, to a certain extent, a reflection of the lifestyle of some Singaporeans. The background was realistic enough when the camera focused on the business neighbourhood. The dilemma Jen Fan faced is quite a common reflection on any mothers who are learning to accept their children's sexual orientation.
Well, with a Singapore background, I am seeing this film as the first gay themed film of Singapore, although I am aware of Bugis Street (1996), but the latter portrayed the life of a girl, living in a red district area, with some transvestites and transexuals. I find Rice Rhapsody, directed by Kenneth Bi, deals directly with the homosexuality issue.
Rice Rhapsody has a family-theme, nothing as daring as Solos (2007). There was hardly any necking or kissing between the male leads. Perhaps it was too early for the movie to be too bold. Still, it was refreshing to see the homosexuality issue addressed.
After all these years, I am still wondering the need to have Sabine in the film. The movie would have progressed well, even without a female diversion in the film.
Awards:
Won -
Nominated -
Rice Rhapsody has a family-theme, nothing as daring as Solos (2007). There was hardly any necking or kissing between the male leads. Perhaps it was too early for the movie to be too bold. Still, it was refreshing to see the homosexuality issue addressed.
After all these years, I am still wondering the need to have Sabine in the film. The movie would have progressed well, even without a female diversion in the film.
Awards:
Won -
- Worldfest Houston (2005) - Platinum Award
- Newport beach Film Festival (2005) - Jury Award Best Actress
- Hong Kong Film Award (2006) - Best New Director
Nominated -
- Golden Horse Film Festival (2004) - Best Actress and Best Original Score
- Tokyo International Film Festival (2004) - Tokyo Grand Prix
- Hong Kong Film Award (2006) - Best Actress
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