xredgarnetx When's the last time you saw a movie shot in Singapore? And in English, yet? THAT'S THE WAY is just such an animal, and tells the story of a grown man (Adrien Pang) living home with his parents and siblings who wishes for nothing more than to have a motorcycle. To do so, he enters a disco dance contest, and begins taking dance lessons. The plot is derived directly from Saturday NIGHT FEVER. In fact, our blue-collar hero even sees John Travolta done up as Tony Manero whenever he daydreams hard enough. The music is mostly horrible re-creations of the SAATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack, but the dancing is terrific. And the Bruce Lee-looking Pang is a nifty kung-fu fighter to boot. It all comes to a predictable ending, but one we wanted it to get to.

darangatang It's hard to believe that its been almost ten years since this movie came out. I fondly remember watching it in the theaters in Singapore with my sister, and what an experience that was: That's the Way I Like It (as it is also known) was one of the few movies so far to elicit loud laughs and cheers there, and subsequently get picked up for international distribution. A great feat for a film industry that is still quite young! I'm hoping that a ten year anniversary DVD with special features is on the horizon. Despite being a "foreign film", Forever Fever is remarkably accessible to audiences of every type. (Even though I grew up in Singapore, I write this now from my current home of New York City). Sure, a knowledge of regional slang and mannerisms make up a good part of the pleasure of watching this film -- it's unique cultural slant ensured that it was a hit among Singaporean audiences. But the broad quality of Forever Fever (and the mark of good, entertaining film-making) is it's ability to resonate emotionally with audiences of all different cultures, and in different time periods. By setting his film during the peak of disco fever, director Glen Goei establishes a common focal point for the international market. In turn, although most viewers will not be accustomed to Singapore of the 1970's and all it's Asian nuances, the story of lead character Hock (Adrian Pang) and friends translates excellently, even through the occasional Singlish or Hokkien. Particular praise to the team as well for tastefully (and somewhat daringly) incorporating the story of Hock's brother Leslie.On that subject of 'translation', I will say that the distributor could've done a better job with the subtitles in this particular DVD release. When Hock's grandmother gets her line in (and a punchline, to boot), we are only offered a maddening "Speaking Chinese" to explain. This also happens during certain easily translatable Singlish phrases; either that, or it doesn't quite hit the mark (for instance, "shiok" means 'good', not 'sure'). I am also glad that they dropped the idea of re-dubbing the actor's voices as Americans. This is demonstrated in the international trailer on the disc, and it would've paradoxically undermined the international appeal and uniqueness of the movie.Put that minor point aside, though. You won't be disappointed with this DVD, and it is all the more reason to call for a jam-packed re-release, too. Forever Fever is a benchmark of Singaporean cinema and a highly enjoyable film. Glen Goei comments on love, dance, family, and Asian values through the prism of disco's import into Singapore and the universally relevant stories of his endearing characters -- consequently, he and his team have created a film that charmingly exports a nostalgic slice of the country's past and ubiquitous ideals to the world.

dkhoo SPOILER WARNING!Disclosure: I am a Singaporean, wannabe film critic.Forever Fever is a very fun film on the outside (except for one highly charged scene). However, it has many subtexts that are only apparent if you are familiar with Singaporean culture. It is actually quite a serious film, and manages to address many highly charged issues that are difficult to discuss in Singapore (like abortion in the US). I'll give just two examples:East vs West, Old vs New - Singapore is too young a country to have any real culture of its own - everything is imported. We basically don't know who we are, yet. All the characters are torn to some extent between the venerable Eastern culture they *should* respect, and the exciting new Western world they actually *want* to embrace. Each character eventually makes his own choice, for good or ill. There are clear incompatibilities between these cultures. Is Leslie's father a homophobic bigot or a staunch defender of our ancient traditions? Whose side are you on, anyway? Why? The Elite - It is sometimes said, very quietly, that Singapore is dominated by a class of educational and economic "elites". While the system is officially egalitarian and meritocratic, some charge that it is really elitist. The medical student Leslie, the rich spoiled boy and his well-educated girlfriend represent this class in effigy in the movie. This movie manages to deftly air most of the grievances against them, including their influence, isolation and "immoral" Western influence. Some righteous butt-kicking and some overdue peace-making eventually occurs.The film suffers a little in terms of production values, which is understandable given the budget. However, the actors put in spirited, convincing performances, the script satisfies on many levels, and it's just great fun to watch. The characters have unexpected depth, are easy to relate to (at least to a Singaporean), and manage to quickly draw you into their lives on screen. Glen Goei's direction is straightforward but solid, and his vision shines through.This is the kind of movie Hollywood has forgotten how to make. It is strongly built on the fundamentals and succeeds the old-fashioned way. And that's the way *I* like it!9/10

spirochaete I saw this movie nearly three years ago, when it first came out in Singapore (was living there at the time) and I thoroughly loved it. I'm excited that it's finally come to the US (if only in video).The story is, well, predictable (except the subplot with Ah Hock's brother). But that's alright. So is most of Hollywood. What makes this movie such a gem is the earnestness of the acting--the fun the actors really seem to be having making this movie.The film uses some of Singapore's unique talents (it's too bad Steven Lim isn't doing that much acting any more or that Medaline Tan hasn't been seen in a while). Take the dance instructor, for example--he's probably Singapore's most famous transvestite (you see him in his more usual role in a short cameo). Goei's subtlety in showcasing aspects of Singapore that are not its more renowned is especially appealing. Singapore hasn't always been as clean, well-run, and efficient as it is now.Don't get me wrong. You don't have to be Singaporean to enjoy this movie (I'm not). Enjoy the Singlish that is unabashedly used throughout. Enjoy the fun (if not technically amazing) dancing. Enjoy the wonderful soundtrack, full of disco classics re-recorded by Singaporean bands (although you can't always tell). Enjoy the fact that a company of Singaporeans have made a film worthy of hollywood without any of hollywood in it. It's a blast.