As Tears Go By (旺角卡門)

As Tears Go By (旺角卡門) (1988) ~ WKW directorial debut. Basically about a triad taiko, Ah Wah (Andy Lau) and his mah chye, Wu Ying aka Fly (Jacky Cheung) as well as his blossoming love affair with his cousin, Ah Ngor (Maggie Cheung). Loosely based on Martin Scorsese's Mean Street, Ah Wah is very protective of Wu Ying, who is brash, sort of a "loose cannon". However, his developing relationship with Ah Ngor made him realised there is more to life than just triad "live and let die" activities. Worth mentioning is Alex Man, the former TVB serials superstar turned recluse, playing Tony, the antagonist. Torn between looking after Wu Ying's welfare and beginning a new life with Ah Ngor in Macau, Ah Wah eventually made the fatal decision which costs his life. Memorable moments : When Wu Ying was brutally beaten up by a taiko for counter-swindling him at a game of pool, Ah Wah retaliated on his behalf at the steamboat restaurant. This scene is where WKW trademark manipulation of film speed where the actions were distorted and seemed to gorgeously "bleed" into one another, were first used. Also, the same technique was used, in the bloody finale, where both men went down in a hail of bullets after successfully "terminated" the target which Wu Ying foolishly undertook the contract from the triad godfather to "prove" his bravery. The part where Ah Ngor waited for Ah Wah to return in vain whilst the Cantonese version of "Take My Breath Away" was playing is heart breaking.

Wong Kar Wai.

Due to anxiety, I couldn't sleep, I watched a marathon session of Wong Kar Wai (王家衛) directed movies from my dvd collection. Perpetually behind his trademark sunglass, he is one of my favourite director of all time but of late, his output has been quite stale in comparison to his earlier works. I liked his works coz of the atmospheric, expressionistic usage of color rich tones, lush visuals and eclectic musics. His movies are usually based around "memories" of failed romance and subsequent loneliness, its inverse implication on the emotions and psyche of the characters, usually a motley mix of seedy, morally conflicted characters, played by gorgeous looking actors and actresses (but then again, anyone would have looked beautiful in any WKW movies...). In his hand, what is seen as mundane daily activities are elevated to higher art form, example include daydreaming, just lying on the bed, or communing through the MRT. There is usually a narration accompanying each scenes, by various characters, reflecting their thoughts and reasons for an act. It is said that WKW movies are basically influenced by French New Wave directors like Jean Luc Godard. Not all his movies are drama laden, on occasion, there would be insertion of humours amongst the characters' conversations as well. Interestingly, WKW himself did a cameo (unrecognisable the first time), in the comedy horror The Haunted Cop Shop 2. Detractors would called his movies over-pretentious, nonsensical, rubbish whilst fans called it post modern classic. Like most "arty" movies, WKW works are not commercial hits, yet never failed to entice serious critics into giving them a thumbs up verdict. He is also notorious for changing the scripts on the very last minute and occasionally, entire scenes were edited from the final version, causing complications during production. Due to this "unpredictability", some actors and actresses have refused or gave up on any future collaborations with WKW. Credits also go to Christopher Doyle (杜可風), the cinematographer, and William Chang (張叔平), the art director/editor, both until recently, long time collaborators of WKW movies, for the stylistic editing, unique angles and coloration which helped WKW achieved his cinematic visions and experience.

Dylan - temperature down.

After a day of severe anxiety and stress, Dylan got better...the doc actually had to insert a rectal solution to bring down the temperature...Dylan back to normal but still under observation.

Dylan - high fever

Received call from mom saying that she is bringing Dylan to see doctor, as his temperature went up to the "risky" level. Saw him when came back from work, poor Dylan is looking very weak, his head is lolling on the side...also vomitted in the afternoon, throat became red...I am feeling very distressed over his condition...

Dylan ~ not feeling well...

Dylan came down with a fever this morning although I only learnt of it when I came back from a business trip up in Penang this evening. Brought him to see Dr Chye who as usual, asked us to put him under observation for next few days...sigh.

Mid-Valley trip.

After the fish head noodle meal, dropped by Mid Valley...Chloe heartily sang her rendition of her current favourite "London Bridge Is Falling Down", somewhere near the entrance of Robinson whilst we waited for the rest to complete their purchases, much to the amusement of passerby...I just hope they wouldn't think of us as buskers, although it might be a good idea, with current economy in the dump, to make some additional income hehehe but then again Chloe will probably hate me for the rest of her adult life...later went to Borders to get some reading materials.

Fish head noodles at Tmn Desa

Brought everyone in the family to try out the great fish head noodle at a restaurant located in Taman Desa, Old Klang Road. It is nice in its own way, comparable to personal numero uno fish head dish/noodle stall at Changkat Tong Shin in KL. Chloe enjoyed herself as well...her first fish head noodle meal...unfortunately for this trip we decided not to bring Dylan...but I reckon he would have his chance soon.

Chloe with Uncle Peng.

Uncle Peng and cousin Ching Ling dropped by for a visit last weekend...Chloe was at first fearful, as always, but warmed up quite quickly.