It is a GREAT GREAT World aka 大世界

It is the latest offering from Raintree Pictures, a subsidary of Mediacorp.

The scene is set in Singapore's legendary Amusement Park "Great World" which was affectionately known in Hokkien as "Tua Seh Kai or 大世界".
As we know the Chinese New Year period is a huge moviegoers market, since everyone wants to find something to do in the long holidays. This is especially so this year since the CNY period lasted for 4 days. 

My parents want to go so we agreed to watch on the 2nd day of CNY.

Storyline

Surprisingly this is the 2nd local movie that made me cry. The 1st is "12 Lotus". That is because the story on the girl's background is so sad.

But "It's a GREAT GREAT World" that moved me to tears naturally. Given the circumstances that Japanese invaded Singapore, the restaurant still maintains its high standard and cooked up a great feast for people attending the wedding ceremony without letting them know the bad news and dampen the mood. The restaurant staff continue with the hardship. It is the "climax" that was unexpected. I am a sucker for Old World Charm. It's plot just hit the right note at the right position with the audience. Not too Sekit Attas nor too ah beng. 

Highlights

The languages used are anything except English. The myriad of dialects, some not been heard for years, are let go on the big screen without restrictions. Who is to deny that this is not part of our culture? 

The use of many artistes from Mediacorp, varying generations, just made the show more interesting and vibrant. Who says the CNY film cast ensemble must comprise of J Team or M Team always to create the fun and the laughter?

The historical context revival for memory's sake. Who an resist the charm of the fun old world and take step back in time and space to find out how is it like?

The cinematography is interesting as shots were taken from many angles. Some are new and some are taken from other contexts and reframe for different contexts. I like the one when Olivia Ong drove to find pple. To make the drive journey interesting, the frames are split up like banners.

The use of Olivia Ong who now can not only sing but act as well.

Marketing aspects

I would say the marketing techniques and tactics used in promoting this film truly reflect the SINGAPORE-NESS of Singaporeans. Every possible crevice to insert bits and pieces of the film on all existing dramas and shows are done, just to make sure that everyone knows there is such a film and create the hype even though the marketing is not done with finesse. On the Evening News, it was said that the box office of this film was affected by the bout of heavy rain and storm that swept across Singapore islandwide. I would say such tactic is a promotional one especially it was broadcasted as part of the News. Then on the CNY EVE countdown show, they even have a special segment cater to interview the actors. Geez..it is like forcing an ostrich egg down the audience's throat.

Of course being Kiasu, the film also invited gold actors like Nancy Sit and Zeng Guocheng for cameo roles just to make sure the box office will show the results of audience captivations by these gold actors.

Comments:

Surprisingly, a quite hight quality produced film that deserves the support of other Singaporeans. Though it is similar to "881" in terms of the cabaret context. Nonetheless, it connects the local as well as overseas audience.
At last, there is something that serves both kinds of audience without the usual saying that local market is too small to support own productions.