If you have been following the local movie scene for quite a while, you would have known that Michelle Chong’s latest film features three leads from three different countries. The female lead being Jae Liew, a newcomer to the industry and representing Singapore, Calvin Chen from Taiwan, member of Fahrenheit, and last but not least, Alexander Lee Eusebio, affectionately known as Xander. It was a long wait for us here at SeoullySG as we could not wait to see the product of a local film with such an international cast, having been following the updates of the movie very closely. Honestly, it is a rather unusual combination and on a more loyal note, who would have thought that we could actually plot our point in the K-Pop kingdom? (Yay for Singapore!)
The show was launched with a bang and the actress-turned-director Michelle Chong spared no effort to promote her movie. It was perhaps, what makes Michelle so unique with her endless reminders and countdowns to watch the movie on her Instagram, a move rarely spotted amongst directors. (At last check, Michelle is replying to posts made by viewers on the 3 Peas Facebook page. Well done, Michelle!) The Gala Premiere on the 7th of November was also graced by many of our local artistes, bloggers and invited guests. The movie garnered rave reviews afterwards and that raised our anticipation for the movie by one notch and we finally managed to catch it in the cinemas today.
Synopsis -Three friends in the University of Melbourne meets with a stroke of fate – their names all being with the letter “P”. Penny Yang (played by Jae) is your typical girl-next-door who leads a normal life without any major surprises or outstanding talents, and as reiterated by the character herself. She has a crush on Peter Park (played by Xander) the son of a hotel tycoon in South Korea, who is good-looking on top of his wealth. Perry Yang (played by Calvin) is a top student from Taiwan on a scholarship from a big company to study in Australia. Collectively known was the “3 Peas”, they embark on a road trip that changes their lives forever.
After viewing the trailer, my first thought was, “Is Michelle really going to market her film outright as a cliché triangle, and giving out the plot even before watching the movie?”. But thinking deeper, the quote “a road trip that changes their lives forever” struck me as a hint of what to expect: the unexpected. It is bold statement to make and Michelle must have something up her sleeves to promise this road trip as life-changing. A trail represents the essence of a movie, and by introducing the characters as “he loves her” but “she loves him” will explain itself in time to come.
Indeed, it was one life-changing road trip for the three characters, and perhaps, life awakening for viewers.
The good - The movie opens with some amazing scenic shots of Australia, and follows it through the entire movie as the 3 Peas embark on their road trip. The breathtaking greenery of Australia was a nice change for the Singaporean eyes that are used to endless skyscrapers and concrete. The shots worked its magic with the Australian tourism board backing the film and it made me put the outback Australia as a must-go on my bucket list. While it all seemed like another normal love triangle as advertised on the trailer, together with crossroads waiting for them and the K-drama of “I don’t want to take over your business”, then came the unexpected ending that I ironically, expected.
The show was launched with a bang and the actress-turned-director Michelle Chong spared no effort to promote her movie. It was perhaps, what makes Michelle so unique with her endless reminders and countdowns to watch the movie on her Instagram, a move rarely spotted amongst directors. (At last check, Michelle is replying to posts made by viewers on the 3 Peas Facebook page. Well done, Michelle!) The Gala Premiere on the 7th of November was also graced by many of our local artistes, bloggers and invited guests. The movie garnered rave reviews afterwards and that raised our anticipation for the movie by one notch and we finally managed to catch it in the cinemas today.
Synopsis -Three friends in the University of Melbourne meets with a stroke of fate – their names all being with the letter “P”. Penny Yang (played by Jae) is your typical girl-next-door who leads a normal life without any major surprises or outstanding talents, and as reiterated by the character herself. She has a crush on Peter Park (played by Xander) the son of a hotel tycoon in South Korea, who is good-looking on top of his wealth. Perry Yang (played by Calvin) is a top student from Taiwan on a scholarship from a big company to study in Australia. Collectively known was the “3 Peas”, they embark on a road trip that changes their lives forever.
After viewing the trailer, my first thought was, “Is Michelle really going to market her film outright as a cliché triangle, and giving out the plot even before watching the movie?”. But thinking deeper, the quote “a road trip that changes their lives forever” struck me as a hint of what to expect: the unexpected. It is bold statement to make and Michelle must have something up her sleeves to promise this road trip as life-changing. A trail represents the essence of a movie, and by introducing the characters as “he loves her” but “she loves him” will explain itself in time to come.
Indeed, it was one life-changing road trip for the three characters, and perhaps, life awakening for viewers.
The good - The movie opens with some amazing scenic shots of Australia, and follows it through the entire movie as the 3 Peas embark on their road trip. The breathtaking greenery of Australia was a nice change for the Singaporean eyes that are used to endless skyscrapers and concrete. The shots worked its magic with the Australian tourism board backing the film and it made me put the outback Australia as a must-go on my bucket list. While it all seemed like another normal love triangle as advertised on the trailer, together with crossroads waiting for them and the K-drama of “I don’t want to take over your business”, then came the unexpected ending that I ironically, expected.
The ending was a series of plot twist and it was a great way to break away from the cliché romantic and while I do not want to sell spoilers comedy pothole. Everything that happened in the earlier parts of the movie, every line said, was finally given a meaning. It comes as a shock, leaving audience talking about the ending and still reeling from the baffling twists. (I admit to guessing the ending twists halfway into the show)Although I may not be able to fully enjoy the intended effects of the storyline, I applaud Michelle for weaving all the life theories nicely into the show, so subtly initially, then throwing into the open for the audience to ponder about hours after the show. Personally, my biggest takeaway is the paradoxical “having less is more”. While Peter had everything, he was never happy. While Jae did not exactly have the best brains or the most wealth, she was clearly contented and happy with the company of her two good friends. The movie had also captured the feelings of the depressed well, with a particular scene where Peter exclaims, “You don’t understand!” when Jae questions, “Will those pills really make you happier?”. It may appear to be another passing line, but stays true and strong for all out there. (Keep the faith, guys!)
Although it was a pity that younger fans were unable to enjoy the show, the rating of NC16 did not come to a surprise after watching the show. The show did not have any nudity, coarse language or intense violence, but instead touched on one mature topic that is widely discussed these days. Props to Michelle for bringing this up so nicely and neatly again without any line about it but conveying the message loud and clear within the silence! (No, no more spoilers!)
A shout-out to Jae for her commendable performance as a rookie. For someone who has never acted before, she managed to hold her presence between two macho guys who have much more experience as compared to her. Her unique English slang as a Singaporean is also very appealing and is one newcomer to watch. (I will!) As for Calvin and Xander, I am guessing that they might have toned their acting down to match a university student, and have succeeded in becoming one in the movie anyway. Overall, while their acting were not particularly outstanding, they had the ability to hold the whole show as the only 3 main characters with minimal supporting roles. It is interesting to note how Michelle used only 3 characters to narrate an entire story (noted at the short cast list at the end) and it must have been a feat for both the production crew and cast as well.
The Bad – Strangely enough, the good of the movie can also be the bad. The earlier parts of the movie sets the stage for the epic climax, but can become draggy instead as we sit through the scenes. The pace was rather slow and it could have been great if there could be small surprises along the way (pun intended) before reaching the end (of this road trip). Perhaps, it could better lead the audience to further believe that it is a chase of love between the two guys for the one girl with the love aspect being more evident for an even more powerful ending. It brings a meaning to scenes in the beginning of the road trip and keeps the audience in suspense for the final choice and life afterwards, then bring in the twist to the ending. (I hope your hearts will be okay.)
Final verdict: 3.5/5 stars
On the latest news, 3 Peas in a Pod is awarded the “U” grading in Malaysia and is said to have “educational purposes” which I agree. If you are looking for a different romantic comedy, this is for you. I am really looking forward to more of Michelle Chong’s films as she slowly makes her way up in the directing world. It is clear that she has a lot more to offer for the audience. I sincerely hope and wish her all the best in producing bigger and better films for Singapore.
On a more serious note, please do catch the movie in the theatres and lend your support to our local films! Lulu says Singapore movies very nice while Leticia wonders if Terry can be just like Peter. ;)
P.S.: We wonder if (Michelle got her inspiration for the) title of the movie had got anything to do with Taeyeon’s love for the toy from Toy Story with the exact same name.
Although it was a pity that younger fans were unable to enjoy the show, the rating of NC16 did not come to a surprise after watching the show. The show did not have any nudity, coarse language or intense violence, but instead touched on one mature topic that is widely discussed these days. Props to Michelle for bringing this up so nicely and neatly again without any line about it but conveying the message loud and clear within the silence! (No, no more spoilers!)
A shout-out to Jae for her commendable performance as a rookie. For someone who has never acted before, she managed to hold her presence between two macho guys who have much more experience as compared to her. Her unique English slang as a Singaporean is also very appealing and is one newcomer to watch. (I will!) As for Calvin and Xander, I am guessing that they might have toned their acting down to match a university student, and have succeeded in becoming one in the movie anyway. Overall, while their acting were not particularly outstanding, they had the ability to hold the whole show as the only 3 main characters with minimal supporting roles. It is interesting to note how Michelle used only 3 characters to narrate an entire story (noted at the short cast list at the end) and it must have been a feat for both the production crew and cast as well.
The Bad – Strangely enough, the good of the movie can also be the bad. The earlier parts of the movie sets the stage for the epic climax, but can become draggy instead as we sit through the scenes. The pace was rather slow and it could have been great if there could be small surprises along the way (pun intended) before reaching the end (of this road trip). Perhaps, it could better lead the audience to further believe that it is a chase of love between the two guys for the one girl with the love aspect being more evident for an even more powerful ending. It brings a meaning to scenes in the beginning of the road trip and keeps the audience in suspense for the final choice and life afterwards, then bring in the twist to the ending. (I hope your hearts will be okay.)
Final verdict: 3.5/5 stars
On the latest news, 3 Peas in a Pod is awarded the “U” grading in Malaysia and is said to have “educational purposes” which I agree. If you are looking for a different romantic comedy, this is for you. I am really looking forward to more of Michelle Chong’s films as she slowly makes her way up in the directing world. It is clear that she has a lot more to offer for the audience. I sincerely hope and wish her all the best in producing bigger and better films for Singapore.
On a more serious note, please do catch the movie in the theatres and lend your support to our local films! Lulu says Singapore movies very nice while Leticia wonders if Terry can be just like Peter. ;)
P.S.: We wonder if (Michelle got her inspiration for the) title of the movie had got anything to do with Taeyeon’s love for the toy from Toy Story with the exact same name.