Review of Gone Shopping (2007) by Adam J — 30 Mar 2009

Loved it.. was laughing so much at the Tai Tai catfight scene with classical music playing mockingly in the background; brilliantly subtle. Even the movie's title is a subtle play on Singlish expression.

What also makes this stand out is its candidness; baring stereotypes & prejudices, carried out in sophisticated new-Singapore style by the actors.

Geeky Aaron looks like Dr Koh Tsu Koon, so the scenes where he gets seduced by the younger but more sexually experienced Hayumi really made me pay attention! His lament "it all happened so fast" before he got punched by TK would make most other Dilberts feel sorry for him.. his highly energised hypothalamus was probably triggered by that someone he thought was exclusively special, which made him override his pre-frontal lobes. On the other hand, I'd agree with Hayumi it was a beautiful moment in time. The needs were similar, but the longterm plans post sexual communion were different.

What was a bit incongruous was Huang Tai Tai's (Clara's) husband's English, which was worse that hers. He was supposed to be the tycoon having Clara as his 2nd wife, yet he can't even pronounce her name right (e.g. "Crarela", "Cruella" (wah lau)).

The most powerful scene was when Valentine Tan honestly told Huang Tai Tai he didn't have the means to care for her, so it would be best not to start a romantic relationship. His stare was one of an elder taking grave care of an immature yet adorable youth. In that scene lies the core of old-school working-class Singaporean practicality & candid objectivity. The ending was so sad; Clara had everything going for her, elegant poise & spoken mandarin, heartmelting gaze. But it was beyond control of any of the guys who cared for her.