Talking Pictures: Home Song Stories

been yearning for something cultural or arty farty.. so finally.. i peeled my ass off my couch and went to a ‘talking pictures’ event by Cinema Paradiso with my family..

we saw an Australian film called “Home Song Stories”, it was presented by its writer and director TONY AYRES and followed by a Q&A session.. it's really nice to meet the people behind the scenes, makes it a more intimate experience rather than 'just a movie' when you acknowledge the personal journey of those that is involved in the making..

Ohhh.. it made me cry.. not in mere drops.. but in rivers.. believe you me it was hard to look nonchalant when I’m wiping off tears through glasses with my sleeves..

I’m not usually so fond of sad movies, but this one was so beautiful and inspiring despite it’s traumatic storyline.. I was quite taken with it..

It’s one of those movies that is so beautifully written and made, you are just naturally drawn into the story by the intricately woven narrative..

It was intense and engaging.. I found myself sitting in awe as the credits rolled.. I sat there exploring all it’s layers of emotionality, savouring every little subtlety of suggestive expressions, marvelling at the exquisite experience of humanness and humanity, and a little overwhelmed by all the varying depths and complexities of emotions I felt..

I cried for the tragedies Tony Ayres (since it was based on his life) had to go thru at such a young age, the bond he shared with his sister, the internal turmoil of his mother, the battle of being a family in a foreign land, the heartbreak of unrequited love, the love-hate dilemma between mother and child, and the flawed yet perfect humanness within everyone..

Since I’ve always believed in the philosophy that being surrounded by beautiful things will inspire you to create more beautiful things.. I came home from the movie eager to write a review to match the experience.. I do find myself struggling to find words to do the film justice..

JUST GO WATCH IT LAH!

p.s. joan chen rocks! love the old school glam!