Dad’s Devotion Takes Centre Stage in Moving ‘Wonderland’
A Layered and Poignant Film
Watching the Singaporean drama film “Wonderland” will make you thankful we live in a time of smartphones and instant communication.
Remember the days when the only method of overseas communication were landlines or handwritten letters that could take days (or weeks) to reach their recipients? Nowadays, we get salty whenever we don’t get immediate replies to WhatsApp messages!
Imperfect methods of communication are a major part of “Wonderland”, a layered and poignant film that explores secrets and breakdowns in human connection. This fourth outing from Singaporean director Chai Yee Wei certainly impresses with its strong characters, moving storyline, and impressive performances.
Strong Performances and Impressive Storyline
“Wonderland” has enjoyed a wonderful reception, having already won international accolades including the Audience Choice Award at the 24th San Diego Asian Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The film tells of single father Ah Loke (Lee), who runs a traditional Chinese incense shop. After his sweet-natured daughter Eileen (Xenia Tan) gains a scholarship to the United States, Ah Loke sells his home to support her and moves into a smaller one-bedroom flat.
There, he is haunted by loneliness, accompanied only by sweet memories of his times with his late wife at Wonderland Amusement Park.
A Bond Forms Over Letters
Much of the film revolves around Ah Loke’s friendship with Tan (Peter Yu), who helps him write letters to his daughter. Ah Loke soon encounters a colourful cast of neighbours, including Tan, a church pianist. Despite working in a house of God, Tan struggles with inner demons, such as a compulsive gambling habit that has estranged him from his family.
A Complicated Friendship
Tan helps Ah Loke write letters to Eileen, who can only read in English, and the two men strike up a friendship. This new bond is tested, however, after Tan discovers something shocking that will devastate his new friend. Unable to break the news, Tan and the other neighbours do their best to keep Ah Loke living in a beautiful lie.
The Truth Revealed
What happens when the ugly truth is finally revealed?
What Sets ‘Wonderland’ Apart
“Wonderland” has a lot of things going for it. Much of the film is in Hokkien, which is delightful as you don’t often hear this dialect on the big screen. Its ’80 setting will also fill older audience members with nostalgia.
Furthermore, it is not common to see films focusing on a friendship between two middle-aged men or that showcase characters in the twilight of their lives, but “Wonderland” does so in fun and engaging ways.
Strong Performances
Performances are solid overall. Yu injects a roguish charm into his complex character, managing to keep him likeable despite some of the morally questionable things he does.
But the movie’s anchor is undoubtedly Lee, who puts in a powerful performance as Ah Loke. He is probably best-known for his light-hearted roles in films such as “Money No Enough”, “King of Mahjong” and “I Not Stupid”. Here, he completely sheds his comedic trappings to play the gruff but lovable protagonist.
Lee also goes through an impressive physical transformation, looking much older in the film than he actually is. He effectively portrays Ah Loke as a gaunt, defeated man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
A Well-Crafted Film
All in all, you won’t find whimsical madness or Cheshire cats in this “Wonderland”. What you will discover instead is a relatable and touching film that encourages viewers to treasure the bonds they have with their loved ones, not unlike that other recent Asian hit, “How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies”.
Conclusion
“Wonderland” begins screening in Malaysian cinemas from Thursday.
FAQs
- What is the setting of the film?
- What is the dialect used in the film?
- What is the main plot of the film?
The film is set in the 1980s.
The film is mostly in Hokkien.
The film follows the story of a single father, Ah Loke, and his struggles to connect with his daughter in a world without instant communication.