Forever Fever (1998)

It's hard to believe that its been almost ten years since this movie came out. I fondly remember watching it in the theaters in Singapore with my sister, and what an experience that was: That's the Way I Like It (as it is also known) was one of the few movies so far to elicit loud laughs and cheers there, and subsequently get picked up for international distribution. A great feat for a film industry that is still quite young! I'm hoping that a ten year anniversary DVD with special features is on the horizon. Despite being a "foreign film", Forever Fever is remarkably accessible to audiences of every type. (Even though I grew up in Singapore, I write this now from my current home of New York City). Sure, a knowledge of regional slang and mannerisms make up a good part of the pleasure of watching this film -- it's unique cultural slant ensured that it was a hit among Singaporean audiences. But the broad quality of Forever Fever (and the mark of good, entertaining film-making) is it's ability to resonate emotionally with audiences of all different cultures, and in different time periods. By setting his film during the peak of disco fever, director Glen Goei establishes a common focal point for the international market. In turn, although most viewers will not be accustomed to Singapore of the 1970's and all it's Asian nuances, the story of lead character Hock (Adrian Pang) and friends translates excellently, even through the occasional Singlish or Hokkien. Particular praise to the team as well for tastefully (and somewhat daringly) incorporating the story of Hock's brother Leslie.On that subject of 'translation', I will say that the distributor could've done a better job with the subtitles in this particular DVD release. When Hock's grandmother gets her line in (and a punchline, to boot), we are only offered a maddening "Speaking Chinese" to explain. This also happens during certain easily translatable Singlish phrases; either that, or it doesn't quite hit the mark (for instance, "shiok" means 'good', not 'sure'). I am also glad that they dropped the idea of re-dubbing the actor's voices as Americans. This is demonstrated in the international trailer on the disc, and it would've paradoxically undermined the international appeal and uniqueness of the movie.Put that minor point aside, though. You won't be disappointed with this DVD, and it is all the more reason to call for a jam-packed re-release, too. Forever Fever is a benchmark of Singaporean cinema and a highly enjoyable film. Glen Goei comments on love, dance, family, and Asian values through the prism of disco's import into Singapore and the universally relevant stories of his endearing characters -- consequently, he and his team have created a film that charmingly exports a nostalgic slice of the country's past and ubiquitous ideals to the world.

Just watched this on cable (Starz) and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was. I was channel surfing and stopped on it for a second, that grew into a few seconds, then a minute, and got sucked in and really enjoyed it. Yes, it's formulaic, and is runs in parallel to Saturday Night Fever, but when something is well done it is a joy to see. The acting was uniformly good among all the characters - solid, earnest and believable. The leads were especially good but even in a contrived situation between Leslie and his father (secondary parts) near the end of the movie, the two have a very emotional scene that had me locked in - solid acting all around. The obligatory kung fu fight was well done and folded well enough into the story line. What I especially liked about the movie is that the dancing was very well done but rode a nice line between very good amateurs and professional and kept things believable. Lastly, the costumes and wardrobes were spot on. The production was excellent and interiors and location shots were colorful and seamless, cinematography was solid, sound was perfect and soundtrack fit well with every scene. In summary - the movie rates a solid B and was fun to watch. Hope you enjoy it as much.

i saw this movie over the summer. then i saw saturday night fever for class. while not an exact remake, there are a lot of similarities between the two films. the brother that becomes the family pariah. the disco contest. room decor. but there are a couple of crucial differences that make seeing this movie worthwhile. if nothing else, the kung fu fight scene performed in disco attire.

On it's own this film is as good as anything Hollywood puts out. But if you understand the dynamic that exists between Asian traditions and Western Cultural influence, like there is in Singapore, that pushes the story over the edge into the realm of great film. Most Americans (I am one, Irish and Norwegian, but aware of the situation there) won't appreciate the subtleties and the subtext, but it IS wonderful.