Asian Festival of 1st Films

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Banana in a Nutshell
It's funny how love can sometimes be an endearing life-changing experience, which one's memories linger tantalisingly for the rest of one's life. It can be beautiful, enchanting and even surreal; a blissful state of comfort in epic proportions. However, it can also be harrowing, perilous and unsettling, as how Roseanne Liang exquisitely portrayed in a heartfelt and emotional, yet humourous documentary of her struggles with winning her parents' acceptance of her white boyfriend, while at the same time maintaining their lives together.

I personally find this film particularly significant in the film festival as although being Chinese, I can hardly speak fluent Chinese, let alone read or write it proficiently. My language ability goes only as far as the education I've been provided with. But to be competent in the language, I feel that one should know the origins of the language, the various styles, the multitude of proverbs and sayings; to UNDERSTAND your language from within. Something that I have regretfully not accomplish in my learning of the Chinese language and the Chinese culture.

We often take our cultural identities very much for granted; hardly knowing such a tradition exists because it just does; barely understanding why certain rules and regulations must be conformed to just because we should. Watching this film made me realise how much of my cultural identity I've neglected, and how much I do not understand.

Although the film talks about the struggles of a relationship between a Chinese woman and a white guy, it also emphasises greatly on the importance of filial piety, familial respect and gratitude. Roseanne's monologue in one scene tugged several raw nerves in the theatre when she spoke about the parents portraying their love for their children. Western parents would kiss their children even though they are adults or near-adults, and say "I love you" before shooing them off to work or school. On the flip side, most Eastern parents would not openly say "I love you" to their children, let alone kiss them farewell for work or school or wherever for that matter. Instead, they would prepare your breakfast every morning, cook your egg exactly how you wanted it, press your clothes(although they will often qualm about you not doing it for yourself), neaten your bedsheets, clean your room; all these show their love for their children, but Roseanne's message was this: "If you can SHOW me so much love, then why don't you just TELL me that you love me?"

A thought-provoking, powerful film. No one should miss it. Catch it at The Arts House at 4pm. Tickets are S$9.50 each.

4 comments

4 Comments:

i personally watched this film and as the film progresses on, i found myself nodding literally to whatever she was saying. i could relate. even though the main focus of the film was pretty much the struggles of roseanne getting her much wanted blessings of her parents on her relationship and the whole issue of inter-cultural relationship, i feel that the film actually pokes at the whole concept of following, holding on or breaking the tradition? in a sense, roseanne is seen as the "modern" and trying to break free of the so called anitquated way of thinking but personally, i feel that this whole film actually depicts how she still holds very much respect for the chinese culture. in a sense that by doing so much just to get her parents blessings just shows her love and respect for her parents which is very much akin to how her parents show that they love her by insisting on their definition on what's the best for their daughter and in their own way at the same time show their love for her. instead of seeing it as a battle against her parents and the chinese culture, i feel that she in fact is following and living out the tradition? no matter where we live,on whichever corner of the earth, as long as i am born chinese, i will stay chinese and whatever i do will show that i am chinese. i don't know..just putting in my two cents worth?=X love does not need to be said. it is felt.

By Anonymous, at 1:11 AM

There is always the thin line between tolerance and respect when it comes to issues like this. Roseanne still very much holds on to the respect of the chinese culture. Yes indeed. but for how far can she tolerate it? Issit the chinese culture or her dad's perception of what his daughter's husband should be like?

Would someone actually go through all this struggle and hardship to just to be with the loved ones? I guess that's why this documentary is made and I'm glad there's such a film. It doesn't just apply in New Zealand as it could be apply in everywhere else in the world. Especially in Singapore, where there are so many culture and beliefs residing in this very tiny island.

Question, would love eventually succumb to all these issues? ^^

By shotphatz, at 1:53 AM

yes, i see... binded by tradition. are you living in your means or living in what its suppose to be 'right'? spell l.o.v.e, yes. don't pronounce until you are certain. =)

By Anonymous, at 2:30 AM

Really you have done great job,There are may person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.I like this blog..

By Penis Enlargement Pills, at 10:02 PM

Have your say!

Posted @; 11:17 AM