The Blue Mansion

The Blue Mansion

Synopsis

A wealthy Asian tycoon suddenly dies. His death leaves behind questions regarding his mysterious departure, and with that he returned as a ghost to find closure with the help of his family and the police.

Official Site: www.thebluemansion.com

Singapore Release Date: 22nd October 2009, Thursday

Running Time: 100 minutes

Ratings: NC16

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Patrick Teoh, Louisa Chong, Lim Kay Siu, Adrian Pang, Neo Swee Lin, Emma Yong, Claire Wong, Tan Kheng Hua, Huzir Sulaiman, Steve Yap, Denise Chan, Ben Tan, Deborah Png, Pam Oei, Wendy Kweh, Karen Tan, Bridget Therese Lachica, Mariel Reyes, Chermaine Ang, Zahim Albakri, Himanshu Bhatt

Crew: Director (Glen Goei), Producer (Glen Goei, Tommy Tan, Pauline Yu, Chowee Leow, Sacha Brooks, Kate James), Writers (Ken Kwek), Music (David Hirschfelder), Cinematography (Larry Smith), Production Designer (Ian Bailie) and Editing (Kate James)

The Trailer

The Review

When I saw the posters that says “A Glen Goei Film”, I pretty much an idea how the movie will pan out in terms of presentation, and indeed I was right.

For those who are well informed and follows the local theatre scene, you’ll probably know most of the cast that’s in The Blue Mansion movie, as most of the ensemble cast are seasoned thespians on stage locally.

The style of the movie has a theatrical presentation to it, unsure if it was deliberate, the flick to me was witty and peppered with typical Brit ironic humor.

This is one of the few Asian flicks that’s not stereotypical of most Asian movies, those adrenaline pumping martial arts Kung-fu type of movies.

You’ll even be surprised despite being locally produced, I was delighted at the actors use of proper Queen’s English, and none of our Singlish in sight.

The story revolves around the Wee family, where it depicts a typical Asian society unit where family members conforms to an overbearing patriarch of authority figure for the sake of the family.

That conformity in this movie led to a Shakespearean tragic and comedic outcome in this murder mystery, which highlights the underlying message that being greedy will only lead to a no good end.

Note: A Behind-the-Scenes Look during production

The Good

• Excellent storyline
• Comic relief that didn’t rely on cheap gimmicks
• Fine directing from Glen Goei, his second film

The Bad

• It can get draggy in some of the lines
• Those with little patience might find the movie boring
• Lame Brit jokes

Editor’s Ratings