There was an encouraging significant turn out at the
National Museum to watch the Asian Premier of The Return by multi-disciplinary artist Green Zeng - a Singaporean film
on an ex political detainee as he returns to society after years of lost time
and opportunities. It was a home-coming of sorts as the film had garnered
international attention after having been selected for the Venice International
Film Critics’ Week in July 2015.
The pre-text of the film about a political detainee would certainly
have given rise to much interest – Singapore’s political sensibilities have
increased among today’s millennia generation, and this with against the recent
passing of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, meant the film’s
premier was definitely very timely and relevant. The film gives a voice to the
human impact of political dissent through a fictional narrative of political
detainee returning, and integrating into civilian society – the film sheds
light on the challenges, personal sacrifices and the uncertainties of the
future. The film certainly took pains in providing a good back story in setting
the various scenes.
From a personal perspective, the hardship and emotional
impact on immediate loved ones was quite emotional to watch. Broken
relationships, lost time, missed opportunities between husband and wife, father
and children were all very realistically depicted. Balance was achieved by
including broken relationships that needed to be healed (between a repentant
father and neglected son), and a more caring father daughter exchange that
provided a catalyst for healing.
The daily challenges of re-integrating into today’s society
was another aspect that the film did not shy away from. From re-connecting with
other ex-political detainees, to media interest, to flashbacks of political
movement that hinted at the activities that had probably resulted in political
detainment – the audience catches a fuller glimpse into the how the lives of
political detainees would have been affected.
The film looks to that an almost documentary approach. It
did not provide an opinion on right or wrong, or take sides – keeping very much
to presenting situations and allowing the audience to finally come to their own
conclusions. Cinematographically, it was beautiful. The camera angles, framing
and scenes were beautifully composed and shot. Much credit must be given to the
photography team for being able to capture and invoke nostalgia through the use
of image.
Perhaps my only comment would be on the pacing of the film.
As many of the themes covered - such as relationship difficulties, lost time -
are all very familiar and real to the everyday audience, the extensive detail
and film time allocated to each felt at times repetitive. The Return certainly comes at an appropriate
time and voice in today’s increasing political awareness.
Review by Ivan Choong
Review by Ivan Choong
http://www.thereturn-movie.com/trailer2/