Rice Rhapsody
Film review by Lee Alon
Translated literally to English as Hainan Chicken
Rice, or South Sea Chicken Rice, Kenneth Bi's 2004 polish galore rides the
food angle in a manner a bit too reminiscent of Ang Lee's Eat Drink Man Woman,
with the two having more than culinary delights in common. The newer release
likewise wants to hop on the bandwagon by way of presenting international
spectators with a pleasant premise where everyone's friendly and cheerful,
and everything looks brightly colorful as if fresh out of an Ikea catalog.
Not necessarily major faults, but if in the market for hard-hitting content,
look elsewhere, let alone since Rice Rhapsody does attempt a dabble in the
more controversial, namely homosexuality, but stops short of genuinely addressing
issues of any meaningful disposition.
At least it does reasonably well in the political correctness department,
touching on the topic matter-of-factly and without prejudice or sensationalism.
It also features auteur Sylvia Chang, director of notable flicks Princess
D and 20-30-40, in one of her better performances. In addition, through the
introduction of a Western exchange student into proceedings, the film engages
viewers in multicultural interaction of a variety less stereotypical than
usual, a substantial plus right there. However, despite these pros Rice Rhapsody
in the end culminates in a flat, unremarkable experience that won't stay
with you very long, unlike other products in its range, like excellently
emotional Yi Yi (2000). Furthermore, the decision to make this into a Singapore-based
item seems random and bizarre, especially since the main character and star
obviously insist on reverting to what sounds suspiciously akin to Taiwanese
(Chang's from Taiwan in case you were wondering). For her part, she does
pretty well as restaurant owner Jen, straddled with three successful sons
whose sexual orientation and lifestyle she reluctantly accepts. Her greatest
hope lies with youngest offspring Leo (Lepham Tan), a student on his way
to finding a path through life.
Things go more or less as per normal for the family and Jen's rival-would-be-lover
Kim Chui (Martin Yan), a fellow eatery proprietor competing with her titular
signature dish, Hainan Chicken Rice (his version has duck instead). Normal,
that is, until Jen's worries over the kids all playing for the same team
begin to encroach, and she enlists Kim Chui's help in saving the day. This
he attains, or deigns to, by shacking up French intellectual traveler Sabine
(Melanie Laurent) with Jen and last bird in the nest Leo, hoping the two
will strike up a relationship that'll bring the lad back from the brink.
The ensuing plot involves a little bit of several themes, most memorable
of these the existential discourse between Sabine and Leo, parts of which
take place in a cemetery for sheer effect. Naturally, the plan goes slightly
awry, with Sabine not always playing along with the script and generally
showing more overt interest in simply making the most of her Singapore jaunt
instead of catering to Jen and her matchmaking schemes. She also never really
signs up for classes, official reason for being in the city state to begin
with. While on the Singapore front, save for a few glimpses of Tiger Beer
you'd be hard pressed to even notice the seldom-used locale, opposite of
what we’ve come to expect from Hong Kong, for example. There's one ambient
highlight, though, with hottie Maggie Q stepping in as starlet Gigi, an underutilized
extra idling screen time chomping on entrees instead of enlightening Leo
with her obvious allure. Also keep an eye out for a quick cameo from legendary
Shaw actress, Ivy Ling Po.
And although Sabine's incapable of using chopsticks (laugh at the "foreigners"
again, why not), overall one must assert Rice Rhapsody really doesn't try
to cash in on any Asian vs. Western tripe, nor does it make a big deal of
cross-cultural love affairs. In fact, it makes a big deal of nothing at all,
opting for a smiles-all-around, friendly approach that borders on a somewhat
unwanted, and largely ineffective, comedic angle. Suffice to say the greatest
moment of tension throughout comes at a cooking contest towards the end,
and let us tell you it ain't no Iron Chef at that.
But at least you have Sylvia Chang pulling off a manifold, believable depiction
of basically her own self, and a film devoid of absolutely any disturbing
or otherwise risky aspects. For those on a mission to watch as many movies
from the greater China region as possible (sounds familiar), Rice Rhapsody
probably makes for a decent companion to stuff like Pushing Hands et al.
It's also the first of JCE Productions' international iterations, marking
the beginnings of Jackie Chan's endeavors as world-hugging producer on the
global stage through is own outfit. Probably more than this though, Rice
Rhapsody comes in handy for watching with your mom or sisters during one
of those family afternoons we get once in a while. Have fun and try to take
it seriously: this one won't do that for you.
Rating: 6/10
Directed by Kenneth Bi
Starring Sylvia Chang, Lepham Tan, Melanie Laurent,
Martin Yan, Maggie Q
2004, English/Putonghua, 110 minutes
Contact Lee Alon here
