I've been caught up with work and domestic issues the past week but of course still managed to find time to catch The Rooftop.
Well, I've finally watched His Royal DIAOness' labour of love...twice!
And the second time was even better!
And....I intend to go again next week.
First off, let me state categorically that my view of The Rooftop is, unavoidably influenced by the fact that I am a die-hard Jay Chou fangirl who has followed the progress of this movie from the very start, complete with all the press conferences, news updates, interviews, trailers, behind-the-scenes clips and promotional events.
I even started a Facebook Page for this film, which saw 300 Likes being reached on the day of The Rooftop's release, viz 11 July. As the number, 300, is also featured prominently in the movie, this was of even more significance to me. :)
https://www.facebook.com/TheRooftopAJayChouFilm
My thoughts on The Rooftop
Admittedly, the storyline in The Rooftop is quite simple and as Jay mentioned in many interviews, there IS NO 'secret' in this movie, unlike his first directorial effort in 2007.
Here is a good synopsis from Wellgo USA:
http://wellgousa.com/theatrical/the-rooftop
"Living on the rooftop, Gao and his friends are the happiest bunch in the city of Galilee. Though life can be tough in this bustling metropolis, that doesn’t stop them from churning out song and dance with a zest for life. However, when Gao meets his dream girl, Sian, fate takes him on a wild ride through romance, friendship, and gang rivalry, told in enchanting melodies and stunning dance numbers."
I have read some reviews of the movie already, some good, some not so and would have to say that some of the criticisms are justified but all in, it is a definitely above average as far as musical movies go.
It's not perfect, mind you but considering that there is absolutely nothing like this in the history of Chinese movies, I felt the reviewers should have kept this in mind and been a little more supportive.
I was captivated right from the opening frame, quirky and colourful as it went on accompanied by Jay's melodius soundtrack. The pace of the movie was good, with the song and dance numbers at appropriate places; true, it felt like a whole MTV show but then again, Jay intended for this to be a MUSICAL. And a fun one, at that!
Of course, there was the requisite star-crossed romance, various villainous guys and action of the kungfu and car-chase variety.
I found the ending a little over-the-top but at the end of the day, I did not go to this movie for the story and for that matter, for Jay's acting. ;)
Like Secret, on this movie, it was the MUSIC which enticed me and totally won me over....all the song and dance numbers and score written by our awesome Mr DIAO and which are what I enjoyed the most. Also what would compel me to go back for another viewing or more.
My absolute favourite (apart from You Are Everywhere) has to be Moonlight On The Rooftop....love Jay's voice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pg3iGyYppU&list=PLbHLPahX3mJ5YifA0MJE8whDiLJ1RbeZD&index=8
Special mention must also be made of the Hajiu song in the night market. :)
But to be honest, every single track on the OST fits into the scenes tremendously well and just listening to them now already has the power to make me smile and touch my heart.
Here is my playlist of the OST:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbHLPahX3mJ4gqyiMhLHSFMHCugFfgDh8
The fact that he was the director also gives him points in my book and as he has mentioned in an interview, how many directors can also be the composer for their own musical??
And write songs in so many different styles for that matter?
In conclusion:
Only His Royal DIAOness, Jay Chou possesses the multiple abilities and more importantly, BALLS to pull together a musically and visually spectacular treat like The Rooftop, which is truly a first in the Chinese movie industry and a far cry from Secret, his directorial debut in 2007.
Here's a nice interview with Jay from The Straits Times:
"What's wrong with showcasing skills that you have worked so hard to obtain and develop?"
Well said, Jay!!
PS:
I could not squeeze in a post about the premiere in Taipei but here's the playlist for you viewing pleasure:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbHLPahX3mJ5PFtqbPUJGw1Yb3-nZWoEc
So....how many of you have gotten to watch this delightful movie?
Do share your opinions in Comments below!
And here's a nice pic to end off with....Lang Zi Gao says:
"You can be extraordinary!"
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