Multi-award winning The Home Song Stories adds another voice to Australia's rich tapestry of immigrant histories. Based on writer/director Tony Ayres tumultuous upbringing, the film focuses on the life of his mother Rose (lead actress AFI Award winner Joan Chen), a successful Shanghai nightclub singer who moves from Hong Kong to Melbourne to marry a sailor she promptly dumps. Dragged along for the ride are her two children Tom (the outstanding Joel Lok) and May (Irene Chen - no relation to Joan but also exceptionally talented).
Tom and May suffer the consequences of their mother's lifestyle - abusive relationships, alcoholism and a revolving door attitude toward men, all in the elusive hope she might recapture some of the glamor of her former life. Rose is like a typhoon and whilst she cuts down everything and almost everyone in her life, her children, whilst being emotionally scarred, seem incredibly stoic. Basically they cop a lot of crap due to their mother's drama queen existence.
This is not a film to watch if you are down. It is terribly sad, with very little relief from its own heady drama. But, it is wonderfully shot and there is always beauty in tragedy (if you don't believe me, ask William Shakespeare or Emily Dickinson. Actually you can't, they're dead). The cast is outstanding and there is some eye candy in the role of Rose and eventually May's love interest Joe (Qi Yuwu, a star in Singapore and now, hopefully, beyond). There are some light moments, especially during Tom's dreams where he transforms into a martial arts superhero with the power to defend his loved ones. The sequence in which he takes on old bat Norma (Australian comedic actress Kerry Walker) is hilarious.
You can't help feeling sorry for Tom and May but this story is supposed to be about Rose. Unfortunately she is not a very sympathetic character. Delusional, egotistical and irresponsible, you kind of want her to piss off so her kids can blossom and lead happy lives. Before you judge her too harshly, Rose herself has known tragedy and viewers only get some insight into this after she and May end up in the same hospital (no I'm not telling you why, just watch it).
Extras include Joel Lok and May Chen's screen tests as well as an 'At The Movies' interview with Joan Chen and Tony Ayres.
If you are into drama, this is definitely a strong piece and does give some insight into Asian culture and family structure between the early '60s and '70s. If you like your laughs coming hard and fast, give The Home Song Stories a wide berth and go for something, say, starring Will Farrell (although not that ice skating one as it was well rubbish).
By Kylie McShane (Contributor) http://www.planeturban.com
