If we could just release this fear of the unknown, we would have boundless courage to accomplish the unimaginable. – Royston Tan

Synopsis

“Living with little wants in the countryside, Zhiren and his mother expressed their love and support for each other in a simple way – by exchanging little notes. These words of encouragement spurred their every step forward in life, helping them cast aside fear and despair in times of uncertainty.

Interweaving poetic cinematography, intricate scenes of mother-and-son intimacy and a heartfelt original score, Little Note will meander its way into your heart like a clear, pristine stream.”

Review

Ever since I moved out from my parents home, I could hardly find the time to visit them as I was always busy with work. Probably I was too lazy to catch the feeder bus. Lol.

Last week, I’ve received an email from Omy on a special screening for Royston’s latest short film — Little Note. I remembered that Mum loves Royston’s film works, so I decided to sign up for it. When I found out that I was selected as one of the shortlisted blogger to review this short film, I was thrilled! Mum was ecstatic!

Before the film starts, we were pleasantly surprised to see the award-winner film director, Royston Tan (in black blazer with a hot pink top) and the leading cast. According to Royston, Little Note was shot over a period of two days, with the production team waking up at the wee mornings to make the 1½ -hour journey to location from their base in KL!

According to Royston, Desmond Tan (seen wearing the grey blazer above) took an unbelievably number of takes on some of the cycling scenes. Although it only briefly appear on screen for a few seconds, it was an extremely tiring scene! All in the name of getting the perfect shot of the wild lalangs and the moving clouds! Lol.

Photo Courtesy from Little Note

Food, like music is an universal element that connects many individuals together. It brings everyone to one singular spot whereby conversations are held and memories kept. One of my favourite scenes is this medium close up shot of the traditional lotus leaf wrapped rice with a little note. This brings up memories where I still remembered vividly that that my mum used to work as an orchid gardener and she would diligently save up money to make our favorite pipping hot soya bean drink. It was a laborious process, from boiling to squeezing soya beans using a handmade cloth bag. Mother’s love. Awww.

Photo Courtesy from Little Note

I’ve always look forward to the wardrobe styling in his film works. Retro-styling in simple cuts and washed out tones. From the look of the dresses worn by the mother, I am guessing that the fashion period could be 1960s – 1970s, as they are mostly Westernised form-fitting style dresses. I spotted a cute creamy sailor-inspired dress worn by the mother — plain gorgeous!

Photo Courtesy from Little Note

One of my another favorites is this close up shot of a stamp album. For any avid stamp collector, the album is an important area where you put you place your precious exotic looking stamps. Its endearing that the little notes given by the mother are kept in this stamp album. This shot reminded me of another childhood hobby, collecting stamps. My elder sister, Shirley used to keep stamps from all around the world! When we were kids, we’ve always tried to see whose album has more ‘exotic’ countries. lol.

Photo Courtesy from Little Note

Funkie Monkies also wrote a new song, Embrace, which appeared in a scene in the short film. It was sung by both Desmond and Jing Jun themselves. I love the soothing and rhythmic melody and find its lyrics meaningful.

Photo Courtesy from Little Note

I have purchased 5 whopping DVD copies (yeah, each DVD comes with 8 lovely postcards!!) to be send as gifts to my friends.

The short film is proudly presented by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. Sadly, this beautiful film piece will not be on the big screens. Thank you Omy for giving the exclusive preview tickets and a huge Thank You to Royston Tan, for making another heart-warming film. My mum loves it.

Like to end here with an endearing quote by Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng.

Little Note is our gift of encouragement to you. Though life has its challenges, courage and patience will lead you through it all.
- Venerable Sik Kwang Sheng