On it's own this film is as good as anything Hollywood puts out. But if you understand the dynamic that exists between Asian traditions and Western Cultural influence, like there is in Singapore, that pushes the story over the edge into the realm of great film. Most Americans (I am one, Irish and Norwegian, but aware of the situation there) won't appreciate the subtleties and the subtext, but it IS wonderful.
19 Reviews
A great little film
Vigilante-40729 July 2001
This movie definitely exceeded my expectations...especially since I knew the main theme of the film was disco. This movie parallels the classic of the disco genre, Saturday Night Fever, in many ways, but also is a delightful look at life in the late seventies in Singapore.
The soundtrack is full of great 70's hits, and the cinematography takes full advantage of the exotic locale. The actors and actresses breathe real life into what normally would have been one-dimensional characters, making this film very enjoyable.
The soundtrack is full of great 70's hits, and the cinematography takes full advantage of the exotic locale. The actors and actresses breathe real life into what normally would have been one-dimensional characters, making this film very enjoyable.
That's the way...uh-huh, un-huh...
=G=15 February 2004
"That's the Way I Like It" is a flick which would never work on paper but manages to be thoroughly enjoyable on the silver screen. It's all about Hock (Pang), a Singapore store clerk who wants no more than to kick butt like Bruce Lee and own a motorcycle but meets a disco dancing hottie who convinces him there are better things to get into than motorbikes. Always fun, upbeat, and good natured, this little English language flick out of Singapore is a kind of "Enter the Dragon" meets "Saturday Night Fever" meets "All in the Family" colorful comedy drenched in nostalgic hit disco tunes. Fun stuff especially for anyone who has ever done the Hustle. (B)
Cute, and better than you'd expect
Lori S21 March 2002
I checked this out from the library - I figured, what the heck, it's free, and I'll get a campy laugh from it. But the movie is in fact sweet & affectionate. OK so the guy playing Travolta who walks off the screen looks nothing like him & is actually doing a slightly Southern accent. The lead actor (playing Hock) looks a lot like Bruce Lee and turns out to be a good dancer as well as great at kung fu. Nobody has yet mentioned a minor subplot, of the idolized older brother - a med student who needs money for a sex-change operation. The father disavows the med student son in anger. The 70s costumes are good fun and I like the kid sister character who's hooked on romance novels. It reminded me in a way of "Strictly Ballroom" (a much better Baz Lehrman film than "Moulin Rouge" BTW!) And everybody's speaking quite good English - no terrible dubbing! So check this one out & enjoy.
A Singapore Sling
xredgarnetx10 May 2008
When's the last time you saw a movie shot in Singapore? And in English, yet? THAT'S THE WAY is just such an animal, and tells the story of a grown man (Adrien Pang) living home with his parents and siblings who wishes for nothing more than to have a motorcycle. To do so, he enters a disco dance contest, and begins taking dance lessons. The plot is derived directly from Saturday NIGHT FEVER. In fact, our blue-collar hero even sees John Travolta done up as Tony Manero whenever he daydreams hard enough. The music is mostly horrible re-creations of the SAATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack, but the dancing is terrific. And the Bruce Lee-looking Pang is a nifty kung-fu fighter to boot. It all comes to a predictable ending, but one we wanted it to get to.
Good formula movie with a Singapore twist
mizmaus14 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This movie fits to the formula of the genre (i.e. disco dancing triumph of the underdogs) but the setting in Singapore and the local color makes it special. Engaging performances and solid production values. I prefer not to recount the plot since the plot is obvious and has few surprises. What makes it interesting it the location specific components - the local dialect was authentic (per my limited knowledge), the subplot with the transgender brother added poignancy. I find this especially interesting as an example of global culture - what starts out as a US cultural icon (in fact an urban east coast cultural moment) spreads not only through the US but worldwide. Who'd have thunk it?
Ebullient, Exuberant film that Miramax was smart to distribute.
admin-1319 June 2001
An indie gem from Singapore. In the exuberant yet grounded tradition of Muriel's Wedding... "That's The Way I Like It" (aka Forever Fever) took me into 1977 Singapore, to follow the dream of a regular guy who is discovering his passions in life. Lots of disco music, polyesther, and family conflict doesn't spread thin this tightly and deftly told story. The budget seems meager, but the movie doesn't suffer from that at all. The had enough production quality to tell the story they wished to tell, and congratulations go to Glen Goei and his team for this wonderful tale.
Fun film with many hidden messages
dkhoo21 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER WARNING!
Disclosure: I am a Singaporean, wannabe film critic.
Forever Fever is a very fun film on the outside (except for one highly charged scene). However, it has many subtexts that are only apparent if you are familiar with Singaporean culture. It is actually quite a serious film, and manages to address many highly charged issues that are difficult to discuss in Singapore (like abortion in the US). I'll give just two examples:
East vs West, Old vs New - Singapore is too young a country to have any real culture of its own - everything is imported. We basically don't know who we are, yet. All the characters are torn to some extent between the venerable Eastern culture they *should* respect, and the exciting new Western world they actually *want* to embrace. Each character eventually makes his own choice, for good or ill. There are clear incompatibilities between these cultures. Is Leslie's father a homophobic bigot or a staunch defender of our ancient traditions? Whose side are you on, anyway? Why?
The Elite - It is sometimes said, very quietly, that Singapore is dominated by a class of educational and economic "elites". While the system is officially egalitarian and meritocratic, some charge that it is really elitist. The medical student Leslie, the rich spoiled boy and his well-educated girlfriend represent this class in effigy in the movie. This movie manages to deftly air most of the grievances against them, including their influence, isolation and "immoral" Western influence. Some righteous butt-kicking and some overdue peace-making eventually occurs.
The film suffers a little in terms of production values, which is understandable given the budget. However, the actors put in spirited, convincing performances, the script satisfies on many levels, and it's just great fun to watch. The characters have unexpected depth, are easy to relate to (at least to a Singaporean), and manage to quickly draw you into their lives on screen. Glen Goei's direction is straightforward but solid, and his vision shines through.
This is the kind of movie Hollywood has forgotten how to make. It is strongly built on the fundamentals and succeeds the old-fashioned way. And that's the way *I* like it!
9/10
Disclosure: I am a Singaporean, wannabe film critic.
Forever Fever is a very fun film on the outside (except for one highly charged scene). However, it has many subtexts that are only apparent if you are familiar with Singaporean culture. It is actually quite a serious film, and manages to address many highly charged issues that are difficult to discuss in Singapore (like abortion in the US). I'll give just two examples:
East vs West, Old vs New - Singapore is too young a country to have any real culture of its own - everything is imported. We basically don't know who we are, yet. All the characters are torn to some extent between the venerable Eastern culture they *should* respect, and the exciting new Western world they actually *want* to embrace. Each character eventually makes his own choice, for good or ill. There are clear incompatibilities between these cultures. Is Leslie's father a homophobic bigot or a staunch defender of our ancient traditions? Whose side are you on, anyway? Why?
The Elite - It is sometimes said, very quietly, that Singapore is dominated by a class of educational and economic "elites". While the system is officially egalitarian and meritocratic, some charge that it is really elitist. The medical student Leslie, the rich spoiled boy and his well-educated girlfriend represent this class in effigy in the movie. This movie manages to deftly air most of the grievances against them, including their influence, isolation and "immoral" Western influence. Some righteous butt-kicking and some overdue peace-making eventually occurs.
The film suffers a little in terms of production values, which is understandable given the budget. However, the actors put in spirited, convincing performances, the script satisfies on many levels, and it's just great fun to watch. The characters have unexpected depth, are easy to relate to (at least to a Singaporean), and manage to quickly draw you into their lives on screen. Glen Goei's direction is straightforward but solid, and his vision shines through.
This is the kind of movie Hollywood has forgotten how to make. It is strongly built on the fundamentals and succeeds the old-fashioned way. And that's the way *I* like it!
9/10
smilin' cause I like it.
itsclear7 June 2000
"That's the Way I Like it" or "Forever Fever" is a movie that makes me smile. It plays a lot like Saturday Night Fever, the music, the disco dance competition, and the hero changes dance partners along the way. But it isn't a parody of the movie just based in Singapore, instead I think it's just paying homage to the great film. This is really a feel good movie that makes you laugh, want to dance, and smile throughout ... except for this really moving and well acted scene with Hock's brother Leslie and his father. By the end you will be glad you saw a movie that made you smile... and find yourself saying, "Thats the way I like it." This movie is a simple story, that ask you to , 'Don't think ... feeeeeel' "Enter the Dragon. 1974"
remake 2006?
ptb-819 May 2005
This is a charming and touching Singaporean combo of STRICTLY BALLROOM and Saturday NIGHT FEVER with bits of ENTER THE DRAGON (!) thrown in for good musical kung fu measure and pleasure. I am sure you never thought in a million years that you would read that all in the one sentence. Well, all in the one film makes it a delightful mix. Lurching in and out of English Spinglish and various Asian dialects FOREVER FEVER has a wonderful sense of itself as both a urban musical and an Asian romantic drama. Like Bollywood films pinching plot and images from various western films, this low budget Malaysian production manages to lift whole plot ideas and reverse them, and then even chuck in some PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO cinematic off-the-screen advice and ideas from viewer to screen actor. Well made and with a terrific soundtrack FOREVER FEVER could easily be remade in 2006 as a regular Anglo/American/Aussie film and succeed all over again. FLOWER DRUM SONG it is not.
A boon to the Asian film industry
spirochaete23 June 2000
I saw this movie nearly three years ago, when it first came out in Singapore (was living there at the time) and I thoroughly loved it. I'm excited that it's finally come to the US (if only in video).
The story is, well, predictable (except the subplot with Ah Hock's brother). But that's alright. So is most of Hollywood. What makes this movie such a gem is the earnestness of the acting--the fun the actors really seem to be having making this movie.
The film uses some of Singapore's unique talents (it's too bad Steven Lim isn't doing that much acting any more or that Medaline Tan hasn't been seen in a while). Take the dance instructor, for example--he's probably Singapore's most famous transvestite (you see him in his more usual role in a short cameo). Goei's subtlety in showcasing aspects of Singapore that are not its more renowned is especially appealing. Singapore hasn't always been as clean, well-run, and efficient as it is now.
Don't get me wrong. You don't have to be Singaporean to enjoy this movie (I'm not). Enjoy the Singlish that is unabashedly used throughout. Enjoy the fun (if not technically amazing) dancing. Enjoy the wonderful soundtrack, full of disco classics re-recorded by Singaporean bands (although you can't always tell). Enjoy the fact that a company of Singaporeans have made a film worthy of hollywood without any of hollywood in it. It's a blast.
The story is, well, predictable (except the subplot with Ah Hock's brother). But that's alright. So is most of Hollywood. What makes this movie such a gem is the earnestness of the acting--the fun the actors really seem to be having making this movie.
The film uses some of Singapore's unique talents (it's too bad Steven Lim isn't doing that much acting any more or that Medaline Tan hasn't been seen in a while). Take the dance instructor, for example--he's probably Singapore's most famous transvestite (you see him in his more usual role in a short cameo). Goei's subtlety in showcasing aspects of Singapore that are not its more renowned is especially appealing. Singapore hasn't always been as clean, well-run, and efficient as it is now.
Don't get me wrong. You don't have to be Singaporean to enjoy this movie (I'm not). Enjoy the Singlish that is unabashedly used throughout. Enjoy the fun (if not technically amazing) dancing. Enjoy the wonderful soundtrack, full of disco classics re-recorded by Singaporean bands (although you can't always tell). Enjoy the fact that a company of Singaporeans have made a film worthy of hollywood without any of hollywood in it. It's a blast.
Saturday Night Fever, Singapore Style
i_know_i_die22 August 2007
I've seen many kind of dance movies but my favorite still have to be the old school dance moves. So most likely I would enjoy watching this movie. Such movies always have a great soundtrack and this film has it. With all the famous disco hit from 'Staying Alive' to 'That's The Way I Like It' to 'Kung Fu Fighting'. And not forgetting Singapore actor Adrian Pang playing the lead. This is going to be a good Disco movie.
So the story goes, Hock(Pang) is a fan of Bruce Lee and works at a supermarket. One day he walks pass a shop and he sees a motorbike and instantly falls in love with it but all that is stopping him is the price. Soon Hock finds out about a dance competition and decides to join it. He goes for dance lesson with his friend, Mei(Tan).
Hock meets another dancer, Julie(Francis), who manage to catch his attention and her boyfriend, Richard(Png) is the guy who flirts around with other girls. After a hard training and watching 'Saturday Night Fever' again and again. Hock is finally up for the competition but Richard will do anything to bring Hock down. Hock gives a great disco performance mixing disco moves with kung fu. This is one Singapore film you can't miss.
As I said and I'll say it again. The soundtrack is brilliant. All the great disco classic what more can you ask for? The editing for the film is good. Plenty of fast cuts in the Disco scene and the mixing of the song is great. I like the scene where Hock and Julie are dancing in the dance studio with the fading transition. It is really well done. The camera work is good. They had plenty of good camera angles in the film. Especially in the dance scene. The lighting is kind of simple but good. Adrian Pang acting is for the role is quite good. Made me laugh a few times. He really bring the character to life. The art direction is worth the mention here. The costume and the set of the film are great. It really look like Singapore in the 80s.
This is an enjoyable film that can be enjoyed by all age. If you enjoyed Saturday Night Fever, this is a must watch. A sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Well not really but it is a good sequel if it is one. Disco fans will love this film. That's the way ah-ha-ah-ha I like it ah-ha-ah-ha.
So the story goes, Hock(Pang) is a fan of Bruce Lee and works at a supermarket. One day he walks pass a shop and he sees a motorbike and instantly falls in love with it but all that is stopping him is the price. Soon Hock finds out about a dance competition and decides to join it. He goes for dance lesson with his friend, Mei(Tan).
Hock meets another dancer, Julie(Francis), who manage to catch his attention and her boyfriend, Richard(Png) is the guy who flirts around with other girls. After a hard training and watching 'Saturday Night Fever' again and again. Hock is finally up for the competition but Richard will do anything to bring Hock down. Hock gives a great disco performance mixing disco moves with kung fu. This is one Singapore film you can't miss.
As I said and I'll say it again. The soundtrack is brilliant. All the great disco classic what more can you ask for? The editing for the film is good. Plenty of fast cuts in the Disco scene and the mixing of the song is great. I like the scene where Hock and Julie are dancing in the dance studio with the fading transition. It is really well done. The camera work is good. They had plenty of good camera angles in the film. Especially in the dance scene. The lighting is kind of simple but good. Adrian Pang acting is for the role is quite good. Made me laugh a few times. He really bring the character to life. The art direction is worth the mention here. The costume and the set of the film are great. It really look like Singapore in the 80s.
This is an enjoyable film that can be enjoyed by all age. If you enjoyed Saturday Night Fever, this is a must watch. A sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Well not really but it is a good sequel if it is one. Disco fans will love this film. That's the way ah-ha-ah-ha I like it ah-ha-ah-ha.
Great Movie!
giatime25 June 2008
Simply stated a feel good movie. Anytime my 10 year old will turn off the Nintendo and enjoy something that's a sign to me that something is at least entertaining. And this movie and it's characters are top of the food chain. From a male perspective born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, let me tell you my two biggest heroes growing up were Bruce Lee and Travolta do I need say more? Also the scenes with the Homosexual brother are deep and important. You must respect this movie. trust me you'll laugh. Also if you find Asian women sexy this is a great film to see some awesome hotties. The soundtrack is also pretty cool. When considering movie by egomaniacs like Tom Cruise this sweet movie is cool.
Singapore Night Fever
pch8 October 1999
Forever Fever is the sort of film you don't expect to like, but do. It's basically a tongue-in-cheek remake of Saturday Night Fever, Singapore-style, including all the bad clothes, hairstyles and music we've tried to forget.
Add elements of practically all other youth-oriented genres, lovable supporting characters and a great reference to the career of John Travolta, and we have a film that's frequently hilarious; never less than charming.
Add elements of practically all other youth-oriented genres, lovable supporting characters and a great reference to the career of John Travolta, and we have a film that's frequently hilarious; never less than charming.
An endearing and funky Singaporean benchmark!
darangatang23 April 2008
It's hard to believe that its been almost ten years since this movie came out. I fondly remember watching it in the theaters in Singapore with my sister, and what an experience that was: That's the Way I Like It (as it is also known) was one of the few movies so far to elicit loud laughs and cheers there, and subsequently get picked up for international distribution. A great feat for a film industry that is still quite young! I'm hoping that a ten year anniversary DVD with special features is on the horizon.
Despite being a "foreign film", Forever Fever is remarkably accessible to audiences of every type. (Even though I grew up in Singapore, I write this now from my current home of New York City). Sure, a knowledge of regional slang and mannerisms make up a good part of the pleasure of watching this film -- it's unique cultural slant ensured that it was a hit among Singaporean audiences. But the broad quality of Forever Fever (and the mark of good, entertaining film-making) is it's ability to resonate emotionally with audiences of all different cultures, and in different time periods. By setting his film during the peak of disco fever, director Glen Goei establishes a common focal point for the international market. In turn, although most viewers will not be accustomed to Singapore of the 1970's and all it's Asian nuances, the story of lead character Hock (Adrian Pang) and friends translates excellently, even through the occasional Singlish or Hokkien. Particular praise to the team as well for tastefully (and somewhat daringly) incorporating the story of Hock's brother Leslie.
On that subject of 'translation', I will say that the distributor could've done a better job with the subtitles in this particular DVD release. When Hock's grandmother gets her line in (and a punchline, to boot), we are only offered a maddening "Speaking Chinese" to explain. This also happens during certain easily translatable Singlish phrases; either that, or it doesn't quite hit the mark (for instance, "shiok" means 'good', not 'sure'). I am also glad that they dropped the idea of re-dubbing the actor's voices as Americans. This is demonstrated in the international trailer on the disc, and it would've paradoxically undermined the international appeal and uniqueness of the movie.
Put that minor point aside, though. You won't be disappointed with this DVD, and it is all the more reason to call for a jam-packed re-release, too. Forever Fever is a benchmark of Singaporean cinema and a highly enjoyable film. Glen Goei comments on love, dance, family, and Asian values through the prism of disco's import into Singapore and the universally relevant stories of his endearing characters -- consequently, he and his team have created a film that charmingly exports a nostalgic slice of the country's past and ubiquitous ideals to the world.
Despite being a "foreign film", Forever Fever is remarkably accessible to audiences of every type. (Even though I grew up in Singapore, I write this now from my current home of New York City). Sure, a knowledge of regional slang and mannerisms make up a good part of the pleasure of watching this film -- it's unique cultural slant ensured that it was a hit among Singaporean audiences. But the broad quality of Forever Fever (and the mark of good, entertaining film-making) is it's ability to resonate emotionally with audiences of all different cultures, and in different time periods. By setting his film during the peak of disco fever, director Glen Goei establishes a common focal point for the international market. In turn, although most viewers will not be accustomed to Singapore of the 1970's and all it's Asian nuances, the story of lead character Hock (Adrian Pang) and friends translates excellently, even through the occasional Singlish or Hokkien. Particular praise to the team as well for tastefully (and somewhat daringly) incorporating the story of Hock's brother Leslie.
On that subject of 'translation', I will say that the distributor could've done a better job with the subtitles in this particular DVD release. When Hock's grandmother gets her line in (and a punchline, to boot), we are only offered a maddening "Speaking Chinese" to explain. This also happens during certain easily translatable Singlish phrases; either that, or it doesn't quite hit the mark (for instance, "shiok" means 'good', not 'sure'). I am also glad that they dropped the idea of re-dubbing the actor's voices as Americans. This is demonstrated in the international trailer on the disc, and it would've paradoxically undermined the international appeal and uniqueness of the movie.
Put that minor point aside, though. You won't be disappointed with this DVD, and it is all the more reason to call for a jam-packed re-release, too. Forever Fever is a benchmark of Singaporean cinema and a highly enjoyable film. Glen Goei comments on love, dance, family, and Asian values through the prism of disco's import into Singapore and the universally relevant stories of his endearing characters -- consequently, he and his team have created a film that charmingly exports a nostalgic slice of the country's past and ubiquitous ideals to the world.
Pretty darn good!
diver8323 February 2008
Just watched this on cable (Starz) and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it was. I was channel surfing and stopped on it for a second, that grew into a few seconds, then a minute, and got sucked in and really enjoyed it. Yes, it's formulaic, and is runs in parallel to Saturday Night Fever, but when something is well done it is a joy to see. The acting was uniformly good among all the characters - solid, earnest and believable. The leads were especially good but even in a contrived situation between Leslie and his father (secondary parts) near the end of the movie, the two have a very emotional scene that had me locked in - solid acting all around. The obligatory kung fu fight was well done and folded well enough into the story line. What I especially liked about the movie is that the dancing was very well done but rode a nice line between very good amateurs and professional and kept things believable. Lastly, the costumes and wardrobes were spot on. The production was excellent and interiors and location shots were colorful and seamless, cinematography was solid, sound was perfect and soundtrack fit well with every scene. In summary - the movie rates a solid B and was fun to watch. Hope you enjoy it as much.
Mirror Ball Illusions
leemeade-303-563110 March 2012
Not dancing with the stars, although the performances are star-worthy. Good story, with several layers underneath all the disco dancing, which is very good. Singapore store clerk trying to win a local dance contest that will give him enough money to buy the motorbike of his longtime dreams. His family life is falling apart, and he attracts the attention of a dance rival, who'll stop at nothing to win the contest. This is not a new story, but the cultural differences and the Singapore location are enough to make it feel fresher. There's even a bit of a shout-out to Bollywood in the form of a dance instructor. If you like disco, or any kind of dance music, and 'Saturday Night Fever' has a special place in your heart, you will love this movie.
saturday night fever made singaporean
spunkboy7 March 2002
i saw this movie over the summer. then i saw saturday night fever for class. while not an exact remake, there are a lot of similarities between the two films. the brother that becomes the family pariah. the disco contest. room decor. but there are a couple of crucial differences that make seeing this movie worthwhile. if nothing else, the kung fu fight scene performed in disco attire.
An entertaining, but somewhat amateurish production.
loamster1 October 1999
"Forever Fever" which I saw under the title "That's the Way I Like It" is an entertaining, but somewhat amateurish film from Singapore.
The year is 1977. Ah Hock is a working stiff, who dreams of owning a motorcycle, but he can't afford one. So, he decides to enter a dance competition (disco of course) in order to win enough money to buy one. There are predictable twists and turns, and a couple of unusual side stories, but all in all it's a nice movie.
The year is 1977. Ah Hock is a working stiff, who dreams of owning a motorcycle, but he can't afford one. So, he decides to enter a dance competition (disco of course) in order to win enough money to buy one. There are predictable twists and turns, and a couple of unusual side stories, but all in all it's a nice movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
