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“I didn’t go with every gesture or tick (when portraying Lee Kuan Yew)”

Dramatic Singapore film 1965 may not be solely about the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, but Lim Kay Tong’s riveting portrayal is reason enough to catch it

 

From shophouses to Chinese and Malay cultural elements, the set was so convincing that the actors forgot it was all staged

 
When 1965 filmmakers Randy Ang and Daniel Yun spoke to us, they were quick to establish that their film is not one of political persuasion.

“It is not a biopic of Lee Kuan Yew, it’s not a propaganda film, it is not a documentary or a political film,” said Yun, Co-Director and Executive Producer for 1965.

“It’s a dramatic thriller based on historical events, and touches on something fragile — racial harmony and some of the peace that we experience right now,” he said.

Nonetheless, the scenes depicting Mr Lee are enough reason to pull you into the theatre. Here’s why.

 


Also read: Singapore’s hidden treasures: 6 Unknown national monuments


 

A Twist to a Historical Scene

 

Veteran actor Lim Kay Tong delivers his own interpretation of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in several scenes of 1965

 
Although Mr Lee only appears in several scenes, his portrayal by veteran thespian Lim Kay Tong makes for some of the most riveting moments of the film. One of them recalls the historic press conference during which Mr Lee tearfully announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, and addressed Singapore citizens directly through the camera.

In the film, Lim channels the same raw emotions and expressions that bear uncanny resemblance to that of the late Prime Minister. But Lim made it a point not to totally mimic Mr Lee’s mannerisms.

“If you watch it, it’s not an impersonation – it’s more of an interpretation,” Lim told Weekender. “I didn’t go with every gesture or tick. It’s just getting the emotional essence of him in that moment. [He] was more jumpy during the press conference, but I didn’t want to do that too much… So I made it a little still,” he explained.

And Lim worked very hard to deliver that. He said, “I went nearly every day to the archives for three to four weeks. I watched him to see how he was speaking, and I let it sit inside.”

 


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Thrills and Suspense in the Streets

 

Merdeka
Merdeka

1965 shows how the racial riots and changing socio-political landscape of Singapore then affected all, from families to authority figures

 
Lim’s portrayal of Mr Lee may be the most hyped focal point of 1965, but it will by no means steal the show. The tension between races in the film is stretched uncomfortably thin, culminating in aggressive conflicts and riots that affect the everyday citizen on a personal level.

One of the most thrilling moments of the film features Chinese immigrant Zhou Jun (played by Joanne Peh) and her ageing father feebly fending off a wave of looters who are shoving their way into a coffee shop. It gets even more gripping when you learn that Peh was pregnant when filming that intense scene.

“When I didn’t know I was pregnant yet, I ran extra hard, and I had to cry and get all worked up for the film. Those were the most poignant filming moments for me,” Peh told Weekender.

 


Also read: Joanne Peh’s baby bump didn’t stop her from intense filming


 
Meanwhile, the entire kampong community is torn asunder, and people – from soldiers to children – are thrown into a world of chaos.

 

Be Transported Back in Time

 

Local talent Sezairi Sezali stars in 1965, and also produced songs for the movie’s soundtrack

 
Filmed in sunny Batam, Indonesia, 1965 boasts a detailed and vivid set that will immerse you in the time before Singapore’s independence.

From authentic shophouses to curious mixtures of Chinese and Malay cultural elements, the props and backdrop were so convincing that even the actors forgot that they were in a set, said Peh.

You’ll be able to “almost taste and smell the 1960s” mere “minutes into the film”, said Yun.

To commemorate the launch of 1965, Soup Restaurant, a local brand, is rolling out a special 1965 meal during the movie’s run. This will help you to taste and experience the film and era in a closer way. I’d say it’s a lovely way to celebrate Singapore’s story.

 

4 Titbits to Note When Watching 1965

  1. In the intense chase scene where Joanne Peh runs through the streets, she didn’t know she was pregnant yet.

  2. Lim Kay Tong’s wife “prodded” him to take the role of Lee Kuan Yew – he would have declined the role otherwise.

  3. Some shop fronts recreate places that really existed, such as old F&N product signs and the Oriental Theatre on Sago Lane.

  4. The movie features songs from local singers Sezairi Sezali and Gentle Bones.

  5. Get ‘live’ Twitter updates from characters in the movie @realtime1965.

 
By Pamela Chow for Weekender Singapore

 

1965 [pg13]

Director: Randy Ang
Starring: Qi Yuwu, Deanna Yusoff, Joanne Peh, Lim Kay Tong & Sezairi Sezali
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Run length: 130 min
Release: 30 Jul