The Opera Populaire

It's been ages since we last caught a movie; it is just so difficult to find a decent movie nowadays. We went in with no expectation, but found ourselves having a brainless, corny American-cum-European mix of fun. As the title probably already told you, Alex and the gang of New York Zoo refugees finally had it with being abandoned in Madagascar and went off in search of a way to return to NY. They met with new friends and foes in Europe that provided for laughter, excitement and some of the too oft-used "inspirational" moments that movies are made of. Shall attempt not to do too many spoilers as the movie is relatively new, except to say that overall we did enjoy it quite a bit.

For me, it is possibly due to the Francophilist tendencies within me recently. As many of those who follow fashion news may know, the French approach to fashion is very much touted within the industry these days. Whether you adore or criticise it, I still think they have it down pat when it comes to sensible shopping choices (less is more, quality over quantity methods), fabulous skincare and make up and the overall nonchalant yet right on trend approach to fashion choices.

Granted this may not be the best time to talk about Europe, what with the financial crisis looming. But it is still fun to watch the movie and think about the particular continent. For example, the fiend of Alex and gang is the archetypal buxom French female game hunter who never misses the red lipstick and kohl-lined eyes while pursuing them. I loved the independence and devil-may-care attitude that purportedly ran since the time of the French Revolution ("When in Rome....Vive le France!!!!"). And when her subordinates were all knocked up and lying in hospital, instead of relying on American-style pep talk, she launched into a patriotic song that got them French nationalistic fervour up and about right away.    

I hope this has whetted your appetite somewhat. Enjoy the movie!

I have been reading about the obituary of Sudono Salim, or Liem Sioe Liong, the once richest Indon-Chinese conglomerate in Indonesia. Liem drew his last breath last Sunday, 10 June 2012. Indonesian news outlet reported that he had been suffering from degenerative illness, one of which left him blind three years ago. If you ask me why should the death of someone I do not even know make me sad, then it is this. The truth is, Liem reminded me of my childhood in Jakarta. The time when my grandparents (Liem incidentally reminded me of my late grandfather somewhat) and relatives were still alive or living there. And we would gather in our old-fashioned house or some now-retro restaurants for meals. When bouffant, curly hair, dark purple eyeshadow and Ferragamo-style low pumps were de rigeur. And when women were not worried about being raped when they want to take the angkot (public mini vans) or the trishaws. Southeast Asian scholars have this tendency to dislike Chinese immigrants and see their contribution as insignificant amongst the documentation of the “purer” or more indigenous ethnic groups. They perhaps also feel the burden of the indigenous groups’ competition in the economic sector and consequently, socio-political standing. This is in a way understandable, and is arguably an ongoing issue in a different form currently. I do not wish to use history to admonish people towards a certain acceptance of contemporary immigrants. This is truly a tricky route to travail. I just want to soak in my love for the antiquarian by reminiscing about bygone days. Simpler or better nor not. It seems that with the departure of Liem, one of the many symbols of cronyism and corruption of the New Order, a certain piece of my own history is gone as well.