Sunday 27 September 2009

4:30 (Singapore, 2005)




Director: Royston Tan.

Principal cast: Xiao Li Yuan, Young-jun Kim.







Constant social interaction is not just an unavoidable subproduct of the ever-increasing urban co-habitation, it is also very much a prerequisite for our humanity in general and our own place in the surrounding society in particular. Every now and then, we learn about some young child who, not unlike Mowgli having been abandoned by humans after birth, grows up unaware of the expected human behaviour imitating instead the creatures that it has lived with, be it dogs, monkeys or whatever else. As a result, this child not only lacks any human language but often never even learns to walk upright. This aspect doesn’t apply to children only – humans learn throughout their lives, adapting to new places, new technologies, new people. But that is, of course not the end of line. The other main function of any social interaction is just that – social. Humans are also flock creatures who define themselves by their position in relation to the other humans surrounding them and whose mental stability depends on these relations. Loneliness and social exclusion are therefore some of the hardest things to endure for an overwhelming majority of the human kind.

Royston Tan’s second feature 4:30 is a study of loneliness and inability to break what is often just a shell created by circumstance and mounting bitterness towards fellow human beings as well as failure to communicate. The film’s central characters are Xiao Wu, an 11-year-old Chinese latchkey boy left to fend for himself after school while his mother is away on never-ending business trips and Jung, their thirty-something suicidal wreck of a tenant from Korea. The obvious obstacles to any communication between the two, such as the language barrier and the age gap, do not deter the boy from constantly attempting to establish a link to Jung. Just like a warmth-seeking missile, he never seizes to direct his attention towards him – he smells his chopsticks to find out what he had for dinner, he takes a photo of both of them together while Jung is asleep and even secretly cuts one of his pubic hairs – all to be entered into his journal which is entirely dedicated to documenting Xiao Wu’s observations of the tenant. Occasionally, he tries to get under Jung’s skin by putting on his boxer shorts and mimicking his daily routines, including shaving. Thus, his obsession with Jung becomes his own daily routine, a routine which he takes very seriously. Every night at 4.30, woken up by his several alarm clocks, he conducts his nocturnal forays into Jung’s bedroom. While the tenant is lying unconscious in his bed after yet another night of heavy drinking, no doubt aided by the pills which he also abuses, Xiao Wu inspects what little there is to inspect, searching for future entries into his journal.

Jung seems oblivious to Xiao Wu’s childish attempts at communicating with him. His own mind is grief-stricken by the loss of his girlfriend and he chooses to ignore even the boy’s unimpeded attempts at provoking a reaction from him. In a rare moment of actual interaction between the two one night on the stairs, the only thing Jung can think of is to offer the 11-year-old a cigarette while tears are welling up in his eyes. He even tries to say something to Xiao Wu in Korean, only the viewer doesn’t get any translation of what he says, just to emphasise the impenetrable wall between the two.

Leading a lonely existence in an adolescent world disconnected from the rest of the society, Xiao Wu is a typical product of surroundings which have little time to spare for one another. Growing up mostly on his own and feeling alienated in school, his only role models are fictional characters on TV shows whom he knows so well that he simply mimics every word one of them, ironically a disgruntled housewife, has to say. Unwittingly, Jung becomes his other role model being the only other person around. One of the focal scenes of the film has Xiao Wu reading out loud a composition he was supposed to write as part of his homework. The title of the composition is My Hero. In a somewhat shaky voice he presents Jung as his Korean father who has a distinct smell of beer and Johnson’s baby powder but also someone who loves him and cares for him and meets him every day after school. And herein lies the all too powerful distinction between the two – although they are both intrinsically lonely, their loneliness has been arrived at on two different levels which are never to meet. Most of the time, the two protagonists wear white shirts and tops. While in the boy’s case the white colour might symbolise his innocence, Jung’s white shirts resemble mostly a white flag. Xiao Wu is seeking human contact while Jung has given up on it.

Royston Tan’s art direction is impressive and his cinematography has a hypnotic, almost mesmerising effect. Although obviously not to everyone’s taste, 4:30 can be a rather meditating experience with sparse dialogue and long silent scenes where the viewer is given the opportunity to submerge in the significance of the seemingly insignificant. The film is also filled with subtle humour portraying everyday life of an extremely bored pre-adolescent boy. It cannot be recommended to any viewers craving action or wrapped-up explanations since much of the interpretation is left to ourselves but I would say that it’s exactly what gives this film a little extra to chew on after the credits are gone.

Here you can watch the film's trailer

37 comments:

Nick said...

Visit http://pledgesandprayers.blogspot.com/ and find out how you can teach the world to give pledges and prayers

Anonymous said...

Hi, i just want to say hello to the community

Anonymous said...

post Awesome. Vraiment apprécié la lecture de votre blog.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, nice job! This was the stuff I had to have..

Anonymous said...

TshRyl [url=http://chaneljponline.org/]シャネル 化粧品[/url] AqdZij http://chaneljponline.org/ GckJqa [url=http://www.coachjpsales.net/]コーチ アウトレット[/url] ScwVti http://www.coachjpsales.net/ HbsLzo [url=http://pradasjapan.net/]プラダ アウトレット[/url] DgxXig http://pradasjapan.net/ PpjUyv [url=http://coachonsales.org/]コーチ バッグ アウトレット[/url] TcaUwg http://coachonsales.org/

Anonymous said...

discreet dating services http://loveepicentre.com raqeeb haque dating

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/4.jpg[/img][/url]
gay lesbian dating website [url=http://loveepicentre.com/faq.php]dating personals singles and mingles[/url] 10025 american dating site
plenty of fish dating site problems [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]search love dating[/url] adult dating meet xxx
scientific carbon dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com]dating site fl tammi21[/url] dating usa indian dating

Anonymous said...

Sрot on with thiѕ wгite-up, I hоnеstly bеlieve thіѕ
site nеeԁs far moгe аttentiοn.
I'll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information!
My web-site :: payday loans no credit check

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/12.jpg[/img][/url]
dating sex escorts in lousiana [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials.php]dating service in hawaii[/url] dating service vishakapatnam
dating in san antonio tx [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]virtual dating game for ipod[/url] herpes dating ahuimanu hawaii
adult dating sites discreet free [url=http://loveepicentre.com]drew latsch dating[/url] free women over fifty dating

Anonymous said...

Τhis piece of wrіting іs genuinely a plеasant one it
aѕsiѕts new the web vieweгs, ωho arе wishing for blοgging.
Also see my website - loans for bad credit

Anonymous said...

download ebook mobile computing http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/it/Auto-Aiuto/c128/?page=11 schwartz surgery ebook pdf [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/fr/Fasting-Girls-The-Emergence-of-Anorexia-Nervosa-as-a-Modern-Disease/p214167/]mortimer adler ebook[/url] malachi z york free ebook downloads

Anonymous said...

It's going to be end of mine day, however before ending I am reading this enormous paragraph to improve my knowledge.

Look into my website - short term loan
Here is my web page ; short term loan

Anonymous said...

This paragraph offers clear idea in support of the
new viewers of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.


Check out my web site: youtube videos downloaden

Anonymous said...

bid ebook ghost writing http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/PNG-The-Definitive-Guide-O-Reilly-Nutshell/p215297/ free ebook by maria woodworth-etter kids in pioneer times ebook library ebook databases

Anonymous said...

I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality
articles or weblog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website.
Studying this information So i am satisfied to express that I have an
incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
I so much without a doubt will make certain to do not fail to remember this
web site and provides it a look on a continuing basis.


my blog; myvideo downloader
My web site :: online radio

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a maгvelous posting! I definitely enјoyed reading it,
you сould be а great аuthor.
I wіll rеmember to bookmаrk your blog and will often come back someday.

I want to encourage continue your great job, havе a nice holidаy weеkenԁ!


mу web site ... personal loans

Anonymous said...

The particular electronic cigarette ego basic starter kit
is fantastic for new users. Continually letting a battery drain will
make it die much faster then it normally would. Rechargeable
batteries last longer than single use batteries before disposal and reduce the number of batteries you buy.


Also visit my homepage :: kostenlos spielen ohne anmeldung

Anonymous said...

Eye to computer screen control is also available. As Atlantis
emerged from the blackness of space and into the
blistering lights of the John F. If you have ever tried to kid yourself that everything will be fine and glossed over
certain issues because you wanted to avoid them, or did
not know how to deal with them. So, in conclusion, removing
the headphones from your MP3 player is not bad, provided you don't yank too hard on the cord. An analysis this change will give us insight into the supposed benefits they entail. This will also open the Backup and Restore Center, which will warn you that "Windows Backup has not been set up" and "Windows could not find a backup for this computer. Today, the scenario is entirely different. In an effort to counter the lack of support from Microsoft, an SVG plug-in for Internet Explorer was developed and supported by Adobe. * You're realistic about what you expect from others.
Why the lack of soul-wrenching anxiety.

Also visit my web-site - http://www.somos-ai.cl/comunidad/pg/profile/KayvcelGe

Anonymous said...

This act is recognized as "farming", whereby you create a
character and promote it. For most young people, playing games on
a computer, video game console, or handheld device is just a regular
part of the day. I'm not against such games, but it never hurts to have alternatives in case one doesn't want their child playing those kinds of games or maybe just would rather their kid be exposed to other types of gaming than the simple "shoot, run, shoot" types of
games that are so popular.

Here is my weblog: demarlinotin.webs.com

Anonymous said...

Hello matеѕ, good piеce of wгiting and fastidious urging commented at this place, I am іn fаct
еnjoyіng by these.

my blog: payday loans no credit check

Anonymous said...

While hopefully easier than managing a business, Tetris, like most puzzle games, requires a fair bit of strategy.

Another notable person in the development was Dmitry Pavlovsky
who worked together with Alexey to make the game on the Elektronika 60,
a Russian computer. The computer demonstrate can be as used,
Number of individuals while in the system you've selected inside moral quantity - Andadvantage. Several marathons are still being played to test many theories about the game's length until
now. (I'd setup a giant stack almost to your top but then My partner and i won).

Feel free to visit my web site :: Pacman Advanced

Anonymous said...

このようなレプリカのハン
ドバッグを使
用すると、まだ本格的なものからあなたが予想さ
れるすべてのものを取得することができます


Also visit my webpage; シャネル 新作

Anonymous said...

月の初めには彼らの在庫が補
充されている最高
のショッピングの
時間です

Also visit my webpage - ミュウミュウ アウトレット

Anonymous said...

I am sure this article has touched all the internet people, its
really really fastidious post on building up new blog.

My homepage: karen millen clothing

Anonymous said...

。エルメスのバッグはすべて
世界中で最も高価で、最
も有名なハンドバッグの一つです。その人気の理
由は、そのエレガントな
スタイルとデザイン、強い材料で、ク
ールでクラシックな色、優れた職人技で
ある。このブランドのバッグのさまざまな種
類があります。し
かし、最も引っ張りだこの
ケリーやバーキンです。
これらのバッグは、こ
れらはあまりにも有名である理由
の一つであるハリウッ
ドスターやセレ
ブのビッグで
遊ばしたされています。し
かし、数千ドルのため
に彼らのエルメスのバッグを
取得している有名人とは異なり
、あなたが現金の膨大な量を費やすこ
となく、あなた自
身の1つまたは2つ
を持つことができます

Here is my web page - グッチ バッグ

Anonymous said...

シャネルの腕時計の価格は
高い数百から数千ドルの範囲で設定でき

Take a look at my homepage - アリュール シャネル

Anonymous said...

Machine that really, doesn't have many strengths! You can do this by composition invitee posts if you'd like some
people's blogs. When an infant actually starts to be playful, recommended can't
resist taking part in with him. She wanted regarding about their emotional baggage
and wants. http://recrea-lr.fr/individual-know-more-close-air-max-jogging-sneakers

Anonymous said...

Think you're air max inside the business of planning a big event Should you be, congratulations! The trek operators may asked to more than their costs. Anybody ought to even talk with your doctor of medicine about any good health hazards while child. Equal wouldn?t think of that they made that much aesthetic appeal. http://lifestreambox.com/groups/profile/5015143/perform-well-to-adjust-an-cheap-nike-2012-air-max-shoes

Anonymous said...

Τhanks dеsigned for sharing suсh a gоod
iԁеa, piece of writing is nicе,
thаts why i hаve гead it entirelу

Heгe is my page; Same Day Payday Loans

Anonymous said...

The crown of the cap is also what decides if the hat is
structured or unstructured. Presently, the Raiders snapback are receiving snapped up quick.
If you are just acquiring your originally pair of Uggs, verify out the Popular Selection.
With these headgears, you always have the scope of customizing
them.

Feel free to visit my web blog; Snapbacks For Cheap

Anonymous said...

You can uncover these headgears in a fantastic blend of wool and cotton
twill. It can completely clothing your aftertaste and choice.
Snapbacks were in trend some time ago ahead of the craze not survived.
This flawless source is known as on line shopping stores.


My blog post www.sunhaber.com

Anonymous said...

Watches grew to the complete beneath the banner
of Billabong. Makers have also started out off earning the
headgears in range of models for woman gender. Outdated children's dresses can be altered into costumes for animals. At eleven:30am the Queen's Guard modifications in the Forecourt of
Buckingham Palace.

Also visit my homepage Cheap New Era Hats

Anonymous said...

I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but definitely you're going to a famous blogger if you aren't already ;) Cheers!


my web site; コーチアウトレット

Anonymous said...

free online dating rochester ny http://loveepicentre.com/map/ 50 cent dating olivia
dating sebastian [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/]profile help for online dating[/url] elena panova ukraine dating kharkov
is jessica dating romo [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/]dating made easy[/url] online dating websites catholic [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/pirateXgirl/]pirateXgirl[/url] tickling dating services

Anonymous said...

OceaseFam xaikalitag Veiddelia [url=http://usillumaror.com]iziananatt[/url] mutConKayanny http://gussannghor.com gortwindreire

Anonymous said...

we give out loan of all kinds in a very fast and easy way, Home loan, Student loan, Xmas Loan,Business loan, Investor loan etc.we offer loan to every individuals, firms, and company that are in need of financial assistance in a low interest rate of 3%. contact us,powerfinance7@gmail.com OR call now +918447735310

Unknown said...

Do you need a loan to consolidate your debt? Are you in need of a loan
to finance or expand your business? or for car purchase, buying a
house and other personal loans etc we give long term loan for five to
fifty years maximum with 3% interest. You are 100% Guaranteed.
contact us via email reply to email ( willsonsmithloancompany@yahoo.com)

BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS:

Full Name:________________________
Country:_________________________
State:__________________________
Sex:____________________________
Date of Birth:______________________
Home Address:______________________
Amount Needed:______________________
Loan Duration:_______________________
Cell Phone:_________________________
Monthly income:____________________
Purpose for Loan:___________________
Occupation:_________________________