Da cuo che

I saw this film in NYC's Chinatown when I was 12 years old. I am 30 now and have never forgotten this film. The literal translation of this film is "Caught the wrong train/bus" but the English title of the film is Papa, Can You Hear Me Sing? This English title gives a clue as to the melodrama. It is the story of Mei who has been fostered by Uncle Dumb who makes his living selling discarded wine bottles. There is great sadness and struggle during their time together. Mei, however, has a talent for singing and meets a young songwriter who becomes her love as well. She gains success as her relationship deteriorates and has forgotten all about her foster father. She is too late to see her foster father pass away. That is the story in a nutshell. Admittedly, it is a tearjerker filled with implausible cliches but the standout in this film is not the acting or the storytelling but rather its soundtrack. Filmed in the 80's in Hong Kong, this film is entirely in mandarin as are the songs. The songs are sweet and I have not forgot them to this day. Though I don't know a single word of mandarin, I still recall the melodies of the songs. The main song of the picture is based on the melody of which Uncle Dumbs sings when he hawks his wine bottles. She takes this and embellishes until a full out song for the finale of this film. The soundtrack, I believe, can no longer be purchased so if you can find this film, it may be the only record of these beautiful pieces.

This movie was filmed in Taiwan rather than Hong Kong. The story of this movie is about people changing their beliefs and values after rapid economic development in Taiwan during 1960's to 1980's. It is a moving story. Although the movie itself was quite popular and I like it very much, the soundtrack was the best. The soundtrack of this movie was one of the most successful pop song albums ever in Taiwan. The songs were well written and are very suitable for the plot of the movie. Their style was very advanced then. Moreover, its good quality also stimulated the improvements of Taiwan's pop music industry. Julie Su, the singer of these songs, also became one of the most popular singers in 80's Taiwan.

This is drama made in Taiwan about a speech-impaired and poor army veteran who adopts a daughter. She later leaves him to enter show business, resulting in the veteran becoming in a state of depression.

This is a rather slow-paced film with somber tones and a dark atmosphere. You get to see the poor neighborhoods and slums in the city and the rather mediocre lives people go through. Much of the film have sad scenes one after the other, from the veteran's dog getting hurt to his declining health resulting from his daughter's shunning him and her family for fame.

The acting was average and the drama was quite intense though. You might shed several tears after watching this film.

Grade C

Some of the songs can only have their sources from the best realm ever imaginable.

Relish them over and over until you can do justice to them. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6,.........and on whatsoever occasions you find the songs can bring good , heavenly, lingering feeling in you.