Movie Screening: The Kid from the Big Apple

Date: 30 May 2019
Time: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Address: Duke-NUS Medical School Amphitheatre, Level 2, 8 College Rd, Singapore 169857

Hours: 2 hrs

THE KID FROM THE BIG APPLE is about a traditional grandfather (Ti Lung 狄龍) and his 12-year-old granddaughter (Sarah Tan Qin Lin). The pair has never met before, as Sarah’s Mum (Jessica Hsuan 宣萱) had a falling-out with him in her youth, where Sarah was then born and raised in New York. With Mum having to work, she leaves Sarah in the care of her grandfather in a humble home in Malaysia. Sarah initially rebels, but as the story unfolds, walls gradually break down, and a wonderful family bond is forged.

BIG APPLE has won four awards at the 7th Macau International Movie Festival (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Newcomer and Best Writing).

Synopsis from Singapore Film Society and video from GSC Movies

Movie Screening

The movie screening of The Kid from the Big apple was presented by Duke-NUS Medical Ageing Research and Education (CARE). The participants comprised of researchers, staff personnel, students, and invited guests.

Final Thoughts

The movie follows the story of a American born preteen girl (Sarah) being forced to live with her grandfather in Malaysia for an extended period of time when her Malaysian born mother needed to go for a business trip to China. The film highlights many moments where Sarah clashes with her grandfather due to cultural differences (language, habits, family values) and age.

The film starts off with Sarah and her grandfather being at odds with each other. However, as time goes by, they come to learn to compromise and to respect each others’ differences. The film’s potrayal of familial dynamics spanning across 3 generations and themes such as the importance of families, unconditional love, and respect for elders, are very relatable and serves as a constant reminder to viewers to love the people around them before it is too late.