A review of Red Dragonflies, directed by Liao Jiekai

My first impression of the film, Red Dragonflies, was on the negative side. But as I began to chew on it during my ride home, and eventually realized the undertones and overtones of the film, I blame my clouded perception.

Red Dragonflies puts together three different perspectives. First, of a trio of JC students on a hike along Singapore's abandoned railway tracks. Second, of a fledging painter based in New York, returning to Singapore for her exhibition. And lastly, of a couple running a small cosy shop. The director has artfully imposed congruences between these people, leaving the audience to question if they're the same people, in different stages of their lives. Through his meticulous imposition and design, he explores feelings and emotions associated with coming of age.

The film brought a fair share of nostalgia for me. Not too long ago I was still in my khaki uniform, enjoying the lively years of junior college. And as the director portrayed how lives change when we part with our childhood friends, I sensed some similarity with my own coming of age. It's a bittersweet feeling, reminiscing about those small little actions and decisions we made as teenagers. How naive we were! But this film compels us to reflect on our own past, to see how we were once naive. And there's nothing wrong with being naive; we're just being ourselves.

From the fledging painter's perspective, we witness the point of our lives when we find ourselves uncomfortable with workings of the adult world. How we miss those carefree days as teenagers, experiencing and expressing our emotions without restraint. As we reach adulthood, we become estranged with our own emotions, presenting a different self, even to our once closest friends. 

Yet an alternative viewpoint is offered. Adulthood can come along with a different kind of emotional intimacy. A somehow romantic bond of unexpressed thoughts shared between partners.

I think we're an at age to think about our coming of age. How should we manage our childhood memories and friendships during this transition? If we overlook this seemingly insignificant domain of emotions, perhaps we'll find our early adult lives more hollow than ever. 

This is a commendable film, especially a must-watch for those in their coming of age.