FILM REVIEW: Shanti3 min read
Reading Time: 3 minutes
A jaded salaryman, Kelvin lives a separate existence from his cheerful condo security guard. But a devastating illness forces Kelvin to make a promise that will change both their lives.
Film: Shanti
Director: Chong Yu Lun
Cast: Glendan Ho, Hema Prabakaran
Year: 2018
Runtime: 18min
This film is part of the 15 Shorts project and can be watched online through their website or Facebook page.
Review by Jean Wong
A powerful film that shows the rippling effects that people have on others, Shanti (2018) sheds the light on children that face neglect due to unfortunate circumstances. Although the film is titled Shanti, the real hero of the film is an office worker by the name of Kelvin (Glendan Ho). Kelvin is initially set up to appear as a jaded everyman, while Shanti (Hema Prabakaran), the security guard at Kelvin’s condominium, has a warm and cheerful disposition. While Kelvin is the protagonist of the film, Shanti also plays a significant role in the film by being the catalyst that nudges Kelvin to action. The interplay between Kelvin and Shanti is an interesting dynamic to watch, and it sets up a relationship with a poignant payoff.
As the film progresses, we see Kelvin’s workaday attitude gradually evolve, as he begins to reach out to the people around him and try his best to make their lives better. Since the film is so centred on Kelvin, the positive changes in his life is made really evident to the viewers. It is a heartwarming performance from Ho (who is a familiar face from local commercials and many student films) as he adeptly handles Kelvin’s character arc with unexpected subtlety and nuance.
The real life person that Kelvin was based on was in fact awarded the Good Neighbour Award by the Sembawang-Hong Kah Community Development Council in 1999. By setting Kelvin up as a jaded everyday character, it makes him more relatable to the audience. As such, his small acts of compassion appear more doable, even by the average Joe. Shanti is definitely an inspiring short film that reminds us that it does not take much to help others and in the process, better our lives.
About 15 Shorts
15 Shorts is a collaboration between the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Blue3Asia. Fifteen film directors provide an alternative perspective to the nation-building narratives of the era; their films tell true stories of Singaporeans who performed powerful acts of selflessness between the 1970s and 1990s. These are slice-of-life stories that reveal how this human, giving side has always been a part of us.
In the spirit of giving, each director will dedicate his or her film to a charity in Singapore. Working with NVPC, the directors have curated a list of charities that cover a spectrum of needs, including support for the elderly, people with autism, and migrant workers.
About the Director’s Chosen Organisation
MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) believes that no child should be left behind regardless of disability, illness, or circumstance. MILK focuses on plugging the gaps in the social service sector rather than duplicating what is already in existence. They also devote their resources to transformational programmes that empower children and their families to break out of the poverty cycle. If you would like to help out these children, please click here. To learn more about MILK, please visit their website.
