Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.
This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.
I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.
I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
Hi Noel follows a shy young boy, Leon (Zane Asher Quek), who is very sad because he realizes that his parents might be headed towards a divorce. As his parents argue with each other, Leon feels a sense of loneliness and he creates an imaginary friend for himself named Noel (Oscar Ow). Noel is the perfect friend that Leon needs during this tumultuous time. Together, Leon and Noel take off on an adventure trying to get his parents back together and, eventually they end up getting trapped in a room. When Leon's parents look for him they finally work together and it changes everything. The dialogue is in Mandarin Chinese and English, with English subtitles as needed.
This is a great film that addresses a difficult topic - divorce. It is very suitable for school aged kids and their parents. The production levels are quite good with excellent camera work and audio recordings and a great soundtrack. I especially like the beginning when a number of kids are interviewed; they are very real and charming. The stars of the show are Zane Asher Quek and Oscar Ow, who play the two boys. They are absolutely adorable. The parents, played by Jaime Teo and Dylan Quek, are also quite good. They seem like typically busy and distracted young parents. When the mom asks Leon who he would live with if they separated, she is surprised to hear him say, "Daddy." And the reason why? Daddy plays with him.
I like the scene when we first learn that Leon has an imaginary friend. Although it is sad, it contributes to the story and introduces the stress of his home life where his parents fight a lot and are headed for divorce. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his imaginary friend and when they wander off to the park. Later when Leon learns that another girl at school also has an imaginary friend, it vindicates his own. The background music is excellent; it really enhances the tone of each scene and brings home the emotional context. I especially love the circus sounding music when Leon and Noel head to the playground. And, it really emphasizes the sadness in the scene where the parents have finally acknowledged they are divorcing and individually are packing up their stuff. This film doesn't hold back on the issues causing unhappiness in this family. We see how the relationship between the parents has become physically abusive in addition to being mentally abusive. We see Leon blaming himself for his parents' behavior and thinking he should run away so they could be happy. It drags a bit past the midpoint, but picks up again and the ending is a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the transition the mom and dad make as the film progresses. They finally stop fighting and focusing on themselves when they have to work together to find their child and, somehow in the midst of that, remember what they mean to each other. It may be a bit of a far-fetched ending because we all know that relationships are complicated, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
The film's message is about working out your issues for your family, because family is important.
I give Hi Noel 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Janie R. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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