Cast
Ethan Juan – Luo Bao Yi
Chen Jian Bin – Zhang Yong Shan
Regina Wan Qian – Ni Ni
Ivy Chen – Ah Jiao
Gist
Xiao Bao, a young man, was picked via a lottery draw to serve in the Taiwan army. With heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, a war could potentially erupt any moment. Xiao Bao was sent to Kinmen, the island closest to China, and probably the most dangerous place during that period.
He started off serving in the the toughest unit, the Sea Dragon (ARB) where he met Lao Zhang, a tough, rough, no nonsense veteran army officer, who made life miserable for the young soldiers. But he would also make a great impact on Xiao Bao’s life. Unable to conquer his fear of water, Xiao Bao was then reassigned to Unit 831, a military code name for official front line brothels.
There, he would meet other characters that would help him grow up. From Ah Qiao, the petite temptress, to Ni Ni, the aloof, guitar playing woman, whom he form an intimate relationship. With a whole building full of woman and an army of hormone raging men, there was no lack of drama and temptation everyday.
But will he loose his virginity at this worldly place or will he keep his promise to his girlfriend?
Overview
Director Doze and Ethan Juan have worked together for 3 projects. From ‘Monga’, where he played a tough gangster to ‘LOVE’ as a simple boy next door and now in ‘Service in Paradise’, as a young coming-of-age young man, who would learn a few life lessons by the time he finished his military term.
Whilst waiting for the press conference to start, a mini bts trailer was played. Almost all the well known directors/ producers appeared in, urging everyone to watch the show as it was an important part of Taiwan history.
At first glance, it did seemed that way. For one, I never knew Unit 831 (or the equivalent of comfort women) existed. I think this is a really interesting fact. The tension and rigorous training conducted at Kinmen and the real the danger that existed. Bombs could rain down at any time, even whilst under training on them and the recruits had to run for shelter.
Director Doze wanted to tell his father’s story. The lost generation who had to leave China, never to return to their hometown nor see their family again. The sense of loss and home sick that these people felt could not be understand by the younger generation in Taiwan.
In this aspect, the story is told aptly via Lao Zhang, who was forced to to leave his village and never saw his mother or fiancee again. In fact, he totally out shine Ethan Juan in many ways. I think he really conveyed the sense of loss, guilt and regret. But then again, Chen Jian Bin is a well respected veteran actor who could breathe life into any character. Ivy Chen as Ah Jiao brought life to the temptress who could twist all the men around her little finger. And yet, she too longed for happiness. But when it was offered to her, she deemed it too dirty to be accepted and paid a price for it.
As a coming-of-age story however, it does nicely. There is sweetness and sadness in the movie. One learns that one has to bend a little in real life. Ethan Juan still manages to retain that bit of innocence as a teenager even though he is already over 30 years old.
However, as a movie that is supposed to tel the older generation’s story, I think it’s a little lacking. Still, it is a thoroughly enjoyable movie and the detailed background and props is a feast for the eyes. Apparently, they spent alot on remaking the street scenes as realistic as possible… even paving the street roads.
‘Paradise on Service’ opens this week at the cinemas.
The song, ‘River of No Return’ originally sang by Marilyn Monroe featured prominently in the movie. Very sweet and perhaps summed up the theme of the movie.
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