A Land Imagined
Singaporean noir mystery exploring labor exploitation
About A Land Imagined
Released: 2019
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 1h 35m
Cast
Peter Yu, Liu Xiaoyi, Guo Yue, Ishtiaque Zico, Jack Tan
About A Land Imagined
Explore
About
Explore
About
About
A Land Imagined is an international drama TV show released in 2019. Directed by Yeo Siew Hua, the show explores themes of mystery, identity, and isolation in modern-day Singapore. It is a visually striking and thought-provoking series that delves into the complexities of human existence and the adverse effects of globalization.
The plot follows a police investigator named Lok who is assigned to find a missing migrant worker named Wang, who vanished under mysterious circumstances. As Lok delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and discovers a hidden world of virtual reality gaming and exploitation. The lines between reality and virtual reality become blurred, leading Lok on a dangerous journey to unravel the truth.
Making / Production
A Land Imagined was written and directed by Yeo Siew Hua, a prominent Singaporean filmmaker. The show was produced by Akanga Film Asia and was made in collaboration with various international production companies.
The series was primarily filmed in Singapore, showcasing both the vibrant urban landscapes and the secluded spaces where the migrant worker community resides. The visual style of the show is distinct, with a combination of atmospheric lighting, rich colors, and unique angles that contribute to the overall mysterious and introspective tone.
Actors
- Peter Yu as Lok (Police Investigator): Peter Yu delivers a compelling performance as Lok, a dedicated police investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Wang. He portrays Lok's tenacity and vulnerability with great depth, making the character relatable and engaging.
- Liu Xiaoyi as Wang (Migrant Worker): Liu Xiaoyi brings complexity to the character of Wang, a migrant worker who goes missing. His portrayal captures the struggles and isolation faced by migrant workers, illuminating the societal issues prevalent in contemporary Singapore.
- Luna Kwok as Mindy (Virtual Reality Game Operator): Luna Kwok delivers a memorable performance as Mindy, a virtual reality game operator intricately involved in the disappearance of Wang. Her portrayal adds an element of intrigue and ambiguity to the narrative.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- A Land Imagined premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in 2018 and won the prestigious Golden Leopard for Best Film. It was also critically acclaimed at other international film festivals.
- The show presents a unique blend of genres, combining elements of mystery, crime, and psychological thriller.
- The use of virtual reality in the series serves as a metaphor for escapism and the search for identity.
- The production team extensively researched the lives of migrant workers in Singapore to ensure an authentic representation of their experiences.
Awards
A Land Imagined has received numerous awards and nominations, including:
- Golden Leopard for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival
- Best Cinematography at the Asian Film Awards
- Best Original Screenplay at the Singapore International Film Festival
- Nominee for Best Film at the Asian Film Awards
Quotes
- "In this city, nothing is what it seems." - Lok
- "We are all adrift in this land, imagined or otherwise." - Wang
Music
The musical score for A Land Imagined was composed by Teo Wei Yong. The atmospheric and haunting soundtrack adds to the overall tone of the show, enhancing the sense of mystery and tension.
Soundtrack
- "Dreamscape" - Teo Wei Yong
- "Lost Memories" - Teo Wei Yong
- "Unraveling Truths" - Teo Wei Yong
- "Shattered Illusions" - Teo Wei Yong
About A Land Imagined
A Land Imagined follows a sleepless detective unraveling the mystery of a missing migrant worker in Singapore's land reclamation sites.