"Wet Season" was a tender and compelling watch. The screenplay and direction lend nicely to much of the story, and we feel for main character Ling who's life is not too easy, but not getting help and attention she might deserve. There is alot of build-up 'til the final confusion, and Chen (both director and writer) doesn't lose track of the reserved nature of his protagonist even things break down for her. I thought the quasi-romance with student was pretty well handled, but possibly underdeveloped and not given enough depth even though taboo. A late scene with the rain seemed cliche a bit forced. Actress Yann Yann Yeo does an exceptional job keeping emotions low-key, and imparting frustration and pain. 7/10.

Teenage infatuation takes the front seat in Anthony Chen's second feature film Wet Season which by the time the drama ends gives you a feeling that is equal to what you feel when rains stop and the sun comes up in the sky with all its glory. With a proper blend of nuanced performances by the two lead able actors and subtle filmmaking, the story about a high school teacher and her inquisitive student and Wushu (Chinese Kung Fu) enthusiast moves with a pace that is bound to bring a smile to your face with its straightforward story, dry humour with enough stereotypical jibes between the characters, and unallayed emotional tension. The themes of invisible marital discord, anxiety about childlessness, caring the old, and teacher-student dynamics lines the simple plot with silver as the actors shoulder the entire film to turn it into what it is: an honest look at how such relationship start and how even they can be seen as pure despite the societal dogma. I like how Chen compares the discomfort of a monsoon season (a full-fledged one, I mean; not the joy of the first rains) with the proceedings of the film, which is only heightened by the facial expressions of the remarkably talented Yann Yann Yeo. The high school scenes are a pleasure to watch. I cannot stop gushing even though I wanted it to end at least 20 minutes earlier. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at its India premiere at the 21st MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)

This movie really close to reality I believe happening to many people. We have sad side in our life and lots of problems need us to deal with that we are unwilling. It's a story of a teacher and a student, using a female perspective to view the Singapore society. I play a lot of attention when watching most of the time. The cinematography is very good as well as the actress performance. It's a drama and feel the background and story fits so well, from rainy season til the last scene seeing the sun, it's a depression storyline but just so real and I believe the reason I love it because it echo with me.... No wonder it's nominated as one of the best movie. Will watch this director production for sure next. After a week of watching, just make me want to watch again.. it's so charming