Not All Answers Are Found In Google
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Directed by Triden V Balasingam | Reviewed by Samiksha Periwal
It is quite interesting to note that whenever the contemporary generation needs an answer, they turn to 'Google' as their one-stop shop. It is true that modern technology has enormously assisted the entire globe in so many ways, but most people forget that it is ultimately a man-made entity, a machine and like the title of this film says, ‘Not All Answers are Found on Google’. The director introduces two very different individuals in this movie, one from a truly historic period with conventional notions about living life and the other from the Alpha generation, which views technology as a basic survival necessity. It captures memories of a grandfather and granddaughter enjoying time together, exchanging and learning new ideas about their respective favored lives. However, when they learn of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused havoc and restricted travel, the grandfather stays back in Canada with Sera, his beloved grandchild, spending their entire day together engaging in different activities. From here, story about two generations and how their lives are intertwined, impacting both their thoughts and actions.
From the very start, the director points out how different these two characters are in their approach towards life. The influence of social conditions and their upbringing seems to be the most plausible reason for the same. By situating the story of an Asian family in Canada, there is also a touch of western influence. It's a satire on the over-involvement of technology in the lives of Gen Z and subsequent generations, which leaves them mostly unaffected by reality. Through this film a variety of themes, mostly relating to emotions and feelings have been implied. The film’s basic idea throws light on the fact that life is all about seeing the good amidst the bad. He portrays value for living in the present, appreciating the things around oneself and feeling every emotion to the fullest through Li Jian Feng, the grandfather’s character. A significant shift in Sera’s character is witnessed as the film progresses, a shift from technological intervention to human interaction by engaging in variety of activities with her granddad. The importance of memories in life has been emphasized upon several times y the director. He tries to put across the thought of making memories a source of knowledge stored permanently in one’s mind instead of storing photographs and videos on a mobile phone. This is because, it is important for every individual to stores memories and not photographs, a realization that most people haven’t reached at yet. Just like the characters in the film portray how memories can be felt just by closing one’s eyes and recalling every moment, even in real life, memories do act as a strong storehouse of information which can completely change an individual’s emotional state.
This film was entirely shot and produced during the 2020 lockdown period, making it even more special for the audiences who had lost touch with reality, facing emotional lows and fighting a different battle each day. This thread of thought is praise-worthy and its appropriate expression through the characters of Grandpa Feng and Sera also speak volumes about the entire cast and crew of this short film. The film is aesthetically pleasing and feels like a warm hug in a cold winter evening. The director, Triden V Balasingam is an award-winning film director and editor, popularly acknowledged as one of the most successful filmmakers for low-budget films in Tamil Diaspora. He also writes web-journals, stories and articles which are quite well-known in the print media. His story-telling style is unique and loved by his audiences. Shooting on actual locations, letting his actors improvise with dialogues, including technical notes and editorial remarks are some of the characteristics that set him apart from other filmmakers, aiding in keeping the story as naturalistic and simplistic as possible.
In a nutshell, this heartwarming and easygoing picture is unique in that it provides the spectator with plenty to think and feel good about later. It should undoubtedly be added to your list of must-see movies. It will make you happy and transport you to one of your fondest memories. We strongly encourage viewers to see this fantastic narrative in order to appreciate this wonderful feeling.
Samiksha Periwal is an 20 year old student from Kolkata, West Bengal. She is an enthusiast, eager to learn and explore. She has done her schooling from Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata and is currently a student of Christ University, Bangalore pursuing a triple major in BA Psychology, Sociology and English. She is a passionate writer and has won many laurels for her school through the years.
