The movie “The Leap Years” opens today, 29th Feb.
Have been hearing and reading a lot about this movie, from newspapers to TV to radio. Massive publicity.
But my main aim is not to talk about the movie (which I may or may not watch, though the reviews seem rather unfavourable), but rather, the music from the movie.
Take a listen to the music from the movie’s trailer:
Do you think it sounds like something else, like maybe, I dunno…this perhaps?
(Title of clip: “Sakamoto Ryuichi – Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (Live)”)
I was not the one who discovered this. I read it from the YouTube comments (here).
Very interesting, don’t you think?
The similarities are incredible.
Either they are really using “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”, or someone must have been HIGHLY inspired by Ryuichi Sakamoto’s music when composing for “The Leap Years”.
Haha, cordial use of the word, “highly”. I hope they acknowledge Sakamoto Ryuichi in the credits or else there will be some serious infringement issues.
But smart huh, they add in clock ticking sound to disguise the original piece.
P.S Trailers have a way of making movies attractive!
To say “highly inspired” is to put things very nicely…haha!
yeah B, i first paid attention to the movie cos of the nice song during the trailer. was very intrigued how come a local movie has such a wonderful theme music.
alas, was disappointed to know it wasn’t a local work, haha..
Firdaus: Actually it’s still a question mark whether the music used in the trailer was actually Sakamoto’s piece, or whether it was supposed to be an original compostion. I’m not sure what the official stand is.
But if it’s indeed Sakamoto’s piece, how come there are slight variations here and there? And if it’s indeed an original piece, how come it is so remarkably similar to Sakamoto’s piece?
But yeah, the music from the trailer also caught my attention. It sounded very good…and it also sounded a bit familiar.
I have one of the songs in mp3 from Ryuichi Sakamoto and the part where the violins are being played aggressively, that part is exactly the same.
Just for your info
wow…didn’t know abt this! its so cool(: almost the same… and its japanese(:
Peace love people, i believe the film makers have paid their dues when they used the theme of Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, theres absolutely nothing wrong in that. The song was adapted, it really helps to make the film better and it definately manages to capture the audience attention in the trailer, so why disappointed? Cheers
Give local films a chance :)
Hi Keyser, your point is well taken. Thanks for leaving a comment!
I really enjoy this music. Have been looking for it’s name.