Mr. Unbelievable 2015

Eric Kwek Hock Seng, a getai performer and taxi driver, is born on 9 August 1965—the day Singapore declares its independence and the nation begins to celebrate National Day together. He is abandoned as a baby in a basket with a flower and broccoli by his mother on Christmas Day, 25 December 1965. Aged and vulnerable, he is taken in by Master Lo Man to join Luo’s Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble (罗氏歌舞团), where his journey into the vibrant and demanding world of getai begins.

In 1982, under the guidance of [Master Lo Man], he is trained to perform in the getai business, and over the years his persona grows into a patriotic Singaporean who proudly supports national campaigns. When Lo Man’s getai enterprise struggles to keep pace with changing tastes, he decides to introduce English lyrics into Chinese and Hokkien songs. This bold change is met with mixed feelings: Lo Man himself, his friends and disciples Ah Fei and Ah Hua, and many frequent getai-goers feel a certain dismay at the shift away from tradition. The new direction also showcases his imperfect English, producing memorable phrases such as “stunned like vegetable,” which land with a wonky charm rather than with grace.

Yet there is steadfast support behind him. His devoted ally Lawrence stands by his side, a sign of encouragement he receives from those closest to him, including the quiet influence of his mother who urges him to keep listening to Eric’s songs. Driven by sheer will and a desire to prove himself, he sets out on a remarkable musical journey, even as he reaches fifty years old, a testament to persistence and passion that refuses to yield to age or doubt.

With the encouragement of Lawrence, and the loyal backing of Ah Fei and Ah Hua, along with the enduring support from his girlfriend and later wife, Man Li, he rises to become a national sensation through the unforgettable song Unbelievable. The film traces how a man born into uncertain beginnings can shape a cultural voice that resonates across generations, blending personal history with the broader tapestry of Singapore’s diverse musical landscape.

In brief, the story follows a life marked by resilience, community, and music—a testament to how one man’s dream, nurtured by family, friends, and fans, can redefine what it means to be proudly Singaporean. A brief glimpse of the very early days even shows a baby Eric (portrayed by Genghis Chai), hinting at the long, winding road that would bring him to the stage and into the hearts of many.