Mr. Unbelievable 2015

Comedy

Music

Box Office

$418K

Runtime

94 mins

Language

Chinese

Directed by

Wang Guoshen

Made by

NB Productions

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Mr. Unbelievable Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mr. Unbelievable (2015). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Mr. Unbelievable Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Mr. Unbelievable (2015) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Birth and national moment

Eric Kwek Hock Seng was born on 9 August 1965, the day Singapore declared independence, linking his life to a pivotal moment in the nation's history. His birth foreshadows a life intertwined with national identity.

9 August 1965 Singapore

Abandoned as a baby on Christmas Day

On 25 December 1965, his mother abandons him in a basket with a flower and broccoli. He is later taken in by Master Lo Man and joined to Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble.

25 December 1965 Singapore

Taken in to join Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble

Master Lo Man takes him in to join Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble, marking the start of his life as a performer. This fostered a path that would define his early years in show business.

Singapore

1982: Trained to perform in getai

In 1982, Lo Man trains Eric to perform in the getai business, launching his performance career. This formal training lays the foundation for his future fame and stage presence.

1982 Singapore

Becomes a patriotic Singaporean and national campaigns advocate

Over the years, Eric evolves into a patriotic Singaporean who actively supports national campaigns, shaping his public persona. His performances begin to reflect a sense of national pride.

1980s–1990s Singapore

Speak Mandarin Campaign prompts English lyrics

As times change and the Speak Mandarin Campaign pushes Mandarin, Eric decides to add English lyrics to Chinese and Hokkien songs. This decision causes dismay among Lo Man, his friends Ah FeFei and Ah Hua, and many getai-goers.

late 1980s Singapore

English-language misfires and quirky phrases

His limited command of English produces memorable phrases such as stunned like vegetable, which both challenge him and endear him to audiences. The quirkiness becomes a notable part of his evolving image.

late 1980s–1990s Singapore

Lawrence supports the shift

Eric's new disciple and loyal fan, Lawrence, supports the shift to English lyrics, encouraged by his mother. Lawrence's backing helps sustain the experimental direction.

late 1980s–1990s Singapore

Balancing taxi driving with performing

Despite rising fame, Eric remains a taxi driver, balancing two jobs while pursuing his musical dreams. This dual life underscores his perseverance and commitment to his art.

1980s–present Singapore

Meeting Man Li and marriage

Eric's girlfriend Man Li becomes a strong ally and later his wife, supporting his career through the ups and downs. Her presence helps him navigate the pressures of show business.

early 1990s Singapore

Age 50 and renewed determination

Even at age 50, Eric demonstrates perseverance and is determined to embark on an unbelievable musical journey. The decision to push forward shows his enduring drive.

2015 Singapore

Breakthrough with the song Unbelievable

With the encouragement of Lawrence, Ah Fei, Ah Hua, and Man Li, Eric breaks through as a sensation with the song Unbelievable. The breakthrough represents a peak in his long-running pursuit of musical success.

2015–2016 Singapore

Mr. Unbelievable Characters

Explore all characters from Mr. Unbelievable (2015). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Eric Kwek Hock Seng (Chen Tian Wen)

A getai performer and taxi driver born on 9 August 1965, the day Singapore declared its independence. He rises to become a national sensation with the help of loyal friends and his partner Man Li, culminating in the hit song 'Unbelievable'. His journey mirrors Singapore's post-independence changes, embracing new languages while staying true to his roots.

🎤 Performer 🇸🇬 Patriot 🧭 Dreamer

Lo Man (Master Lo Wen) (Marcus Chin)

Mentor to Eric and head of Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble, he guides the troupe through changing times. He initially resists English lyrics but faces the business realities as the industry evolves and the Speak Mandarin Campaign influences the repertoire. A traditionalist leader who cares for his students and the group's future.

🎓 Mentor 🧭 Traditionalist 🎵 Producer

Lawrence (Tosh Zhang)

A devoted disciple who supports Eric's risky decisions; his mother encourages him to listen; he remains a steadfast ally throughout the journey. Lawrence embodies loyalty and helps keep the group together as changes reshape the getai scene.

🤝 Ally 🗺️ Loyal 🧭 Supportive

Ah Fei (Li Feihui)

A fellow member of the Luo troupe who remains loyal to Eric and plays a key role in the ensemble's dynamics. Ah Fei contributes to the collective effort that sustains the group's performances through changing times.

🧭 Loyal 🎨 Artist

Ah Hua (Jaime Teo)

Friend and performer who shares in the troupe's challenges and triumphs; her support helps propel Eric's career and the ensemble forward.

🎨 Artist 🎵 Performer

Man Li (Liu Ling Ling)

Eric's girlfriend and later wife; a supportive partner who stands by his side as he pursues his unbelievable journey and navigates the tension between tradition and modernity.

💑 Partner 🎶 Muse

Mr. Unbelievable Settings

Learn where and when Mr. Unbelievable (2015) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1965–2015

The timeline begins with Eric's birth on 9 August 1965, the day of Singapore's independence, and tracks his growth into adulthood through the 1980s Speak Mandarin Campaign era. It then follows his later career as he embraces English lyrics and becomes a nationwide sensation by the mid-2010s. The period spans social and linguistic shifts that influence performance culture and national identity.

Location

Singapore

Set against Singapore's urban landscape, the story follows a getai performer and taxi driver as he rises from humble beginnings. The film explores Singapore's post-independence cultural scene and the role of live musical performance in urban life. The Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble anchors the story, illustrating a local tradition that evolves with the times.

🇸🇬 Singapore 🎭 Culture 🏙️ City life 🎶 Entertainment

Mr. Unbelievable Themes

Discover the main themes in Mr. Unbelievable (2015). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🇸🇬

Patriotism

Eric's music becomes a vessel for national pride, aligning with Singapore's campaigns and celebrating the nation. The film portrays patriotism as a driving force behind his performances and public image. It also shows tensions between tradition and modernization as campaigns push new languages and formats. The theme highlights how art can become a vessel for collective identity.

🎶

Music

Getai performance is the core vehicle for Eric's dream. The film charts his approach to an evolving musical landscape, including adding English lyrics to traditional songs. His perseverance turns humble beginnings into a national sensation behind the song 'Unbelievable'. The journey showcases the power of music to bridge generations and languages.

🗣️

Language

Language shifts are a central conflict, with the Speak Mandarin Campaign pushing new linguistic norms. Eric's decision to blend English with Chinese and Hokkien sparks tension within the getai troupe and with Master Lo Man. The plot uses language as a symbol of modernization and national identity, while loyalty and friendship help weather the change. The theme examines how language shapes art, memory, and belonging.

🤝

Loyalty

The relationships—Man Li, Ah Fei, Ah Hua, and Lawrence—demonstrate loyalty that underpins Eric's dream. The film highlights the tight-knit circle around Luo's Family Singing and Dancing Ensemble and how support from friends sustains his career. Personal bonds propel artistic ambition as the public's attention grows. This theme underscores that success is as much about trust and community as talent.

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Mr. Unbelievable Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Mr. Unbelievable (2015). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the bustling nightlife of Singapore, where neon lights flicker above the lively getai stages, a modest troupe clings to tradition while the city rushes forward. The film opens on a world steeped in cultural celebration—patriotic songs, Mandarin campaigns, and the ever‑present hum of street vendors—setting a tone that is both nostalgic and tinged with the restless energy of change. Against this backdrop, the audience meets Eric Kwek Hock Seng, a taxi driver‑turned performer whose quiet determination pulses beneath the spectacle of the stage.

Eric inherits a struggling getai business from his mentor, Master Lo Man, and quickly discovers that the old formula no longer draws crowds. Fueled by a daring idea to weave English lyrics into beloved Chinese and Hokkien tunes, he confronts the tug‑of‑war between reverence for heritage and the lure of modern appeal. His experiment spirals into comic missteps—awkward phrasing and unintended humor—yet also ignites a quiet rebellion among the troupe’s loyal members. Supporting voices emerge: the steadfast disciple Ah FeFei, the skeptical yet caring Ah Hua, and the ever‑enthusiastic fan Lawrence, who champions the new direction with unwavering belief. Meanwhile, Man Li, his girlfriend turned confidante, offers both emotional grounding and a glimpse of the personal stakes that color his artistic quest.

The film’s tone balances heartfelt drama with a light‑hearted, almost whimsical charm, inviting viewers to feel the rhythm of a city in transition. Through spirited rehearsals, candid conversations, and the occasional language slip, the story paints a portrait of perseverance that resonates beyond the stage. It asks a simple yet profound question: how far will one go to chase a dream when tradition and innovation collide, especially when the clock ticks toward a half‑century of life? The answer lies in the music, the relationships, and the unyielding hope that reverberates long after the final note fades.