In this 2011, if you chance upon Bak Gua whether in Mei Zhen Xiang outlets or during Chinese New Year visits, several things will come to your mind. You may think about tasty delicacies, Chinese New Year ang pows and more, but if Perfect Rivals (????) pops into your mind, somewhere in Singapore, your thoughts will be very much appreciated and this marks the beginning to a heartwarming movie opening on 17 March 2011.
InCinemas is honoured to interview veteran Hong Kong Actor Ha Yu ??, and the executive producer cum female lead of the film, Irene Ang, who were at the Grand Opening of Dickson Watch & Jewellery flagship store at Knightsbridge on 12 Jan 2011. In Perfect Rivals, Ha Yu stars as Chen Hao who used to be lovers with Zhen Mei Mei, played by Irene. Due to some misunderstandings, both of them turned against each other and changed into different persons. While Chen Hao becomes hot-tempered and distrustful of women, Mei Mei puts on a superficial front and builds a barrier to protect herself from getting hurt from relationships.
Interestingly, Chen Hao and Mei Mei share a passionately kiss in the film which Ha Yu recalls as one of his most memorable moments during the shoot. When mentioned about it, Irene jokes, "Must you remind me?" Irene shares with us that as the both of them hardly do any kissing scenes on set, they actually standby mouthwash and were very conscious about it. Asked whether if this is the only intimate scene, Irene replies, "we have intimate quarrels and the ending which I can't reveal which is of a different kind of intimacy - an emotionally intimate scene."
Being the Bak Gua Master in the film, Ha Yu learns the sequence of grilling Bak Gua beforehard and how it's done so as to perform his role professionally to his audience. Does he like Bak Gua? "Yes and very much," He replies. "Mei Zhen Xiang is also available in Hong Kong and there's not much difference in comparison [to Singapore's]."
Irene reveals that both Ha Yu and herself put on about 5 kg during the filming as Ha Yu gets to eat a lot of Bak Gua whereas herself, although hardly tasting the delicacy, had eaten a lot of the local food in Penang. Among them is the famous Penang Laksa.
When asked if the shift to March has any impact on the movie, Irene replies that it is a thoroughly thought out strategy. She quotes a chinese saying "????", that all parties may end up getting hurt due to the intense competition during the Chinese New Year period. Also, moving the opening date back gives them more time so they can better market and polish the movie itself. Likewise, the audience will not be distracted from the concentration of local movies during the festive season, by which tentatively, Perfect Rivals appears to be the only Chinese local movie opening during the March holidays.
Perfect Rivals is the first featured film from A.I. Pictures and Irene shares its aim of showcasing love in different dimension to Singaporeans, like appreciation, gratitude and most importantly the importance of family unity. Irene comments, "It's best they are reminded of how fortunate it is to have a family together or living in a country with peace and harmony."
Being a fan of both Hong Kong veterans Ha Yu and Michelle Yim ??, Irene is grateful for their involvement in her maiden film under AI Pictures and she finds a great sense of satisfaction working with them. She believes that the young actors gains positive influence from Ha Yu and Michelle just by watching them act and behave on set. Irene adds, "You don't see them [Ha Yu and Michelle] putting on airs and … It's very nice to see people that are 'there' but still respectful to others."
From the friendly chat with the renowned Hong Kong actor, we learnt that Ha Yu is leaving Singapore on 12 January and will be back after Chinese New Year to announce bigger plans. And his opinion of Singapore?
"Singapore is a very disciplined country but I haven't gotten to look around but it appears to be merrier in the presence of the casinos."
Returning to the movie 'Perfect Rivals', Ha Yu notes, "this film is suitable for all ages and especially for the whole family to enjoy. It is a heartwarming movie, filled with happiness and togetherness, and will put a smile to your face."
It was definitely an enjoyable experience speaking to Ha Yu and Irene and we look forward to the upcoming local movie 'Perfect Rivals', InCinemas 17 March 2011. The movie is directed by Han Yew Kwang ???, and stars Hong Kong veteran Ha Yu ??, Irene Ang, Mindee Ong, Pamelyn Chee and Marcus Chin ???, Malaysian actors Josh Lai, Taiwanese Stanly Hsu and with a special appearance from Michelle Yim ??.
Anyone wants some Bak Gua? Click here for its movie trailer!
