In Taiwan's latest blockbuster《小时代》 Tiny Times, Chinese actress Yang Mi 杨幂 plays Ling Xiao 林蕭, a girl-next-door character who loves her friends,
cherishes her job and hopes to find the man of her dreams someday. Find out how Yang Mi compares herself with her role in Tiny Times - now showing exclusively at FilmGarde Cineplexes!
Q: How did you come to your role in Tiny Times?
- Yang Mi:
I've known Guo Jing Ming for some time and he knows that I've always
liked the novel Tiny Times. Hence, he approached me when he decided to
make it into a movie. It's like a dream-come-true experience for me to
be able to act in something which I've liked, so I went to try for the
audition right away.
Q: If you're given a choice to choose a role among the 4 female characters, which will you pick and why?
- Yang Mi: It'll
still be Ling Xiao. It was really an enjoyable filming process being
Ling Xiao. It also reminded me of the enjoyable and memorable times when
I entered University.
(Find out more about the characters of Tiny Times!)
Q:
You yourself are also a fan of the "Tiny Times" novel. What do you
think are the aspects that attracts the readers the most? Also, were
there scenes in the novel that you felt it was a pity as it wasn't done
for the movie?
- Yang Mi: When
I first started on the novel, I was shaken by the illustration of the
rich's lives and to think that there are people like that. But
thereafter, I realise that they might be rich, but the problems they
face are similar to everyone, including myself. This point is what
attracted me.
Actually it's really great that Tiny Times can
become a movie, and I'm able to take part in it, so there isn't anything
to pity about. What I like the most is the friendship between the
companions, and the movie has shown it well.
Q:
Tiny Times part 1 and 2 were shot together. In the first movie, we only
got to see a little about the story. Who exactly is Ling Xiao and as
the story progresses, what can we see from her?
- Yang
Mi: Ling Xiao is a cry baby. Among the four, she isn't as pretty, funny
or capable but she is loyal when it comes to romance, and a hardworking
employee. As the story progresses, Ling Xiao will lead you to more
stories about the four ladies.
Q: As a woman, how do you see Ling Xiao? How do you compare youself and Ling Xiao?
- Yang Mi: I
like her but at the same time, some time and efforts are needed to get
her character right because she isn't exactly like me. I'm more of the
independent kind, able to tackle on problems by myself and doesn't shed
tears easily. On the other hand, Ling Xiao tends to approach her friends
or boyfriend when she gets into a situation and she will cry when she
can't solve the problem. Quite the opposite of me. Hence, I took some
time to find her temperament and special thanks goes to the director for
helping me during the filming process.
Q: What are your views on the movie box office? How do you feel about the negative reviews surrounding the film?
Yang Mi:
I feel that Tiny Times is the effort by everyone involved. Just like
how I see the original novel, Tiny Times might seem to be filled with
lots of glitz and glamour, but once you've watched the film, you'll
realise that it isn't the main focus. The movie primarily showcases the
kind of innocent friendship among ladies and was very touched by it.
Q:
This is a time where dreams shine while aspirations be pressed for.
What is your aspiration? Do you think among your fellow peers, this is
still a good time to have aspirations?
Yang Mi: I
want my family and friends to be healthy, doing a job that I like and
one I would like to keep working hard for, to have someone I love and
who loves me by my side. I feel that to everyone has different
aspiration for themselves and that how much they are willing to
sacrifice for it. There isn't a time where there is a lack of
aspirations but how willing you are to work for it. And that's the most
important thing.