ARTICLE
The Wondrous Mama Fung Bo Bo
By InCinemas / 19 Jun 2015 (Friday)
Veteran Hong Kong actress Fung Bo Bo is a household name to many. Ask your parents and they are able to mention a few of her iconic films and TV dramas such as ‘C'est La Vie, Mon Chéri’, ‘Little Sweetheart’, ‘Pink Tears’, etc.
Often referred to as the Shirley Temple of the East, Fung makes her silver screen comeback after 21 years, in Clifton Ko’s ‘Wonder Mama’.
“I really didn’t want to take up any acting projects anymore,” said Fung in an interview yesterday. The ever chirpy actress explained that she didn’t think she could handle the ‘physical and mental pressure’.
“Apart from acting, there are a lot more involvements like dubbing and film promotions to do, which can be more tiring than filming!”
All thanks to her elder son who linked up Ko and Fung together at the start that we are now able to enjoy yet another remarkable performance from Fung on the big screen. Another reason why she accepted the role was because Ko managed to convince her after several attempts.
“Every time when he talks to me about the story, he will tear up. I was curious to know more about it,” she said.
In Wonder Mama, Fung plays a 49-year-old librarian on the verge of retirement, whose mellow world is catastrophically shattered as she learns that her teenage maid is impregnated by her own 70-year-old father Ng.
Despite the 21 years gap, Fung puts up a near perfect performance as the meek but strong mother-daughter in the family. When asked if she was hoping for any nominations for her character at film festivals, Fung laughed it off saying that she ‘doesn’t think about awards anymore’.
She added: “If I am 30-something, perhaps an award would mean a lot to me because it may help boost my career and provide better opportunities… but it’s not for me at this age. If I receive one (award), I will be more grateful than anything; for them to see something they enjoyed in my performance after a long period of time.”
Wonder Mama is inspired by true events - stories and happenings that director Clifton Ko had experienced or heard. Certain elements are actually real-life stories from a relative that took place eight years ago.
A renowned film director, producer and screenwriter, Ko shared that he was pleased when all of his ideal cast members agreed to be in the film, even if it means to wait for years for his lead actress Fung to say yes.
“About five years ago, I had the idea to make this film, so I started talking about casting and the first actress that came to mind was Fung Bo Bo. I really wanted her to be in it. Even for Susan Shaw, Kenneth Tsang and Babyjohn Choi, these four actors were all my first choices,” quipped Ko.
“I waited for all of them to agree.”
With 38 films under his belt, Ko wants to take the opportunity to see if he still has a comedic flair in his movies. “I have not directed a movie for 11 years, so this (film) is also a testament to see if I still got it,” he laughed, adding: “In addition, I want to see if my perception of comedy is still accepted in this day and age. From the reactions that I’ve seen so far... I think I’ve succeeded!”
As an established pioneer in the film industry, Ko hopes to leave a legacy behind with his films. His ultimate goal? To produce and direct his ‘best work’ at the age of 76 - just like Alfred Hitchcock with ‘Family Plot’ and David Lean's 'Passage To India', amongst others.
Wonder Mama is now showing InCinemas, exclusively at Filmgarde!