Ko Chen-tung Gains 20 Pounds for Macau Gangster Role, Praised by Co-star Stanley
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Taiwanese actor Ko Chen-tung has made significant sacrifices for his latest film role, gaining over 20 pounds and mastering Cantonese to portray a Macau casino hustler in the comedy "I Blew the Candles Before Making a Wish." The film, directed by Zhou Juhong and Wu Jinyan, features an ensemble cast including child actress Mei Jingyan and Hong Kong actor Stanley Yau (邱士縉), who plays a teacher with a dark secret. The movie, adapted from real events about a young girl who discovers valuable casino chips, has been selected for three major international film festivals and will open in Hong Kong on September 10.
Key Points
- Ko Chen-tung deliberately gained over 20 pounds in a short period to portray a casino worker who works night shifts and eats late-night snacks
- The actor studied Cantonese with a tutor for six months, worrying he would be laughed at by his 11-year-old co-star Mei Jingyan
- The film follows a young girl named JOJO who finds casino chips worth millions, with various characters plotting how to exchange them for a better life
- Stanley Yau praised Ko for being willing to "uglify" himself for the role, noting the actor refused to stand at the front during a group photo because he felt too fat
- The movie has been selected for the Italian Far East International Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, and Taipei Film Festival's International New Director Competition
- Child actress Mei Jingyan was selected from 300 Macau children and impressed the crew with her acting skills
- Stanley plays JOJO's teacher who initially shows care but later reveals cunning motives, requiring him to convey the character's internal struggle
Why It Matters
This film represents a notable collaboration between Taiwanese and Hong Kong talent, showcasing how regional actors are willing to undergo dramatic transformations for authenticity. The selection by three prestigious international film festivals highlights the growing recognition of Hong Kong-Taiwan co-productions in the global indie film circuit. For Hong Kong audiences, the September 10 release offers a fresh take on the city's casino culture through the eyes of mainland Chinese and Taiwanese filmmakers.
This film represents a notable collaboration between Taiwanese and Hong Kong talent, showcasing how regional actors are willing to undergo dramatic transformations for authenticity. The selection by three prestigious international film festivals highlights the growing recognition of Hong Kong-Taiwan co-productions in the global indie film circuit. For Hong Kong audiences, the September 10 release offers a fresh take on the city's casino culture through the eyes of mainland Chinese and Taiwanese filmmakers.