Four of Taiwan’s leading actors are getting together for an upcoming 2012 blockbuster period TW-movie. Jerry Yan and Joe Cheng will pair up with Ivy Chen and Michelle Chen for the rare star-studded lavish Hua Yang, a movie set in the waning days of the Ming Dynasty. Ivy and Michelle will play a pair of theatrical performing sisters, and Joe is learning a bevy of traditional instruments while Jerry is doing martial arts training for their roles. Directing will be one of the few female Taiwanese movie directors Chou Mei Ling, who did the well-received indie film Spider Lilies with Rainie Yang.
The cast held a media day to announce the commencement of filming, but all everyone noticed was how exceedingly surly Jerry looked the entire time. It was’t just a few frowns, the man positively glowered and bristled through the press conference, though he did crack a smile at the very end when he made a joke to Joe. Oh Jerry, would it have killed you to at least pretend to be pleased to be there? Though his manager did later claim Jerry was sick and not feeling well. I dunno, but in the end all that really matters is the movie turns out to be good and the cast have great chemistry and deliver solid performances.
This is the second time Joe and Michelle have worked together, as earlier this year they did the dreadful Channel X together. Though Michelle was thankfully offed in the first two episodes, so lucky for her she got out early. She’s currently one of THE hottest actresses in Taiwan, with her movie You Are the Apple of My Eye one of the highest grossing movies of the year, and she’s up for a Best Actress award at this week’s Golden Horse Awards (Taiwan’s Oscars). I have to confess not liking what little I saw of her in Channel X, so I need to see that Apple movie to understand why she’s so popular. And I don’t even think she’s pretty, so this is one actress I don’t get the hype as of right now.
So Jerry can smile. I guess he saves it for around Joe. Everyone else gets his pout. All teasing aside, I have no clue how this movie will turn out, but I’m totally looking forward to it. The cast is an intriguing combination of actors, and I love period movies that have an artistic moody bent to it.
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I have the hardest time picturing Joe in a period drama (can't remember if he did one before) but I do like the cast. I always like period films and if it stars Jerry AND Joe, then I'll be watching for sure.
Poor Jerry does look under the weather. Or did he just go into character already? lol Hope he is feeling better soon.
I'm glad to see Joe in another drama already. Channel X didn't do the actor justice. I can imagine Joe in a period drama given his role in "The Rose". That role ran the gamut from ridiculous to tender.
2 words...... BLUE STEEL
i want to see this film
Ehm.. I totally don't see them walking around in Ming dynasty costumes.
LOL Koala...I love your observation on Jerry, spot on. However, I think he gets along with Joe cause Joe has similar personality with Ella, meaning friendly, spontaneous and doesn't take him self very serious. However, what with Jerry it looks he lost tons of weight......
Apple is the talk of town even in HK and it's EVERYWHERE, it'll certain break records and C netizens r already begging it to be shown across the pond. I didn't watch any of ChannelX (lucky me! ^^) I doubt Apple's success is riding on her acting though, she's a part of a successful team effort on good writing and directing?
I've slowly, project by project snapped myself out of JoeCheng's fandom. :X I still find Jerry very awkward as an actor, trying too hard and not hitting the right note, and to attempt a period, I fear he'll regress to posing and hamming (my gut is telling me same with Joe, sadly). I'll stay away from this unless surprise the world of its awesomeness when it's out.
dude, what is up with his frownfest. i think he should've used his acting abilities for the conference anyways. -_-;
I can imagine all of them in period costumes accept for Jerry Yan. There's just something about that doesn't seem like it matches ancient beauty. Why has he gotten SO much thinner since Down With Love?! It looks like he could collapse at any moment. He should really get some rest and take care of himself.
I've only seen Michelle Chen in Why Why Love. She was cute, but her acting is nothing special. Maybe she improved so we'll see. You know I love you Ivy Chen, but please change out of those golden gym shorts.
Hmmm...wonder if he's not happy with the movie or the cast?
You know... both the Chen's gals were kissed by his F4 buddy Vic so ... maybe that's why he's frowning??? hehehehe j/k