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New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Tragic tale of a loving dad

IN conjunction with Fathers Day, an emotionally powerful and critically acclaimed Hong Kong film 'Papa' opened in Malaysian cinemas on June 12. This moving exploration of a father's unwavering love in the face of unthinkable tragedy, 'Papa' has won wide acclaim and recently swept three major awards at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards. Directed and written by Philip Yung, best known for the acclaimed 'Port of Call', the film stars award-winning actor Sean Lau Ching Wan in a career-defining role. At the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, 'Papa' earned honours for Best Actor — Sean Lau, Best Supporting Actress — Jo Koo and Best New Performer — Dylan So. In a recent interview, Philip said that these accolades are a testament to the film's exceptional storytelling and emotionally resonant performances. "Sean delivers one of the most powerful portrayals of his career as a father struggling with guilt, grief and love following an unimaginable family tragedy," he said. "His heart-wrenching performance rightfully earned him his fourth Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, solidifying his legacy as one of the finest actors in Hong Kong cinema." Philip said: "Jo's deeply moving role as the mother brings emotional depth to the film, and newcomer Dylan's remarkable debut as the tormented son earned him the Best New Performer award, marking the arrival of a promising new talent." Sean said the story is inspired by a real-life one that is terribly tragic, "but it's also one about a father's love and redemption 10 years in the making". He added that the crime that took place in Hong Kong in 2010 saw a teenage boy with schizophrenia killing two of his loved ones. "Yet the heart of the story is not the crime — it is the emotional journey of a father coping with the aftermath. "The film touches on themes of unconditional love, forgiveness and the strength of familial bonds, making it a deeply human and timely story." RAW Philip said 'Papa' is a raw, intimate and heartbreaking portrayal of a family torn apart, offering a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll. The film is brought to Malaysia by Lotus Five Star Sdn Bhd and Five Star AV Sdn Bhd. CAFE 'Papa' tells the story of Nin (Sean), a cafe owner whose world is turned upside down when his son, Ming (Dylan), murders his own mother and sister. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Ming is sentenced to indefinite psychiatric imprisonment until he recovers. "Left alone, Nin leads a quiet, solitary life, burdened by memories of his lost family. And despite the pain, he continues visiting Ming twice a month," said Sean. DEVOTED Sean describes Nin as a devoted father. "Although I don't have children in real life, I approached the role by learning how to be a father through the character's journey, just like how people learn in real life — by going through experiences. "It was definitely a new kind of role for me, very emotionally grounded, and one that made me reflect a lot." HARD Sean said the whole film felt like one complete experience. "Personally, I liked the scenes where the family was happy together. After they leave, every scene becomes a challenge, expressing those emotions is not easy." Sean has worked mainly with Jo Koo in the past. "I was happy to finally act closely with her as a couple — a great experience. I think she did wonderfully." SUNNY Sean would love to film in Malaysia some day, as he loves the friendliness of the people, the good food and the sunny weather. "I've visited Malaysia many times for promotional events, but never for filming. "During those trips, time was short — just one day, then I'd go buy chicken wings!" PROPER Philip said he had never worked directly with Sean, but is happy to do so. "Sean usually does big commercial films, but this is a more grounded, realistic story — a new kind of performance for him." He added that filming began in early 2023 and post-production took about two months. "All of the scenes were shot in Hong Kong, with some real locations — like Tsuen Wan Park where the son turned himself in — kept for authenticity." DIFFICULT Philip described the murder scene as the most difficult one, as it was painful and gruesome. "We were all so worried about young actress Lainy Hung's mental well-being and safety — her eye was injured during filming. "The emotional and physical intensity was extremely high, thank God everything turned out perfectly." Philip started working on the script in 2011 for a year. "The only major change was the ending scene where the son returns home — a symbolic gift to the real father and son." TRANSITED Philip would love to film in Malaysia, and to date has only "transited through" the country. "I know that Malaysia is a major market for Hong Kong films, so I'm currently developing a script set in Malaysia and hope to film and meet audiences there soon," he said. For future films, Philip hopes to do some that are set in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.