Latest news with #Nin
The Star
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sean Lau says his perspective on fatherhood changed after starring in 'Papa'
Despite having no children of his own, Hong Kong actor Sean Lau Ching-wan delivers one of his most emotionally gripping performances yet as a father in the true crime film Papa . Directed by Philip Yung, the movie – which premiered at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival in October 2024 – is based on a 2010 murder case in Tsuen Wan, where a mentally unstable teenager stabbed his mother and younger sister before turning himself in. But unlike the typical murder drama, Papa – now screening at cinemas nationwide – doesn't dwell on the horrific crime. 'It focuses more on the emotional wreckage left behind rather than the crime itself. 'It's not a murder tale but a story about emotional survival,' the 46-year-old told StarLifestyle in a recent roundtable interview alongside Lau on Zoom. Having previously directed Port Of Call (2015), another movie based on a real-life murder, Yung was careful to avoid sensationalism. Instead, he spent over 10 years developing the script and even met with the real father at the centre of the case to understand the emotional layers behind the tragedy. 'He has now moved on from the case. I don't know if he watched the movie. 'I learned about his emotions, his late wife and daughter, as well as his mentally ill son. 'Sadness doesn't have to be loud... The father cares for his son but he keeps his grief internal and his emotions well-hidden – that's what makes it more heartbreaking,' he said. A role that demands heart In Papa , Lau plays Nin – a humble cafe owner wrestling with intense survivor's guilt after his son Ming (Dylan So) murders his own mother (Jo Koo) and sister Grace (Lainey Hung). After being diagnosed with schizophrenia, Ming is sentenced to indefinite psychiatric care. Still, Nin continues to visit him twice a month, carrying his grief silently. In the film, Lau (right) plays Nin, a father struggling with survivor's guilt after his son murders his mother and his sister. For Lau, 61, the role marked a turn from the stoic personas he's often portrayed, pushing him to delve into a more emotionally raw and vulnerable territory. To embody Nin, he immersed himself fully in the character's quiet turmoil. 'I believe no man is born knowing how to be a father. 'You learn through life experiences – getting married, having kids and growing with them. 'I carried that mindset while filming and learned how to be a father along the way,' he said. That approach paid off as Lau's performance struck a chord with both audiences and critics, earning him his fourth Best Actor win at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards earlier in April. Lau was named Best Actor at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards on April 27, 2025, for his performance in 'Papa' . Photo: AP He had previously taken home the honour for Detective Vs Sleuths (2022), Overheard 3 (2014) and My Name Is Fame (2006). 'It's rare for my movies to have such a strong emotional impact on others. 'I was shocked because it wasn't impactful to just movie- goers – even friends who watched the film connected deeply with it. 'It made me realise my profession carries more weight than expected,' added the actor, who's married to former Miss Hong Kong winner Amy Kwok. Shifting perspective Yung praised Lau's performance, revealing that the latter had always been his first choice for the role of Nin. 'Kids feel close to him. I wanted the father in Papa to be loving, wise and grounded... Sean brought that out with great realism,' he said. Lau shared that prior to filming Papa , his understanding of fatherhood was fairly simple as he didn't share a close bond with his father and has no children of his own. However, his perspective has since shifted. 'It feels like I've gained some insight on fatherhood after filming, but at the same time, I feel like I haven't fully understood it. 'It's strange how something so simple carries so much weight,' he said. As for whether he had ever considered reaching out to the real father behind the case once more to personally thank him, Lau replied that he didn't want to disturb the man or risk reopening old wounds. 'I don't think we should pry too much into the father's life. I'm grateful for his tolerance. It was his patience that allowed us to complete this story.'
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Papa' starring HK Film Awards best actor Sean Lau to hit cinemas June 12
A happy family's life is forever shattered when a crime is committed. Photo: Handout Amidst the many big film opening at cinemas in June, there's also a Hong Kong drama Papa starring Sean Lau Ching Wan. The 61-year-old was named Best Actor for his portrayal of a grieving father in the film at Hong Kong Film Award, Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award and Asian Film Award. According to a review by The Guardian , he is 'tremendously subtle' playing the role of a man whose own son brutally murders his wife and daughter. The story is based on real crime that took place in 2010. Director Philip Yung took 10 years to finish the script, which also led him to meet and have conversations with the real 'papa'. In an interview with Vogue Hong Kong , Yung spoke about working on a script for a decade while he also experienced death of family members, and different relationships. 'This movie represents my thoughts the best, because I've run it through my brain so many times, and it's changed so many times. A lot of my views towards people's relationships have been embedded in this movie. This is the purpose of contemplating for 10 years.' Although Lau didn't take as long to accept the role, he gave it a lot of thought as he went through the script many times. In the same article, Lau said: 'I really like what it says, because this isn't about black and white truths, righteousness and evil, nor is it an accusatory movie. 'It's not about who's right or wrong, no; It's not about economic disparity, how the rich act, no. 'This is a tragedy that happened to a very ordinary family, and it's possible that it could happen to any family. 'What now, after it's happened? The script provides a solution at the end, I think that's very important.' Nin (Lau) lives a simple life, running a cafe and being with his wife, son and daughter. But that life is completely shattered with the murders of his wife and daughter at the hands of his son. While the teenager, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia, is sentenced to indefinite psychiatric imprisonment, Nin chooses to lead a solitary life, burdened by memories of his lost family. Despite the pain, he continues visiting his son twice a month, clinging to a single hope. The film also stars Jo Koo, Dylan So and Lainey Hung.
