Now this is the kind of recognition we Malaysians are proud to receive!
Just two days ago, a Malaysian film known as ‘The Garden of Evening Mists’ (TGOEM) swept NINE nominations for the upcoming 56th Golden Horse Awards!
The film was nominated for so many categories, it’s hard to ignore its position as a contender in the cinema scene. According to Star2, the movie which premieres in Malaysian cinemas starting January 2020, is up to win the following categories:,
Best Narrative Feature
Best Director (for Tom Lin Shu-yu)
Best Leading Actress (Lee Sinje)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Makeup & Costume Design,
Best Original Film Score
Best Film Editing
For those of you who haven’t heard of the Golden Horse Awards before, it’s a pretty big deal.
Known as one of the most prestigious film awards in Chinese language cinema since its establishment in 1962, the awards have given recognition to many exceptional filmmakers who have showcased their works in Chinese cinema.
And to have a local film that’s received nine nominations already? That’s seriously impressive! But if we take a look at the outstanding production crew involved in this film, we can understand why it’s making headlines.
The film is based on esteemed Malaysian writer Tan Twan Eng’s critically-acclaimed novel. The written masterpiece was then adapted to the big screen by Scottish BAFTA-winning screenwriter, Richard Smith. And of course, to complete the multi-talented production team is award-winning Taiwanese director, Tom Lin.
Set in the post-World War 2 period, the movie features the life of Teoh Yun Ling, who finds refuge from the atrocities of war in Cameron Highlands.
There, she seeks to build a garden in homage of her sister who passed away and unexpectedly gets involved in a forbidden love affair with a mysterious gardener, Nakamura Aritomo.
The film showcases a variety of international talents such as Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe (After the Storm), Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang (Love Education), British actor David Oakes (Cold Skin), Julian Sands (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Scottish actor, John Hannah (The Mummy) and our very own local actress, Sinje Lee.
We can’t wait to catch this cinematic masterpiece that’s coming to theatres next year. Till then, we’re proud to boast these nominations! Fingers crossed for those awards. Let’s take it home ?.
Also read: 14 Critically Acclaimed Malaysian Films Everyone Should Watch