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May 22, 2015
MOVIE | Human Drama "While We're Still Here" by Director Derek Kwok-cheung Tsang
MOVIE | Ben Whishaw quietly delivers a powerful performance as a young man torn between his gay lover and the lover's mother
A Human Drama by Director Hong Khaou, "Lilting"
A human drama, "Lilting," depicting the emotional exchange between a young gay man played by popular British actor Ben Whishaw and an elderly Chinese woman. It will be released sequentially nationwide starting May 23 (Saturday) at Shinjuku Musashinokan, Cinema Jack & Betty, and other theaters.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Hong Khaou's Feature Debut, a Promising Young British Director
From Skyfall" and " Cloud Atlas", Ben Whishaw has garnered significant attention in recent years for his impactful performances. "Lilting," which showcases his relatable charm, has now arrived in Japan.
The film is written and directed by Hong Khaou, a promising young British director. His feature debut, which he says was inspired by his own mother, shines with its delicate and emotional direction. It was also selected as the opening film at the Sundance Film Festival, an unusual honor for a debut, where it won the Cinematography Award.
In addition to Ben Whishaw, the cast includes veteran actress Cheng Pei-pei, known as a legendary heroine in Asian cinema. The role of Richard's lover, played by Ben Whishaw, goes to newcomer Andrew Leung.
Richard, a British youth who lost his beloved, and Jun, a Chinese woman
Jun, a Chinese woman of Cambodian descent, lives alone in a London nursing home. Her only joy is the visits from Kai, who has grown into a kind and handsome young man, as she cannot speak English.
Meanwhile, Kai struggles with confessing to his mother that he is gay and deeply in love with his partner, Richard. Then, sudden grief strikes. Richard, pretending to be just Kai's "friend," tries to take care of Jun...
Jun and Richard, living in different cultures and generations, unable to communicate. They share the pain of losing their loved ones, yet a great rift has formed between them. Ben Whishaw's performance, imbued with quiet passion and strength, is complemented by the classic song "Ye Lai Xiang" sung by the late Ri Kōran (Yoshiko Yamaguchi), which adds a deep layer of color to the story.
"Lilting"
Opening nationwide on Saturday, May 23, at Shinjuku Musashinokan, Cinema Jack & Betty, and other theaters.
Director & Screenplay | Hong Khaou
Starring | Ben Whishaw, Cheng Pei-pei, Andrew Leung, Mòrven Christie, Naomi Christie
Distributor | Moviola
2014 / UK / 86 min / Original Title "Lilting"
http://www.moviola.jp/tsuioku/
© LILTING PRODUCTION LIMITED / DOMINIC BUCHANAN PRODUCTIONS / FILM LONDON 2014