ARTICLE
Who is The Ultimate Winner?
By InCinemas / 08 Apr 2011 (Friday)
Everyone’s after something!
This is very much true in life. We are all pursuing our own goals and interests, going after what we deem as important to us. But what really defines you as a winner? In the upcoming local movie, The Ultimate Winner, will answer it in its story of a gamble genius starred by our very own Ah-Ge Li Nanxing, alongside with the notable ‘King of Taiwan’ drama serials, Aaron Chen Zhaorong, and fellow local artistes Constance Song, Rebecca Lim, Dai Yang Tian and more.
The Ultimate Winner marks Li Nanxing’s directorial debut and when asked during the press conference as to why the thought of directing this movie, Ah-Ge Li Nanxing shares with us, “We have a story about gambling and as the casinos have also opened in Singapore not too long ago, we wish to relate this [gambling issue] to our story and reflect the situation of our society and of those who indulge in gambling.”
Through the press conference held on 5 April 2011, at Fullerton Hotel, we could tell how well the relationship between the Ah-Ges of Singapore and Taiwan has become and it certainly appears that they have become the best buddies after the making of The Ultimate Winner!
The other artistes present include Constance Song, Rebecca Lim, Dai Yang Tian, Rayson Tan, Chen Shu Cheng and Huang Shi Nan.
“Although it is our first time working with one another, it feels as though meeting a long lost friend!” Nanxing told the media and Aaron agreeing with him, gave Nanxing a high-five. The passion of the first-time director could hardly go unnoticed. Like what the emcee, Jia hui from 93.3FM Station, had described, “Each time when Aaron comes into the conversation, Nanxing will touch and hold Aaron’s arm as though they are the best buddies!”
Nanxing praised Aaron of having no airs of a big shot despite having so much fame and achievement, “He treats all of our local artistes equally as though in the same community. This is most admirable.”
Aaron has been looking forward to work with Li Nanxing when he heard of Nanxing in Taiwan as Singapore’s Chow Yun-Fat. Although just finished with The Ultimate Winner, Aaron is already looking forward to collaborate with Nanxing again and hint on the sequel, The Ultimate Winner 2. Constance Song, seated next to Aaron, shared with us her feelings of having to work with 2 experienced Ah-Ge. “I was very nervous and happy and looked forward to the collaboration. It is also rather stressful but I’m very honoured to have worked with them. This is my first time on the big screen as a lead actress and I’m grateful for this rare opportunity.”
In the film, Constance stars as Honey Ma, who is in love with Nanxing’s character, Tian Cai, although he’s already married to Zi Hui (Rebecca Lim). The emcee noted that Constance will be wearing a lot of beautiful gowns and costumes which showcase her wonderful figure. Nanxing remarked that any men would be attracted to Constance in the movie while Chen Shu Cheng noted that it would be ‘beneficial to the eyes’ of the audience.
Li Nanxing reportedly said be attracted Dai Yang Tian’s voice. Nanxing clarifies that when he first heard of Yang Tian’s voice, he finds it comfortable and charming to the ears. The Ultimate Winner also marks Yang Tian’s first featured film and Yang Tian feels honoured to be part of the crew and to be learning from the two experience Ah-Ges (Nanxing and Aaron).
As for Rebecca Lim, she plays the wife of Tian Cai. During the casting, Nanxing is worried of finding young actress to star as his wife in the movie. But after having a few ‘special’ preparation with Rebecca, he is thankful that the turn out is fine and acceptable.
Rebecca Lim had once told the media that if there’s one she would like to work with, it would be Li NanXing and coincidentally, the opportunity knocks as soon as it comes. Initially, Rebecca is rather worried that Nanxing may have an air of an Ah-Ge but to her pleasure, he doesn’t have any. “Nanxing would often express concern and converse with me in a light-hearted manner when he senses that I’m stressed or worried about the shoot,” Rebecca recalled.
Apparently putting a lot of effort in this movie, Nanxing has gained many appraisals from his fellow colleagues and most notably from the ‘King of Taiwan’ drama serials. Aaron Chen revealed that earlier in the radio station, he had shared with the host about him giving 85 marks [out of 100] to Nanxing’s directorial talent. “I have worked with a lot of directors and with regards to handling the film, Nanxing does it very well that on the second day [during the shooting], I’m assured that this film will be up to expectations,” Aaron continued. “Also because of Nanxing’s seasoned background as an actor, he understands how the actors feel and is clear of the shots he needs, and he manages to tackle the challenges with haste and accuracy.”
“This movie reminds us that it is important to be practical and realistic in every step,” Aaron notes. “Most gambling films showcase the gambling techniques and how great it is. But here, the best part is portraying the desire and having to control it. Nanxing has done an excellent work highlighting this. After finish watching the movie, the audience will be clear that who the real winner is!”
Nearly 25 years of acting in the industry, we now know that Li Nanxing not only has acting talents but also directorial capabilities. It’s very heart-warming to see the two Ah-Ges hitting off really well and I’m certainly looking forward to see them working together in future. It’ll be interesting if they get to star together as best buddies in movie or probably drama series.
The Ultimate Winner Movie Trailer
Message of The Ultimate Winner:
Nanxing feels that one should not be obsessed when it comes to gambling. ”Treat gambling as a game and must know when to stop. Know your limits and don’t be greedy.”
Thoughts of the Day:
What do you think defines one as a winner in life! How do you become a winner? Is everything about money and power? What do you go after? Share it with us in the comments below!
Cast Appearance at GV VivoCity:
