Latest news with #DADICinema
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Korean stars Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young show love for Malaysian fans, reveal what drew them to the drama ‘Law and the City'
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — After gracing the red carpet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur yesterday for the series finale fan screening of Law and the City, the two lead superstars Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young expressed their appreciation for Malaysian fans at today's press conference held at DADI Cinema. Moon said she was surprised to see many Malaysian fans in attendance yesterday. 'For the first time in a long time, I felt kind of nervous. 'It's also a rare opportunity to be able to spend the final episode with fans nearby, and I'm very grateful for this memory that I have created,' she said. Lee said the warmth from everyone yesterday was amazing. 'It's my first time in this city, and I feel so grateful for having this moment. 'I feel like I also enjoyed myself with the fans, and I'm going to leave with a great memory,' he said. 'It was also my first time getting to spend the finale with fans, and I am so grateful to the fans for creating this opportunity,' he added. There is no doubt Law and the City is trending in Malaysia since it premiered back in July, but what exactly drew the actors to this hit project? For Moon, it was Lee himself who played a big role in her decision to join. 'The script was also really great, and the fellow actors who were part of this programme made me feel like I wanted to act here,' she said. Lee added: 'I never had the chance to portray my character in a daily life setting, and I wanted to show the fans what it's like. 'It's also great having this opportunity.' Law and the City also marked the first time the two actors shared the screen together, with Lee saying that working with Moon was a great experience, noting that she is a very stable person and handled the role exceptionally well. Moon, in turn, said that Lee took care of her, guided the other actors, and contributed to creating a stable environment on set. Looking ahead, Lee, fresh off finishing Law and the City, will be working on another project titled Leonardo, while Moon has an upcoming movie set to be released soon. 'Coming to Malaysia, there were a lot of moments where I felt touched, and I feel like all the hard work that we put into this drama is all worth it when I get to see the fans enjoy it,' said Lee. 'There were a lot of firsts we experienced, and I hope that next time the rest of the lead cast from the series can visit Malaysia and enjoy it together,' Moon concluded.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Worth the Wait brings Malaysia to the heart of global audiences
A KL-set romcom that makes Malaysia part of the story by AKMAR ANNUAR THERE are romantic comedies (romcom) and then there are love letters — both to people and to places. Worth the Wait, a film that intertwines long-distance love, cultural nuance and quiet resilience, comfortably lands in the latter. Framed against the urban splendour and lush vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur (KL), the film is a soft yet stirring reminder of what it means to wait — for love, for healing, for belonging. Premiered at DADI Cinema in Pavilion KL, the red carpet screening of Worth the Wait marked more than a cinematic milestone. Backed by Tourism Malaysia and attended by cast and crew from the US, Canada, Taiwan and Singapore, the event was a cornerstone in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026, reaffirming the government's goal to position Malaysia as both a tourist and filming destination. Directed by acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker Tom Lin Shu-yu in his English-language debut, Worth the Wait is more than a simple romcom. Anchored by a compelling ensemble — Ross Butler, Lana Condor, Sung Kang, Andrew Koji, Elodie Yung, Karena Lam, Osric Chau, Tan Kheng Hua and Lim Yu-Beng — the film spans continents but finds its emotional epicentre in Malaysia. This writer found it impossible not to be touched by the scenes between the husband and wife as they navigate infertility and grief, each mourning in their own silent ways before finding their way back to each other. It is in these quietly devastating moments that the film departs from genre expectations and offers something far more vulnerable and raw. Not many American films would shoot in Malaysia and actually talk about it as Malaysia, says Mark The story, inspired by producer Rachel Tan's real-life transpacific romance with co-producer and husband Dan Mark, reflects a deeply personal narrative. The pair, having journeyed through a nine-year process to bring this vision to screen, channel their lived experience into a film that feels emotionally authentic. Their intention to showcase Malaysian culture — its architecture, food and everyday warmth — is apparent in nearly every frame. 'We had a ver y limited budget and it was always about timing. That's why Worth the Wait became very true — it took us nine years,' Mark told The Malaysian Reser ve (TMR) after the press conference. He noted that Malaysia had rarely been presented in Hollywood films as a character in itself. 'Not many American films would shoot in Malaysia and actually talk about it as Malaysia,' he explained. The scenes set at Batu Caves, Gombak, Selangor and Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, KL are examples of this direct cultural representation, where the goal wasn't to dress up Malaysia as somewhere else, but to celebrate it in its true form. (From left) Tan, Butler, Condor and Mark with Merdeka 118 in the background, a landmark in KL where the film takes place However, the shoot came with its fair share of complications. 'The Batu Caves were really difficult to shoot at. It was crowded, hot and chaotic. It was so hot, it made Ross look sicker than he was even acting,' Mark recalled. Ross Butler, who portrays the film's male lead, echoed that sentiment with a smile. 'Honestly, the shoot went pretty smoothly, but yeah — it was hot. I actually love monkeys, though. They're little troublemakers, but adorable,' he told TMR. Butler, who is of Malaysian heritage through his mother from Penang, said that returning to Malaysia brought back fond memories of his childhood. When asked about his favourite dish, he answered without hesitation. 'Char kuey teow. Hands down,' he told TMR. It's a detail that adds a layer of personal resonance to his performance — especially as his character moves through familiar KL backdrops. Though joking about the heat and monkeys, Butler expressed deep appreciation for the Malaysian crew. 'Everyone was so efficient and positive. Even when things went wrong, the energy stayed good. That's not always the case on film sets,' he said. This synergy between story and setting is further enhanced by the film's commitment to authenticity. A scene of Butler and Lana Condor sharing durian — a first for Condor — offers both comedic levity and cultural grounding. Behind the scenes, the production encountered no shortage of logistical challenges, yet these hurdles seem only to have added texture to the finished product. Lin, whose past work includes The Garden of Evening Mists, once again captures Malaysia with reverence. His direction allows the cast's emotional beats to unfold naturally, aided by the decision to shoot parallel scenes — set in Seattle, Washington and KL — within the same building. It's this kind of craftsmanship that gives Worth the Wait its intimate pulse. The film's broader narrative arc touches not just on romantic love but familial bonds, identity and the migrant experience. With characters navigating careers in both East and West and actors drawing from personal ties to Malaysia, the film becomes a tapestry of global Asian identity. Sung plays a grieving father in a role that challenges his usual action-hero image Sung Kang, known for his action roles in Fast and Furious, plays a grieving father — an intentional subversion of stereotype. 'We wanted to break the mould,' said Mark, explaining the decision to cast actors typically associated with action in emotionally complex roles. On another note, Karena Lam, who plays a mother dealing with loss. 'Being a mother is the favourite role of my life,' she stated. Her performance reflects this truth. Every nuance in her delivery feels deeply lived-in, offering one of the film's most powerful portrayals. Though the production began as a love story, it evolved into a project with broader ambitions: To humanise Asian stories beyond martial arts, tiger mums or token representation. The all-Asian cast, led by Asian-American creatives, signals a new chapter in global storytelling — one in which Asia is not just a backdrop, but the beating heart of the narrative. Tourism Malaysia's support of Worth the Wait is not without strategic vision. The film functions as soft power — exporting a Malaysia that is modern, multicultural and emotionally textured. Already streamed by over seven million viewers in the US, with theatrical releases pending in Singapore and across South-East Asia, the film is poised to extend Malaysia's cinematic footprint. King Street Pictures LLC, the studio behind the film, remains steadfast in its mission to centre diverse voices. This seventh release by the company builds on its legacy of emotional storytelling and global reach. Perhaps the most poignant takeaway from the night was not delivered in a scene or a speech, but in a sentiment repeated by the cast and creators alike: Love, in all its messiness and imperfection, is worth the wait. Whether it's the long road to healing, the patient process of making a film, or the hopeful dream of bringing Malaysia to the world — everything meaningful takes time. And for this writer, the scene where the couple sits quietly in the kitchen, finally speaking after prolonged silence, lingers. It's a reminder that even in stillness, love endures. As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, Worth the Wait may well be its most heartfelt invitation yet. A reminder to see, to feel and above all, to stay awhile. Worth the Wait is scheduled for theatrical release in Malaysia this August. It is distributed locally by Astro Shaw Sdn Bhd. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Hype Malaysia
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Toughness Is Multi-Dimensional: Zizan Razak Appointed G-SHOCK's First Malaysian Ambassador
Becoming a brand ambassador for a local label is already a significant milestone, but being the first local artist to represent a global brand is an achievement on an entirely different level. Since 16th May, G-SHOCK Malaysia teased that a certain Malaysian star has been selected as the brand ambassador, with plans to unveil his identity later the same month. The day finally arrived, and it was confirmed that actor Zizan Razak is the new brand ambassador for G-SHOCK Malaysia. Not only is he the new brand ambassador, but he's also the first Malaysian to represent the brand. 'Toughness Is Multi-Dimensional, and no one embodies the unbreakable spirit and undeniable style of G-SHOCK more than Zizan Razak,' the company wrote in their Instagram post. The popular brand stated that the collaboration continues its mission to unite bold communities across Fashion, Art, Music, and Sports (FAMS) under one tough and expressive identity. According to the official website, Zizan begins his ambassadorship with the iconic G-SHOCK 6900 series, a bold timepiece that revolutionised watch design with its signature front button and triple graph dial when it first launched in 1995. His bold personality, versatility, and distinctive blend of humour, influence, and charisma make him an ideal choice as G-SHOCK's first Malaysian ambassador. The comedian brings a fresh local spirit that mirrors the brand's fearless identity, passion for individuality, and enduring legacy of toughness and innovation. At the launch event held at DADI Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday (28th May), Zizan Razak was officially introduced as the new face of G-SHOCK. Being a long-time fan of the brand, the actor was obviously thrilled about his new role and shared his excitement about being chosen as the first Malaysian brand ambassador, saying it felt like a dream and that he was left speechless when first contacted about the collaboration. The movie star also took the opportunity to showcase his personal G-SHOCK collection on stage. 'People call me a Power Ranger,' he joked while displaying his prized possessions. According to The Rakyat Post, Casio Malaysia's Managing Director, Yuki Mutsui, said there were no doubts in appointing Zizan, as his journey embodies G-SHOCK's 'Never Give Up' spirit and its drive for constant reinvention. Congratulations to Zizan Razak on his new ambassadorship! Sources: GShockMalaysia, Instagram, TRP What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
