Wonderland (2023 film)

Wonderland
Traditional Chinese樂園
Simplified Chinese乐园
Hanyu PinyinLè Yuán
Directed byChai Yee Wei
Written byMichelle Chang
Produced byMichelle Chang
Starring
Production
companies
Release date
  • 8 November 2023 (2023-11-08)
Running time
125 minutes
CountrySingapore
Languages
  • Mandarin
  • Hokkien
  • English

Wonderland (Chinese: 乐园) is a 2023 Singaporean drama film directed by Chai Yee Wei. It stars Mark Lee, Peter Yu and Xenia Tan. It had its world premiere at the 24th San Diego Asian Film Festival on 8 November 2023.[1][2]

Synopsis

Set in 1980s Singapore, the film revolves around reserved and illiterate single father Loke (Mark Lee), Loke's only daughter Eileen (Xenia Tan) and Loke's friendly neighbour Tan (Peter Yu) who helps Loke to write letters to Eileen (Xenia Tan) who is studying in New York. Loke has lied to Eileen and tells her that he can afford her overseas education. When Tan receives bad news from abroad, he is unable to tell Loke the truth. Tan decides to lie to Loke, hoping to find a better time to break the truth. However, Tan's web of lies soon spirals out of control.[3]

Cast

Production

Formerly titled as The Last Letters (写给爸爸的信), Wonderland is the feature film screenwriting debut of Michelle Chang.[4] The film is supported by the Singapore Film Commission and is jointly produced by Mocha Chai Laboratories and mm2 Entertainment. Principal photography began in Singapore in February 2023, before moving to Johor Bahru, Malaysia for the amusement park scenes.[5] Some of the scenes were shot in New York, United States in early April 2023.[3]

Awards

2023 San Diego Asian film festival - Audience Award

  • 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival – Local Jury Award[6]
  • 2024 Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival - Best Actor Award for Mark Lee
  • 2024 Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival - Best Supporting Actor Award for Peter Yu[7]

References

  1. ^ 林, 家豪 (7 October 2023). "李国煌主演新片《乐园》 圣地牙哥亚洲电影节举行全球首映". 8world Entertainment Lifestyle (in Chinese (Singapore)). Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Wonderland". 2023 San Diego Asian Film Festival. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b "李国煌扮老"牺牲"脸 为戏四个月不做护理 | 联合早报". www.zaobao.com.sg (in Simplified Chinese). 10 March 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  4. ^ 陈, 秋如 (9 March 2023). "李国煌、宏荣首度同台飙戏 一个得偿所愿、一个"没挑战"". 8world Entertainment Lifestyle (in Chinese (Singapore)). Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  5. ^ "新片当单亲爸拒化老妆 李国煌晚睡逼出"老样" | 联合早报". www.zaobao.com.sg (in Simplified Chinese). 20 February 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Singapore film Wonderland starring Mark Lee and Peter Yu wins award at Palm Springs International Film Festival". CNA Lifestyle. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Mark Lee and Peter Yu win awards for Wonderland at Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival". CNA Lifestyle. Mediacorp. Retrieved 14 April 2024.