Relatable tale of a Malaysian hero
FOLLOWING
the success of Ola Bola two years ago, another inspiring sports biopic arrives in cinemas, this time focusing on the country’s foremost badminton legend. Director Teng spent three years researching Chong Wei’s journey, interviewing dozens of individuals who knew him. His task was made easier by Chong Wei’s brother Datuk Joe Lee, who came on board as executive producer. The end result is a masterpiece that beautifully balances character development, engaging story and realistic action from a player’s point of view.
Teng charts Chong Wei’s life as a schoolboy (Jake Eng) learning to play badminton, and then his struggles as a young adult (Tosh Chan) making his mark as a player with the Badminton Academy.
It begins with 10-year-old Chong Wei watching a live telecast in 1992 of Datuk Razif and Datuk Jalani Sidek playing at the Barcelona Olympics. As he cannot afford a racket, the enterprising lad strikes a deal with his neighbourhood badminton equipment shopkeeper (Wilson Tin) to fix rackets in return for one.
Chong Wei’s compassionate mother Khor Kim Chooi (Yeo Yann Yann) encourages him to play, but his long-suffering father Lee Ah Chai (played by Singaporean Mark Lee) initially insists that he focus on studies.
Chong Wei subsequently trains under the kindly Teh Peng Huat (Alvin Wong), becoming a well-known player in Bukit Mertajam. He is later enrolled in the Badminton Academy of Malaysia, under the tutelage of national coach Datuk Misbun Sidek (Rosyam Nor). Pushing himself to the limit, Chong Wei overcomes various setbacks and moves up the ranks.
In the meantime, he falls in love with Wong Mew Choo (Ashley Hua), a fellow student at the academy and stands up to the bullying of Yang Kun Chen (Uriah
See), who also has eyes for Mew Choo. Chong Wei finally qualifies for the Thomas Cup 2004 and meets China’s Lin Dan in the finals, beginning one of the fiercest rivalries in badminton history.
This film, based on Chong Wei’s autobiography Dare To Be A Champion, clearly follows Hollywood formulas — our hero is an underdog who becomes a champion guided by a wise mentor who foresees his greatness.
The director has admitted it is only 60 per cent fact. A lot of dramatisation has been added to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, especially a subplot where the older Lee is forced to play badminton to “free” himself from a moneylender.
The two actors playing Chong Wei deserve praise. Eng, 14, steals the show with his natural performance, as a young, freespirited Chong Wei. The entire first act focusing on his primary schooldays is most enjoyable. Chan does well too, handling emotional parts and action scenes with gusto. His uncanny resemblance to Chong Wei is a bonus.
Mark does a commendable switch from comedy to drama as Chong Wei’s father, while Yann Yann’s portrayal of his nurturing mother who does her best for the family is equally praiseworthy. Rosyam does a star turn as Misbun, despite his lack of resemblance to the former national champion. He is tough on Chong Wei but also pays personal attention to his star pupil.
Ashley is sweet as Mew Choo, but is largely subdued. Her romance with Chong Wei looks lifted from Cantonese television dramas, but it is nevertheless fun to watch.
Sherry is superb as Misbun’s wife, Datin Latifah Sidek. She is a motherly, assuring friend of Chong Wei, and doubles as the flip side of her stern husband. Rise Of The Legend’s greatest attraction is the way it portrays badminton without resorting to match footage.
Teng uses top-down camera angles and close-ups of the actors executing their shots. Viewers feel they are in the midst of a match, watching shuttlecocks fly past their faces. His choice of Chong Wei’s win over Lin Dan in the 2006 Malaysian Open is a spot-on conclusion, as it is his most famous victory.
Rise Of The Legend is a significant achievement for Malaysian films, an inspiring story that humanises a larger-than-life hero, without sounding preachy. And the real Chong Wei’s brief appearance will unveil a whole new side of this down-toearth legend.