The legend on big screen
> The biopic on the early years of sports icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei premieres next year
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED film on our international badminton icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei, which is based on his childhood and the early years leading to his phenomenal success, recently wrapped up filming and is set to hit local cinemas next year.
Lee, 35, is one of the nation’s most recognisable sportsmen, having won many international titles, including three silver Olympic medals.
The biopic, directed by Teng Bee, was originally titled Rise of the Legend, but has since been renamed simply Lee Chong Wei.
It reportedly had a budget of over RM6 million, and was filmed mostly in Hokkien, with some Bahasa Malaysia dialogue.
At a recent press conference to announce the wrapping up of fillming, Teng said from his intensive research on Lee’s life, the champion has always demonstrated a strong determination to be a winner.
“Metaphorically, [the name] Lee Chong Wei stands for a ‘never dying spirit’,” Teng added.
“[It] is no longer his name alone. It is the name for every Malaysian. We should adopt his [attitude].”
Playing the pivotal role of Lee in the film are 13-year-old Selangor boy Jake Eng as the precocious, but witty younger Lee at age 13, and 22year-old Tosh Chan as Lee aged 22.
Over 2,000 hopefuls lined up to try out for the role during the audition process, which had one main criterion – being able to play badminton.
When Chan heard that he got the part, the Johor Baru-born barista thought that someone was playing a prank on him.
“[It’s because] Lee Chong Wei is my idol,” he said.
Chan, in fact, did come face-toface with Lee once at a launch event five years ago. Sadly, he did not get a chance to meet with him while shooting the film, as Lee was preparing for a badminton tournament at the time.
However, Chan did manage to speak to Lee’s mother, Khor Kim Chooi, in order to get an idea of what Lee was like in his youth. Chan then used this information in his performance.
Since this was both Jake and Chan’s first film roles, Teng held a two-month acting workshop to help them in their portrayal of the character.
Teng also recalled that at one point, he was unhappy with Chan’s performance in the film.
“I told him that he is the soul of the film, and if he is bad, then the film will be bad,” said Teng.
After some intensive pep talk, Chan rose to the challenge, and ended up delivering a far more superior performance.
The young actors also underwent intensive badminton training under the tutelage of former national player Chan Chong Ming, in order to better depict Lee’s skills.
Another national badminton legend depicted in this film is Misbun Sidek, who was Lee’s coach.
Taking on this challenging role is none other than award-winning actor Rosyam Nor.
“This is not an ordinary film,” said Rosyam. “This film will travel outside Malaysia because Lee has many fans overseas. This film will be recorded in our national archive, too. I would be stupid to turn down the role.”
Like Chan with Lee, Rosyam did not get a chance to meet Misbun in person. Instead, Rosyam went online to learn more about his character.
“I do not [just] want to copy his mannerisms,” he said. “I wanted to capture his emotions, both on and off the court.”
The film also stars renowned Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann as Lee’s mother Khor, and Singaporean actor and comedian Mark Lee as his father, Lee Ah Chai. It will touch on Lee’s relationship with his parents.
Another character featured in the film is Lee’s own on-court nemesis China’s Lin Dan. The two have faced each other in numerous tournaments over the years.
Lee will also be making a cameo appearance in the film as well.
Teng said Lee Chong Wei will also be the first Malaysian film to feature scenes shot using Phantom high-speed camera technology which will provide an exceptional viewing experience.
Audiences can expect to see some exciting badminton games that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
Teng added negotiations are ongoing to screen the biopic in several overseas markets such as Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan.
“Lee Chong Wei has [many] fans overseas, and people are curious about his film,” says Teng.
There are also plans to hold a world premiere for the film. As yet, no firm release dates have been announced. Fans will just have to wait next year to catch the story of their idol on the big screen.