Dennis Chew, the versatile entertainer, recently took his classmate Jovin Zhou to the set of the Chinese New Year movie "Blooms of Happiness" as his personal assistant. Jovin Zhou, who previously worked as a part-time production assistant at Mediacorp, found herself amidst the bustling environment of a major film production. Dennis Chew, who portrays the character Mr. Fox—a spirit-medium acting as a vessel for the Chinese deity Nezha—welcomed her assistance during their school break in August 2024. The movie, now showing in Singapore cinemas, promises a blend of drama and humor, featuring Malaysian actor-singer Ah Niu as the lead character Gao Zhitian.
The film's narrative follows Gao Zhitian, a convenience store owner grappling with a midlife crisis, financial woes, and a looming divorce. The storyline also involves time-traveling elements, with Mr. Fox offering Zhitian eight chances to change the past. On set, Dennis Chew reunited with his longtime friend Ah Niu, whom he hadn't seen for years. The two shared moments of camaraderie and nostalgia amidst the film's complex plot.
Dennis Chew's character depiction extended beyond Mr. Fox as he embodied Guanyin, a revered deity in Chinese culture, for the first time. Initially apprehensive about his transformation into Guanyin, Dennis shared his concerns about whether his portrayal would resonate with viewers.
"I was worried that my appearance as Guanyin might not be convincing to the viewers. But unexpectedly, when my make-up was done and I put on the wig, I thought to myself, 'Wow, I think it's quite okay, there are some similarities.' I didn't dare to voice it out until the stylist and make-up artists also said the same." – Dennis
The filming took place at Amber Court, an apartment complex shrouded in rumors of being haunted. Despite these claims being dismissed by residents, Dennis found the location inspiring.
"I told myself that I would definitely be able to get inspiration while there and would go to the corners to explore." – Dennis
Dennis and Jovin explored the area together, hoping for an eerie experience that never materialized.
"I also went around with Jovin to the darker corners to explore and look for inspiration, but it wasn't eerie. I was hoping to see if there were any shadows or white figures jumping out, but there was nothing. I didn't feel any creepiness at all." – Dennis
Jovin Zhou played an essential role during the shoot, managing Dennis's personal effects and ensuring his comfort between scenes. Her presence added a layer of familial warmth to the set dynamics. However, an amusing misunderstanding occurred when Ah Niu mistakenly believed Jovin was Dennis's daughter due to her calling him "Dad" and sharing his surname.
"I haven't seen you for years and didn't expect you to actually have a child." – Ah Niu
This misconception led to light-hearted exchanges, with Jovin feeling guilty for inadvertently misleading Ah Niu.
"Later your father (Dennis) say I didn't take care of you." – Ah Niu
As filming progressed, Dennis shared a unique moment when he stepped out in full Guanyin attire. His transformation captivated onlookers, eliciting respectful gestures from the crew.
"As I was walking out [of the dressing room], I had to move quietly and slowly because filming was ongoing and it appeared like I was floating. When some of the staff members saw me [in Guanyin's costume], they stood up immediately and bowed to me, while others put their hands together in prayer. In response, I nodded to them, just like how Guanyin would respond." – Dennis
Dennis's journey in "Blooms of Happiness" is not only a testament to his acting prowess but also a celebration of friendship and collaboration within the film industry. The film itself serves as a canvas for exploring themes of personal growth and redemption against the backdrop of festive cheer.
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