Jack Neo's newest cinematic venture, set to captivate audiences, combines the gripping dynamics of family drama with the revolutionary touch of artificial intelligence. The film, which opens in Singapore cinemas on January 24, follows the story of Ong Dongnan, portrayed by Henry Thia, as he teams up with food critic-influencer Douyin Jie, played by Dawn Yeoh, to launch a Chinese restaurant. This marks Neo's pioneering effort in integrating AI technology into his filmmaking process.
The plot thickens as it explores themes of betrayal and "saving face" amidst familial and professional relationships. Douyin Jie and Steven, another character, deceitfully steal Dongnan's cherished secret recipe, framing him in the process. This narrative is inspired by life's various events, including the profound impacts of war.
Neo's film stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for its groundbreaking use of AI technology. Eight out of nine tracks in the movie's soundtrack are sung by AI, showcasing the potential of technology in creative industries. Additionally, 95% of the music video featured in the end credits is AI-generated. Dawn Yeoh lends her voice to one of the soundtracks, "Wo Men Shi Ji Qi Ren" (We are Robots), marking her second song release after two decades.
"Such technology is earth-shattering and subversive to creative thinking, but for someone like me who likes music but can't compose, it's suitable for me." – Jack Neo
Neo's venture into AI does not end with music. It reflects his desire to broaden audience perspectives on AI, urging viewers to embrace and understand the technology rather than fear it.
"I want to take this opportunity to let the audience know more about AI and expand their perspectives about it. We shouldn't be afraid of AI and should instead learn more about them, understand them fully and conquer them, so that we are able to utilise them." – Jack Neo
Despite embracing AI for certain elements, Neo asserts that scriptwriting remains a domain that requires the nuanced understanding of human relationships.
"I think it's impossible for AI to do scriptwriting [at this point in time]. There are many details in human relationships which I believe AI wouldn't be able to capture. After all, human beings are complex." – Jack Neo
Henry Thia, a seasoned actor in Singapore's entertainment scene, faced significant challenges during filming. He admitted that delivering long lines was a formidable task, leading to multiple NG (no-good) shots. Despite his experience, this project emerged as one of his most challenging endeavors.
The collaboration between Thia and Neo has not always been smooth sailing. They have had their differences throughout their professional relationship. However, their shared vision for this film demonstrates their ability to overcome past conflicts for a greater cause.
The movie features an ensemble cast including Terence Cao, Jae Liew, Yang Guang Ke Le, and Shawn Thia. Each actor contributes to the film’s rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue.
Neo candidly shared his journey leading up to this film. He experienced stress following previous releases and grappled with creative blockages while developing new ideas. It was the encouragement from those around him that propelled him forward in creating "I Want To Be Boss."
"I was facing difficulties thinking of new ideas for a movie. Those who had worked on scriptwriting with me would know that we went through many ideas and rounds of editing. At some point I thought, 'Maybe I won't release a movie this year'," – Jack Neo
In an introspective moment, Neo reflected on the pressures filmmakers face, emphasizing his fear of creating films that no longer excite audiences.
"I think as filmmakers, what we are most afraid of is not having anyone looking forward to our movies anymore." – Jack Neo
The film also addresses cultural concepts such as pride and the notion of "saving face," which are deeply ingrained in Asian societies. Neo offers a poignant message through the narrative:
"Losing face won't cause you to die" – Jack Neo
"I just want the audience to know that there's no purpose in an argument. There are many times when arguments arise because of people's own pride. Having lived for nearly 65 years, I have come to realise that sometimes, pride is worthless." – Jack Neo
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