HONG KONG – ViuTV’s new dramatic series, The Man Who Kept the Wine, premieres, featuring MIRROR members Lokman Yeung (楊樂文) and Tiger Yau (邱傲然) in a poignant exploration of male friendship set against the backdrop of a working-class bar. The series, an adaptation of the novel by Hai Xiao, sees the idols tackle complex emotional terrain, with Tiger facing the significant challenge of portraying explosive, internalized grief for the first time on screen.
The narrative centers on the nascent yet profound bond between two characters navigating personal struggles: Lokman’s character, Adam, is deceptively carefree and seemingly aimless, masking deep emotional scars, while Tiger plays Ah Ye, a young man intently focused on becoming a professional mixologist. Their shared space in the gritty bar becomes an unlikely sanctuary where they forge a deep connection amidst personal turmoil.
Balancing Persona and Inner Turbulence
Both actors drew parallels between their characters’ hidden lives and the duality inherent in public life as entertainers. Lokman spoke candidly about his portrayal of Adam, a character who “wears a cheerful mask to conceal his wounds and a complicated family background.” He noted that the necessity for maintaining a positive façade in the spotlight echoes Adam’s struggles, where outward joviality conceals inner unhappiness. Lokman revealed his personal coping mechanisms involve vigorous exercise, utilizing the adrenaline and dopamine rush from performing to dissipate negativity, and humorously credited his three cats as his personal, non-judgmental therapists.
For Tiger, the role presented a stark contrast to his typical screen appearances. He described the arduous task of filming intense emotional breakdown scenes. “I had never played a character with such heavy dramatic requirements, especially requiring me to cry uncontrollably,” he confessed, admitting to initial apprehension. Tiger explained that the production team facilitated his performance by strategically scheduling other scenes first, allowing him time on set to build the necessary emotional intensity.
The Art of Faux Intoxication
To lend authenticity to scenes requiring a slightly inebriated state, the actors employed method acting, drinking small amounts of alcohol before filming. They found that merely feigning excitement while consuming non-alcoholic set props was a significant test of their acting prowess.
In a playful analogy, the actors used wine to describe their personalities and professional stages. Tiger likened Lokman to a 12-year-old single malt whiskey, suggesting deep layers, complexity, and maturity. Conversely, he viewed himself as a spirit still maturing in the barrel, needing more time and experience to fully develop. Lokman reciprocated, describing the youngest MIRROR member as a “vintage wine that possesses great flavor and distinct layers,” noting that Tiger’s emotional maturity often belies his age.
MIRROR’s Alcohol Tolerance: A Team Dynamic
Discussing their off-screen drinking habits, both stars admitted to moderate alcohol tolerance, favoring whiskey and plum wine. Tiger joked that he likely holds the record among the group for most instances of post-drinking effects, suggesting his frequent “training” during mealtimes.
They highlighted fellow MIRROR member Alton Wong as having a notoriously low tolerance, quipping that “one drink for him is equivalent to a bottle for others.” According to Lokman and Tiger, Alton undergoes a complete personality shift when intoxicated, becoming notably more animated, charmingly expressive, and slightly erratic in his reasoning—a transformation that, they noted, is visible to fans who observe his variety show appearances.
Despite varying tendencies, Lokman emphasized that the group maintains strict self-control, ensuring that their social drinking remains respectful and has never led to misunderstandings or regrettable actions.
The Man Who Kept the Wine offers audiences a compelling look at the intricacies of modern male friendship and the shared human experience of concealing emotional pain behind a veneer of composure, promising a rich, layered drama that mirrors the complexities of contemporary life.
