Emerging director Gary Yeung Kwang-kwong has transformed the often-unseen struggles of the Chinese diaspora into a nuanced feature film, It’s a Wonderful Day (literal translation). The production, which weaves together four distinct narrative threads centered on themes of isolation and perseverance, benefited significantly from the collaborative prowess and improvisational talents of veteran actors including Anthony Wong Chau-sang, Patrick Tam, and Nina Paw Hee-ching. Supported by funding from a Canadian arts body, the project aims to bring genuine immigrant experiences—stemming from the director’s own upbringing and extensive interviews—to the global screen.
Yeung, who grew up in Canada, witnessed firsthand the quiet hardships faced by family and community members adapting to new lives abroad. This motivated him to channel these authentic stories into his directorial debut. He credits producer Candy Chui Po-wah for recognizing the script’s potential and facilitating the casting, which allowed him to collaborate with seasoned professionals.
“It was undeniable pressure working with actors far more experienced than myself,” Yeung admitted. “But I felt a deep commitment from every cast member; they truly immersed themselves in the creative process.”
Improvisation Adds Depth to Character Arcs
A particular highlight of the shoot involved Anthony Wong and Harriet Yeung (Ha Tau), who improvised additional dialogue to enrich their respective characters. Yeung noted that two scenes in particular—Wong’s final monologue and Harriet Yeung’s portrayal of a woman in her 50s caring for her elderly mother, played by Paw Hee-ching—have resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting common emotional landscapes within the Chinese community.
Anthony Wong, who plays Tony, a factory manager grappling with loneliness following his wife’s death and son’s absence, found himself adrift after losing his job. His character’s only solace is found in an unlikely connection with a young boy who breaks into his house. While Wong initially expressed interest in the singer role ultimately played by Patrick Tam, he ultimately embraced the “depressed life” of Tony, delivering a subtle and emotionally affecting performance.
Wong, an acclaimed actor with multiple awards, emphasized the dynamic nature of filmmaking. “Experience aside, you must remain fluid on set,” he explained, noting that sudden changes demanded by the director, new blocking, or the input of scene partners require instant adaptation. This adaptability was tested during a key phone call scene, where the director encouraged Wong to improvise extensively in English, a challenge the actor joked left him “tongue-tied.”
Wong Reflects on Failed Immigration Attempt
The film’s focus on the immigrant experience sparked reflection from Anthony Wong, who revealed a personal attempt to relocate to Canada in the 1990s, prior to his breakout role in The Untold Story.
“I went through the process, but I couldn’t stand the boredom back then,” Wong recalled, describing a monotonous life confined primarily to cooking, visiting parks, and grocery shopping. Coupled with concerns over local security—including an incident where thieves stole a refrigerator from a friend’s garage—Wong quickly abandoned his plans.
However, filming It’s a Wonderful Day in Toronto offered him a contrasting perspective. Now older and with a changed mindset, he appreciated the quiet environment, finding pleasure in simple activities like cooking, drinking wine, and observing nature. This shift has prompted him to reconsider temporary living arrangements abroad, viewing it as a potential path to expanding his career into Western markets.
The veteran actor also addressed his recent trend of collaborating with burgeoning directors. While he expressed a desire to work with industry pioneers, he noted that the current landscape often steers him toward younger talent. “The film industry is in a new era; the old guard is gone. Working with younger people isn’t about teaching them; it’s about learning how to thrive in this new environment and staying relevant.”
The film, which recently earned Wong a Golden Horse Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, serves as a poignant exploration of humanity and belonging, urging wider support for this authentic look at the immigrant journey.
