Hong Kong-Macau Co-Production Garners International Attention; Child Star Wins Praises for Maturity
ROME – The Hong Kong-Macau cinematic collaboration Before the Candle Blows is making waves on the global festival circuit, securing official selections at Italy’s Udine Far East Film Festival, the New York Asian Film Festival, and the prestigious Taipei Film Festival’s International New Talent Competition. The film, inspired by true events, weaves a tale of fortune and human frailty when a young girl stumbles upon a casino chip worth a million dollars, igniting avarice in those around her.
Led by a dynamic ensemble cast including Kai Ko, Mei Jing-yan, Elaine Jin, Stanley Yau (also known as Stanley of the Hong Kong boy band Mirror), and Dada Chan, the project was shot on location in Macau. At the heart of the story is little JoJo, whose serendipitous discovery sends a ripple of greed through her community, each character harboring dreams of a better life funded by the windfall.
Veteran actress Elaine Jin, a two-time Golden Horse winner, offered glowing endorsements of her younger co-stars, singling out their lack of vanity. “Kai Ko and Stanley Yau have absolutely no airs of being idols,” she said. “They are completely absorbed in their roles, delivering truly impressive performances.” Jin playfully noted that Ko even gained twenty pounds for the part, yet, in her words, “he is still handsome.” She also reserved special praise for the young Mei Jing-yan, describing the child actress as “extremely talented, dedicated, and remarkably composed on set.”
Yau, who portrays a scheming teacher who swindles tens of thousands of dollars from JoJo, embraced the opportunity to play against type. “I didn’t hesitate at all; I love playing these kinds of roles,” the actor said, according to a translated interview. “Villains are the most fun to play because they let you show the audience a different range.” He discussed his character’s moral complexity with the director, a challenge he described as making the villain feel well-rounded and believable within a tight runtime.
However, Yau was quick to draw a line between fiction and reality, recounting a minor misdeed from his own childhood—inflating a $30 lunch bill to $50 to dupe his mother—while sternly advising young fans not to emulate such behavior. He also disclosed his near-total lack of experience with gambling, revealing he has set foot in a casino only once in his life, where he lost a small sum after a single game and left. “Since I don’t really understand card games, I’ve never gone back. I only know how to play mahjong,” he said, eliciting a chuckle from Jin, who jokingly retorted, “Well, you can call me next time if you play mahjong.”
Young Mei, making her debut alongside the seasoned stars, admitted her first impressions were of their movie-star good looks and commanding presence. She insisted that the antagonistic nature of her on-screen teacher did not change her perception of Yau, whom she found to be a caring and engaging scene partner. Mei also revealed a thoughtful gesture on Ko’s part: he lived in Hong Kong for nearly three weeks before filming to bond with the cast and immerse himself in the environment. Yau observed that while Ko appeared shy and introspective at first, he is “actually a very playful person” once he warms up. Adding to the camaraderie, Mei noted she often helped correct Ko’s Cantonese pronunciation on set, showcasing the collaborative and supportive atmosphere fostered among the principal cast.
Before the Candle Blows continues its journey through international film showcases, with audiences eager to see the chemistry and compelling performances that have already earned critical nods. The film’s selection in both Italy and New York underscores a growing international appetite for nuanced Hong Kong cinema, and its exploration of morality against a backdrop of opportunity stars one of the region’s most promising new talents.
