#SHOWBIZ: Stars align in KL for HK-Taiwan crime thriller 'Saving Brother Ryan'

A HIGH-OCTANE modern martial arts crime thriller is taking shape on the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur. Acclaimed Hong Kong auteur Wong Ching-Po, the visionary director and screenwriter behind the critical hit 'The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon' is currently filming his latest cinematic spectacle, 'Saving Brother Ryan'.

Set for a theatrical bow in 2027, the film brings together an impressive ensemble of stars from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Packed with grit, brotherhood, betrayal and dark humour, the story explores a fictional underworld where grievances span two decades.

Members of the star-studded cast, including Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Ethan Juan, Chang Hsiao Chuan, Vivian Sung and Troy Liu, recently took a breather on set in Kuala Lumpur to share exclusive insights into their characters, gruelling shoot schedules and creative collaboration.

NO SLEEP FOR THE WICKED

For award-winning Hong Kong actor Nick Cheung Ka Fai, headlining the film in Malaysia has meant turning his daily routine upside down.

Cheung admitted to struggling with the nocturnal demands of director Wong Ching-Po's vision.

"Filming requires a lot of energy. I want to get enough sleep to give my best performance, but no matter how hard I try during the day, I just can't fall asleep. It's really a struggle," Cheung revealed with a laugh.

Calling himself a "daytime creature' compared with the director's "night-time creature" habits, Cheung admitted the major nocturnal sequences had proved challenging, though maintaining the unusual schedule has nevertheless become one of his most memorable experiences in the country.

REUNITED AND FEELING LIKE FAMILY

The project marks the third collaboration between Cheung and Taiwanese actor Ethan Juan, following their previous joint efforts on 'Wolf Hiding' and 'Go for Broke'.

Working together again has deepened their camaraderie. Juan admitted his mindset towards his senior co-star has evolved significantly over time.

"The first time, I was very nervous. The second time, I was still a little nervous. But the third time I saw him, it felt a bit like seeing family. We're familiar with each other now, and I can say anything to him," Juan shared.

While fans might expect another intense, good-versus-evil showdown based on their past screen pairings, Juan teased that their dynamics in 'Saving Brother Ryan' are far more nuanced: "There's no good-versus-evil conflict like people have been saying. Everyone is more like family."

Cheung echoed the sentiment, noting how quickly the cast clicked because every character boasts a distinct backstory. Off camera, their bonding was practical.

"The things we talk about privately are very practical — where we can eat, where we can exercise," Cheung quipped.

TRANSFORMATIONS AND UNCONVENTIONAL VILLAINS

Both lead actors undergo striking physical transformations for their respective roles.

Cheung portrays a powerful underworld chief leading the Sixteen Lane, sporting long hair that signals a major departure from his previous screen outings.

Refusing to label his character a simple antagonist, Cheung described him as "very responsible, but very difficult to explain," who is pushed to the limits of cinematic villainy.

"I don't know how to exaggerate the word 'violence', because this character has already gone beyond anything I have played before. As a villain, I have never played someone this extreme," Cheung said.

He also expressed admiration for Wong Ching-Po's distinct directorial tone, adding, "I really like the way the director is approaching this film with an A24-style of filmmaking. It doesn't follow the usual rules and feels very real."

Juan hit the ground running with zero "honeymoon period" upon arriving in Malaysia, thrown straight into heavy dramatic scenes opposite Cheung.

Juan rocks a mullet-style "wolf tail" haircut and gold teeth for his role as a core gang member.

"Core member of the gang. Loyal and righteous. The ultimate brotherhood!" Juan declared enthusiastically.

GRITTY ROLES AND PUNK REBELLION

The supporting cast brings equally intense energy to the set. Taiwanese actor Chang Hsiao Chuan plays another key figure in the syndicate, sporting a rugged look complete with temporary tattoos across both arms.

Despite relatively comfortable weather, Chang faced a "brutal" trial by fire when he was thrust into one of the director's most demanding sequences on only his second day of filming.

"I was a little stunned because I wasn't ready yet, and suddenly I had to shoot such an intense scene," he recalled, adding that the experience ultimately helped him lock into his character's mindset quickly.

Meanwhile, actress Vivian Sung completely shatters her sweet screen image.

Embracing a punk-inspired aesthetic featuring bleached eyebrows along with lip and nose piercings, Sung fulfills a long-held dream of playing a martial arts action hero.

"I've always liked rock music. I've wanted to become a punk girl since young, so I was extremely satisfied on the first day of the costume and make-up fitting," Sung beamed.

MYSTERY AT THE CORE

Adding an enigmatic layer to the narrative is Taiwanese actor Troy Liu, whose timid, gentle character holds the key to the movie's title.

While Juan teased that Liu plays the character who needs saving, Liu kept details under wraps. "Maybe the film isn't about everyone saving me. Perhaps we are saving each other," Liu teased.

With production underway across picturesque and gritty Malaysian locations, 'Saving Brother Ryan' promises an edgy, refreshing take on modern martial arts crime cinema when it hits theatres in 2027.