| The Days 歲月 | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Boi Kwong |
| Produced by | Anton Jason Poh Randy Ang April Tong |
| Written by | Boi Kwong |
| Starring | Justin Chan Ivan Lim Avery Ang Derrick R. Kevin Tan Anthony Levi Kho Adele Wong Adora Wong Jason Ho |
| Music by | Tay Chee Wei |
| Cinematography | John Lim Beng Huat |
| Studio | Originasian Pictures Company X |
| Distributed by | Golden Village |
| Release date(s) | September 2008 |
| Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | Singapore |
| Language | Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese |
| Budget | S$600,000 (estimated) |
Inspired by real events in Director Boi Kwong's life, THE DAYS (Chinese: 歲月; pinyin: Sui Yue) is a cautionary tale of brotherhood, loyalty and street gangs set in Singapore between 1989 and 1990. Composed of a cast of fresh young actors mostly under twenty years old, many of whom are making their big screen debut, Kwong has painted a strong picture of the early 90s – a time distinct from the decades before, with its own iconic and unmistakably Singaporean style. It is a time of center-parted gelled up hair, sharp-pointed pocket combs sticking out of back pockets, tea dances, pagers and Callzone phones (in place of the now ubiquitous mobile phones). The increasingly affluent middle class families from which these kids hail, allow them to define their individual styles through high end fashion labels in very bright hues. The young casts, headed by Justin Chan and Ivan Lim, have commendably created memorable characters, bringing an interesting dimension to a time period they do not remember, but whom audiences will connect with nonetheless. THE DAYS also features veteran actor Richard Low who plays the wise voice of reason UNCLE DURIAN and guest stars Yeo Yann Yann, last seen in 2007's smash hit 881. This timeless tale about brothers and friendship is especially compelling because it arises from the director's own experience. Made partly as a tribute to his brother and partly as an apology for bringing him into gang life, this is the first feature film by director Boi Kwong, who graduated from Temasek Polytechnic as the top student of his cohort and currently lectures at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East. He has gathered together talented friends and colleagues from his ten years in the industry to work on this special project with him, including Cinematographer John Lim Beng Huat, Executive Producer Anton J. Poh, Music Director Tay Chee Wei and Producers Randy Ang and April Tong. Over 400 extras were used in the film, most of whom were students from ITE where Kwong teaches. The film was shot in 30 days on location mostly in Jurong, using actual places where the events occurred.
Contents |
Based on a true story – "歲月 THE DAYS" tells a cautionary tale between two brothers, set between 1989 and 1990. In a misguided effort to teach BABY independence, and to make him feel protected, ZI LONG brings him into his own gang of delinquents, introducing him to his group nicknamed "The 4 Heavenly Kings" – DOG, the silent fighter; COCKROACH, the loudmouth and TAUPER, the motorbike riding free soul together with their surrogate leader JEREMY TAN. Unknowingly, his decision has thrown them both into a tumultuous and violent world that will, in different ways, imprison them both.
| Actor/Actress | Role | Nickname | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Chan | Zheng Zi Long | Tai Zi | Tai Zi is a loyal friend to his blood brothers - The Four Heavenly Kings of Ming Fa Secondary School and their leader Jeremy Tan. He is the gang's richest member although he is from a middle-income family. The gang looks to him for 'financial assistance' and he is often the one footing the bill - Even if it means stealing from his family. Protective of his younger brother, Zi Hao (Baby). He is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure Zi Hao gets the best. |
| Ivan Lim | Zheng Zi Hao | Baby | Baby is the youngest in the family. A quiet boy who look up to his older brother Tai Zi and his gang of friends. He is doted by his family and he learns slowly to take advantage of the situation. Easily influenced and manipulated, Baby faces his own demons as he gets more involved with his brother's gang. |
| Avery Ang | Kwok Foo Seng | Cockroach | Cockroach is a fun loving individual and the loudmouth of the Four Heavenly Kings of Ming Fa Secondary School. He likes to pick up chicks, thinking often that he can be just like his idol, Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok. A big fan of bananas, as he believes eating bananas can help him lost weight fast. Cockroach is still a loyal friend to his group but no afraid to speak his mind. |
| Derrick R. | Teo Tee Zui | Dog | Dog is the quiet one - speaking only when needed. He believes that action speaks louder than words and his fist move faster than his lips. The fighter of the Four Heavenly Kings of Ming Fa Secondary School. During the night, he helps his father wo is a TangKi and is often 'missing' from school. But you can count on Dog to be around when the going gets tough. |
| Kevin Tan | Lye Soon Huat, William | Tau-Per | Tau-Per has two loves, his precious LC–Kia motorbike and his gang. His love life is a fat zero. A drop out from the monolingual course, he is currently working hard as a 'delivery' boy. He speaks his mind and ofter full of sarcasm. Not from a well-to-do family, his prided Moschino Polo-shirt is a wardrobe must-have. |
| Anthony Levi Kho | Jeremy Tan Chee Wai | Boss | Jeremy is the surrogate leader of the Four Heavenly Kings. A drop-out from Ming Fa Secondary, taking the responsibility to protect some of his friends. He has since built a reputation in his territory, A flitatious and bubbly figure, often seenwith different ah lians (girls) by his side. He, however, has his set of principals and rules and is looked up and respected by his gang. |
| Adele Wong | Yap Lee Shan | Shan Shan | Shan Shan is the 'unattainable' dragon girl as christened by the loudmouth Cockroach. Having no interest in whatever the Four Heavenly Kings and Jeremy are up to, Shan Shan, however has her own untold past, but prefers only to act when need arises. |
| Adora Wong | Yap Lee Ya | Valerie | Valerie is the resident ah lian of "The Days". She has a linking for the good-looking Tai Zi and is always scheming to get close to him. She may very well be the most dangerous person that will wrack havoc amongst of band of brothers. |
| Jason Ho | Ho Choon Seng, Nic | Rat | Rat is in a world of his own. He belongs to the rival ganng opposing the Four Heavenly Kings. In Secondary 2, he has already built a reputation in the lower secondary. Loud, brash, noxious and extremely dangerous as one if often fooled by his small frame. |
| Actor/Actress | Role | Nickname | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeo Yann Yann | Jin Hua | Jin Hua is the typical beer lady, always serving her customers with a 'smile'. There is more to her relationship to the Four Heavenly Kings and their boss than they know. | |
| Richard Low | Unknown | Durian Fong | Durian Fong is the long-winded, old sage, who has been-there-done-that. He is especially concern with Zi Long (Tai Zi) as he knows the boy since he was very young. The Four Heavenly Kings except Tai Zi and Dog believes he is a has-been. |
The Theme Song of the film is "My Freedom", performed by the Black Forest rock band. Other songs, "Crossroad" and "Knowing", both written by Jim Lim, are performed by lead actors Justin Chan and Adele Wong respectively.