The Journey (2014 Malaysian film)

The Journey
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Chiu Keng Guan
Produced by	Choo Chi Han
Story by	Ryon Lee
Starring	Ben Andrew Pfeifer Frankie Lee Sai Peng Joanne Yew Hong Im
Cinematography	Eric Yeong
Production company	Wohoo Studios
Distributed by	Astro Shaw
Release dates	January 30, 2014 (2014-01-30) (Malaysia) March 20, 2014 (2014-03-20) (Singapore)
Running time	110 mins
Country	Malaysia
Language	Chinese / English
Budget	RM3 million [1]
Box office	RM17.16 million [2]

The Journey (一路有你) is a 2014 Malaysian Chinese film directed by Chiu Keng Guan. ^[3] The film is known for being the highest grossing Malaysian film as of July 2014.^[4] The Journey won the Best non-Malay language local film and Best Cinematography while its leading actor, Frankie Lee was coveted the Best Actor award becoming the oldest winner of that category in 27th Malaysian Film Festival . ^[5]

Plot

The Journey tells the story of Uncle Chuan (Frankie Lee), a conservative father with a rigid set of rules. When his daughter, Bee (Joanne Yew) returns home after spending most of her formative years in England with a fiance, Benji (Ben Pfeiffer) in-tow, Uncle Chuan refuses to give his blessing. With cultural differences and language barrier that could potentially damage the union between Benji and his loved one, he feels that something must be done quick. Uncle Chuan reluctantly allows them to marry but on one condition — the wedding ceremony has to be in the traditional way. Despite their lack of understanding towards one another, Benji and Uncle Chuan embark on a nationwide journey to hand-deliver wedding invitations to the latter’s childhood friends. Throughout the journey, the two learn valuable lessons about accepting each other’s differences.

Box office

The film grossed RM2.2 million at launch, easily setting the record for best opening weekend by a Malaysian Chinese production. It went on to gross RM3.7 million after 6 days of release.^[6] By the 11th day, it had grossed a total of RM6.6 million.^[7] The film was a critical success and with good word of mouth, it officially became the highest grossing local Malaysian Chinese movie production on the 12 February 2014 with a gross of RM7.6 million, surpassing the previous record which was held by Ah Beng: Three Wishes (RM7.56 million).^[8] As of Feb 16th, the film had grossed RM9.8 million, making it the first local Malaysian Chinese movie production set to break the RM10 million barrier. Local cinema operators added additional screens to meet the high demand which resulted in sold out screenings across the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.^[9] On Feb 20th, the film was only RM0.2 million behind Ombak Rindu, grossing a total of RM10.70 million, the first local Chinese production to hit the RM10 million milestone. Owing to the tremendous success of the film in Malaysia, the production company contemplated an earlier release of the film in Singapore. ^[10] On the fourth weekend ending Feb 23rd 2014, The Journey officially became the highest grossing local production ever in Malaysia's box office, having amassed a gross of RM12.92 million, beating the previous record holder, KL Gangster's RM11.74 million. ^[11] As of March 17, the film had raked in a total of RM17.16 million.^[12]

Filming locations

• Cameron Highlands, Pahang
• Chew Jetty, Penang
• Pinang Tunggal Railway Bridge, Penang (dismantled)
• Aur Island, Johor
• Kuala Lumpur
• Baling, Kedah
• Ipoh, Perak.
• Sabah.

Home media

The Journey was released by Multimedia Entertainment in DVD and VCD on March 20, 2014. Alternatively, audiences can view the film on Astro First, Channel 480 with an additional bonus feature of documentary, namely Chasing for Dream. The film was also released in Singapore theaters on the same day.^[13]

References