Secret (2007)

Ye Xiang Lun, a talented piano player is a new student at the prestigious Tamkang School. On his first day, he meets Lu Xiao Yu, a pretty girl playing a mysterious piece of music.

Director:

Jay Chou

Writers:

Jay Chou (original story), Chi-long To (screenplay) (as Christine To)

Stars:

Jay Chou, Gwei Lun-Mei, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong

4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jay Chou	...	Ye Xiang Lun
Gwei Lun-Mei	...	Lu Xiao Yu (as Kwai Lun-Mei)
Anthony Chau-Sang Wong	...	Sir Yip
Ming-Ming Su	...	Rain's Mom
Devon Song	...	Ah Bao
Kai-Syuan Tzeng	...	Sky
Jun Lang Huang	...	Ah Lang (as Huang Jun Lang)
Yuri Chan	...	Yu Hao
Chase Chang	...	Record Store Owner
Funky Tu	...	York (as A-Do)
Yuki Huang	...	Ice
Aviis Zhong	...	Flower
Alex Wu	...	Music Teacher
Michael Lin	...	English Teacher
Yiao-Tzong Chou	...	Biology Teacher

Storyline

Ye Xiang Lun is a music student majoring in piano who just transferred to Tamkang, a school famous for its musically talented students, especially those who play piano. On his first day of school, he hears a mysterious melody being played, and following it meets Lu Xiao Yu, another piano major. When he asks her about the song she was playing, she tells him that it is a secret that cannot be told. The two form a friendship that quickly evolves into a romantic relationship. However unbeknownst to Xiang Lun, there is more to Xiao Yu than initially meets the eye.

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Plot Keywords:

chopin | asthmatic | asthma inhaler | asthma attack | love across time | 

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Music | Mystery | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The date on the board when Xiao Yu first goes to class is January 18, 1979 - Jay Chou's birthday.

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Goofs

Lu Xiao Yu is seen using a correction pen to write on a desk when she returned back to 1979. Correction pens were not introduced until the 1990s.

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Soundtracks

Sunny Doll
Lyrics & Composed by Jay Chou
Arranged & Produced by Michael Lin
Performed by Jessie Chiang

User Reviews

A Nutshell Review: Secret

While Jay Chou no doubt holds court in today's Mando-pop scene, he gets no love from the movie-goers who snigger at his expressionless performance in Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower. It indeed is quite brave of him (though it's arguable to strike while the iron is hot) to diversify and have a hand in directing so early in his cinematic career, and coming up with quite an interesting, engaging story, though like any creative work, his story did make him seem quite intelligent, in spite of his usual laid-back demeanour.

Jay stars as Jay (yeah, bring back those lazy Hong Kong production days where characters share the actor's first names, because they were working on so many movies simultaneously, it's hard to keep track, so why not name the characters after yourself!), a new student in Tamkang Secondary School. He follows a mysterious piano tune and meets with Rain (Kwai Lun-Mei), a fellow student with whom he starts to spend many lovey-dovey moments with. It's essentially a romance story for dating couples to catch, and it will be a definite test of anyone's cloy-tolerance, given that the lovebirds share so much saccharine sweet dialogue and behaviour, those with lesser tolerance will have goosebumps all the way.

And for the romantic movie fans, it's time to revisit some of the cliché plot elements like the bicycle ride - who can resist a bicycle ride! - lovely scene setting landscape shots, idle banter, close contacts, dance, kisses, the "third party" Sky (whom I think is more attractive than Kwai, thus providing that additional tension), the list just goes on. Jay has mentioned parts of the story was really based on his own experiences, it is indeed interesting to try and find out just which are. Being a piano student, the movie too was a showcase piece for his musical talents and prowess on the piano, coupled with computer generated graphics which enhanced certain scenes for dramatic effect with great aplomb.

Those who think that Jay Chou can't act will want to rethink that again. Given Initial D was pop, and that Curse was action, Secret was a perfect dramatic platform for him to do a little more emoting, even though he can't seem to shake off his signature drawl. And of course some help to make him look good came from thespian Anthony Wong, who had also played his cinematic dad (of similar interest / capability) in Initial D, as he again does in Secret. Here, their father and son characters play off each other a little more in some endearing, comical moments, and naturally, Wong seemed a more believable father figure than Chow Yun-Fat for Jay Chou.

The strength of the movie however laid in its story. I shall keep it a secret just exactly what it was, and all I can say is it is similar in nature to some of my favourite movies in the past, thus I had taken a natural liking for Secret as well. However, while you think you might have it all planned out how the story will unfold, Jay Chou actually had an added punch to keep it a little bit fresh, and in doing so, raises it to a slightly different level as well, with a fairly intense climax that will have you rooting for a desirable outcome, no less. What worked against it though, would be the verbatim nature in which the story was explained, making it a little draggy and at times, repetitive, instead of allowing the audience to put the pieces together.

Jay Chou as story writer (he had someone to script it for him), actor, director and composer, Secret turned out to be a surprisingly commendable, co mmendable effort. If this is any indication of what's to come from this talented dude, then I'll be more than happy to be a fan convert, for his cinematic efforts at least. Recommended date movie of the week, remember to bring out those tissues as well! I won't be surprised if this movie will work its magic into my top ten list for the year.

Details

Country:

Hong Kong Taiwan

Language:

Mandarin English

Release Date:

27 July 2007 (Taiwan)

Also Known As:

Secret

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$8,968,358

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avex Asia, Black & White Keys, East Empire International Holding

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1