Time Still Turns the Pages
| Time Still Turns the Pages | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Traditional Chinese | 年少日記 |
| Directed by | Nick Cheuk |
| Screenplay by | Nick Cheuk |
| Produced by | Derek Yee |
| Starring | Siuyea Lo Ronald Cheng |
| Cinematography | Meteor Cheung |
| Edited by | Keith Chan Nick Cheuk |
| Music by | Hanz Au Iris Liu Jolyon Cheung |
Production company | Roundtable Pictures |
| Distributed by | mm2 Studios Hong Kong |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
Time Still Turns the Pages (Chinese: 年少日記) is a 2023 Hong Kong drama film directed by Nick Cheuk and produced by Derek Yee, with Cheuk also writing the story and co-editing the film. The film stars Siuyea Lo and Ronald Cheng in lead roles, with Lo portraying a secondary school teacher who recalls his childhood abuses and trauma while helping a suicidal student.
The film premiered at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival on 13 October 2023, before releasing theatrically on 16 November. The film received five and twelve nominations respectively in the 60th Golden Horse Awards and 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards.
Cast[edit]
- Siuyea Lo as Mr. Cheng / Cheng Yau Chun: a traumatized secondary school teacher who had witnessed his brother's suicide due to academic pressure.[1]
- Curtis Ho and Yukki Tai as younger versions of Cheng Yau Chun[2]
- Ronald Cheng as Cheng Chi-hung: a senior counsel and a stern and abusive father.[3]
- Sean Wong as Eli Cheng Yau Kit: an academically incompetent schoolboy from a strict, upper-middle-class family.[4]
- Rosa Maria Velasco as Heidi Cheng: the Cheng siblings' long-suffering mother from her abusive husband.[4]
- Hanna Chan as Sherry Lam: a voice actress and the wife of Mr. Cheng.[4]
- Nancy Kwai as a younger version of Sherry[2]
- Henick Chou as Vincent: a hearing-impaired student who was bullied at school.[4]
- Sabrina Ng as Wong Ka-Yee: the monitor of Mr. Cheng's class.[2]
Also appearing in the film are Rachel Leung as Zoey, the secretary of Cheng Chi-hung; Luna Shaw as Sister Ha, a social worker; Koyi Mak as Miss Leung, the Cheng siblings' class teacher; and Joey Leung as the vice principal.[2] Jessica Chan and Peter Chan cameo as the piano teachers of Cheng Yau Kit.[5]
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
Director and writer Nick Cheuk originally penned the screenplay in 2015, based on the death of a close friend and university classmate.[6] He later made revisions to the script, altering certain aspects of his friend's experiences to delve into the concerning phenomenon of student suicides in Hong Kong.[7][8] He completed the first draft in 2019, initially titled "Suicide Note" (遺書). During the same year, he applied for and received funding from the Hong Kong Film Development Council's "First Feature Film Initiative".[6] He dedicated two years to rewriting and fine-tuning the script. In 2020, Derek Yee returned to Hong Kong after filming in Mongolia and joined Cheuk in revising the script.[7] Cheuk retitled the film as "Time Still Turns the Pages", drawing inspiration from the lyrics of Avenged Sevenfold's "So Far Away".[7] Movie critic and secondary school teacher Chan Kwong-lung was also invited to be a consultant for the film.[9] After filming, Cheuk and Keith Chan, both first-time film editors, spent an additional two years on post-production.[6] An official trailer was released on 27 September 2023.[10]
Casting[edit]
In September 2021, shortly after finishing the screenplay draft, Cheuk approached Siuyea Lo, a mutual friend of his and his deceased friend, and offered him the role of Mr. Cheng.[11] The original setting of Mr. Cheng was actually 40 years old and spoke in a much more mature manner. Lo accepted the role on the spot after reading the script, and Cheuk amended the settings for him.[12] Besides, Cheuk handpicked comedian actor Ronald Cheng for the role of a stubborn and abusive father, after seeing Louis Cheung's performance in The Narrow Road and wanting to bring out the emotional side of actors who appear comedic.[13] Cheuk also chose Henick Chou to portray Vincent, a character based on his own experiences growing up at school, as he found Chou's previous portrayals of slacker youths very convincing.[14] Child actor Sean Wong won his role through an audition.[15]
Filming[edit]
Principal photography began in 2021 and wrapped up in 19 days.[6] Most of the school scenes were filmed at Chiu Yang Por Yen Primary School,[16] and the farewell scene between Cheng and Sherry was filmed at an art store in Sham Shui Po.[17]
Release[edit]
Time Still Turns the Pages premiered as the opening film of Hong Kong Asian Film Festival on 13 October 2023,[18] and was selected in World Focus section of the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival.[19][20] The film was released theatrically on 16 November 2023, in Hong Kong.[21]
Reception[edit]
Box office[edit]
Time Still Turns the Pages initially grossed approximately HK$1.93 million during its first weekend, not making it to the top three at the box office.[22] After receiving positive reviews from critics, the film saw a significant boost and climbed to HK$4.15 million, surpassing Napoleon, Trolls Band Together, Sound of Freedom, and the local production In Broad Daylight, and securing the top position at the box office.[22][23] By the fourth weekend, the film had grossed over HK$16 million,[24] and surpassed HK$25 million by the eighth weekend,[25] making it the second highest-grossing film of 2023 in Hong Kong.[26] As of 19 February 2024, the film's total gross stood at over HK$27 million.[27]
Critical response[edit]
Phuong Le of The Guardian gave the film 3/5 stars, praising director Nick Cheuk's sensitive portrayal of taboo topics like childhood abuse and academic pressure, as the film skillfully explored a debilitating cycle of trauma through the intertwined stories of a high school teacher and a young boy.[28] Edmund Lee of South China Morning Post gave the film 4/5 stars and lauded the film for its powerful emotional impact, crediting Siuyea Lo's impressive performance as Mr. Cheng and the execution of a clever plot twist that effectively convey layers of emotion within the film's poignant and heavy-hearted tone.[4] Mátin Cheung of The Student gave the film 4/5 stars and acknowledged Cheuk's thoughtful utilization of a complex narrative structure to reveal the harsh realities of Hong Kong's ailing education system and suffocating household atmosphere, while simultaneously challenging audience biases, showcasing the talent of the new generation of Hong Kong filmmakers.[29] Ho Kai Lam, writing for Wen Wei Po, commended the film for its coherent storytelling, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of parental ignorance and the overwhelming pursuit of honor, all delivered through the exceptional performances from the cast.[30] Estella Huang of Mirror Media perceived the film as a profound and emotionally resonant work, exploring melancholic childhoods and the limitations of education with depth and nuance through the adept navigation of Cheuk.[31]
Awards and nominations[edit]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 60th Golden Horse Awards | Best Narrative Feature | — | Nominated | [32] |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Wong | Nominated | |||
| Best New Director | Nick Cheuk | Won | |||
| Best Original Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Film Editing | Keith Chan, Nick Cheuk | Nominated | |||
| Audience Choice Award | — | Won | [33] | ||
| 2024 | 30th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award | Best Film | — | Nominated | [34] |
| Best Director | Nick Cheuk | Nominated | |||
| Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actor | Sean Wong | Nominated | |||
| Films of Merit | — | Won | |||
| 17th Asian Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Sean Wong | Nominated | [35] | |
| Best New Director | Nick Cheuk | Won | |||
| Best Editor | Nick Cheuk, Keith Chan | Nominated | |||
| 2023 Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild Awards | Best Movie Character of the Year | Sean Wong | Nominated | [36] | |
| 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Film | — | Nominated | [37][38] | |
| Best Director | Nick Cheuk | Nominated | |||
| Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actor | Siuyea Lo | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Wong | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Rosa Maria Velasco | Nominated | |||
| Best New Performer | Curtis Ho | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Meteor Cheung | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Keith Chan, Nick Cheuk | Nominated | |||
| Best Art Direction | Irving Cheung | Nominated | |||
| Best Original Film Score | Hanz Au, Iris Liu, Jolyon Cheung | Nominated | |||
| Best New Director | Nick Cheuk | Won |
References[edit]
- ^ 許瑞麟 (8 December 2023). "專訪／《年少日記》盧鎮業陷2年低潮「每天看天花板」 被每任女友抱怨同一件事" (in Chinese). Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d 何故 (5 November 2023). "《年少日記》後勁凌厲賺人熱淚 散場後仍難以平伏情緒" (in Chinese). HK01. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 游大東 (17 November 2023). "《年少日記》── 不一樣的鄭中基" (in Chinese). am730. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Lee, Edmund (14 November 2023). "Time Still Turns the Pages movie review: Hong Kong family drama uses student suicides as cue for a heart-wrenching tale of guilt and redemption". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Kei, Sek (29 November 2023). "【影評】石琪﹕《年少日記》學生自殺 《自由之聲》拐賣兒童" (in Chinese). Lite News. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d 黃浩珉 (23 November 2023). "面對傷痛，我會好好陪著你──完成十年之約的卓亦謙《年少日記》" (in Chinese). The Reporter. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "年少日記｜卓亦謙、盧鎮業專訪 若無法根治創傷 受創的人能如何活下去？" (in Chinese). The Collective. 19 November 2023. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》多倫多首映禮 年少港人新移民一致好評：可以看到剛上映的港產片真的很感動！" (in Chinese). Sing Tao Daily. 21 January 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 陳廣隆 (20 November 2023). "《年少日記》︰在結構上用巧的遺憾回憶" (in Chinese). Spill HK. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》入選東京國際電影節 鄭中基：希望部戲可以去到更遠" (in Chinese). TOPick. 27 September 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 許育民 (22 November 2023). "年少日記專訪｜導演卓亦謙好友遺書成心結 盧鎮業︰我有做過老師" (in Chinese). HK01. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 祁玲 (7 December 2023). "【《年少日記》專訪3】邀「老師」擔綱《年少日記》主角 導演分析選角原因" (in Chinese). Mirror Media. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》專訪｜導演卓亦謙看中鄭中基喜中有悲「好感性」 盧鎮業首擔正主角：這是個好的時候" (in Chinese). Yahoo! News. 23 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "周漢寧《年少日記》角色原型：原來是金馬最佳新導演得主卓亦謙！" (in Chinese). Yahoo! News. 10 December 2023. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
- ^ "嘆難代入《年少日記》角色 黃梓樂細琢劇本學喊戲" (in Chinese). Ming Pao. 1 December 2023. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 郝君兒 (6 December 2023). "《年少日記》導演卓亦謙與校長對談：盼孩子受困說出來為心靈減重" (in Chinese). HK01. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 李國樑 (17 November 2023). "《飯戲攻心》美指張蚊深水埗藝術小物店舖結業 電影《年少日記》曾到此取景" (in Chinese). U Lifestyle. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 許育民 (14 October 2023). "年少日記｜鄭中基打完仔頻講對唔住 黃梓樂自薦拍《闔家辣2》" (in Chinese). HK01. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "第36回東京国際映画祭ラインナップ発表、ナビゲーター就任の安藤桃子は「ぶっ飛ぶほど光栄」" (in Japanese). Natalie. 27 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "東京電影節｜《年少日記》贏口碑 導演卓亦謙：消化不來" (in Chinese). Ming Pao. 29 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》東京電影節放映 導演卓亦謙爭金馬獎欠信心" (in Chinese). Ming Pao. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ a b "港片也讲"现实主义"" (in Chinese). Guancha. 29 December 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》香港票房衝破1600萬 「一家四口」首度亮相謝票場" (in Chinese). Bastille Post. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "《年少日記》香港票房破1600萬 「一家四口」首度亮相謝票場" (in Chinese). Ming Pao. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ 許育民 (10 January 2024). "年少日記｜上映8星期票房破2500萬 公開岑珈其演躁父秘密片段" (in Chinese). HK01. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "【新戲速報】香港2023年票房亞軍 《年少日記》1月19日加拿大正式上映" (in Chinese). Sing Tao Daily. 11 January 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 鄧小樺 (19 February 2024). "鮮明取態、藝術節制、成就解鎖——與卓亦謙、盧鎮業談《年少日記》" (in Chinese). P-Articles. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ Le, Phuong (20 November 2023). "Time Still Turns the Pages review – sensitive account of the cycle of trauma". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Cheung, Mátin (12 December 2023). "Review: Time Still Turns the Pages". The Student. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ 何佳霖 (23 November 2023). "【影評不設防】《年少日記》如果是愛，請不要對孩子做出沒有未來的舉動" (in Chinese). Wen Wei Po. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ 黃以曦 (11 December 2023). "【影評】《年少日記》 活著怎麼這麼難" (in Chinese). Mirror Media. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ Lee, Edmund (4 October 2023). "Golden Horse Awards 2023 nominations: Time Still Turns The Pages, In Broad Daylight lead Hong Kong contenders at Taiwan film event once again shunned by Beijing". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "HK films win Golden Horse audience and critics' awards". Taipei Times. 26 November 2023. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ 莫匡堯 (15 January 2024). "評論學會大獎︱吳慷仁揮低梁朝偉 余香凝四度提名封后：很大肯定" (in Chinese). HK01. Archived from the original on 18 January 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Cheung, Erza (10 March 2024). "Asian Film Awards: Hong Kong's Nick Cheuk takes prize for best new director for Time Still Turns the Pages". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ "香港電影編劇家協會2023年度最佳電影角色獎入圍名單公布 你最睇好邊個得獎？" (in Chinese). Ming Pao. 3 February 2023. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Lee, Edmund (7 February 2024). "Hong Kong Film Awards 2024 nominations in full: In Broad Daylight leads the race with 16 nods, followed by Time Still Turns the Pages and The Goldfinger". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ Ng, Kang-chung; Hung, Emily (14 April 2024). "Court drama A Guilty Conscience picks up top prize at Hong Kong Film Awards while crime thriller The Goldfinger is big winner". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
