Stone of Mayday Ditches the Good Guy Persona for a Dark New Role
Who would have thought that Stone, the guitarist from the hit band Mayday, could pull off a ruthless villain? He just did it, starring in “Cities of Last Things”, the latest film from director Ho Wi Ding that premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) last night.
Red‑Carpet Chaos
Stone arrived on the carpet shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the film’s Malaysia‑born director and his fellow castmates Ding Ning and Huang Lu. With a reputation as the “Nice Guy” of Mayday, the media frenzy was real—fans and press alike fired a barrage of questions about his menacing turn.
Why This Dark Turn?
- “I’ve had a long‑standing itch to step out of the rock music spotlight and stir things up,” Stone admitted in an interview with AsiaOne.
- He’s been offered plenty of wholesome roles after hits like “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” (2013) and “Zinnia Flower” (2015).
- “But I’m a rocker who thrives on rebellion. Replaying the same good‑boy script would feel… well, stuck,” he confessed.
- He noted his new character is “far from me”—a vain, corrupt cop who seduces the hero’s wife, and again, he can’t resist pulling out the black wardrobe for swagger.
Plot Twist and Production Tricks
“Cities of Last Things” dives into three distinct periods of the protagonist’s life, portrayed by Jack Kao, Lee Hongchi, and Hsieh Changying. The narrative is told in reverse order and the film was shot on expired 35‑mm film to give it that gritty, vintage feel.
Stone’s bold move will certainly make a splash—whether he’s truly the villain in this story or just the next big thing in the indie-wave rock world remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: he’s proving that even a “Nice Guy” can rock the darkest parts of the screen with style.
Ho’s Bold & Bitter Take on Comedy: A Fresh Prescription
When you hear the name Ho Wi Ding, you might expect a traditional blockbuster, but the veteran filmmaker has something wildly different in mind. “Comedies are like desserts—too much and you get fat,” he quips, preferring his film to feel more like a bit of herbal medicine than a sweet snack. The result? A pepper‑packed, low‑budget picture that’s more comfort than confection.
What Made It Tick
- Budget Constraints: The whole project stretched over two years because funds ran tight. Ho had to wear three hats—writer, producer, and editor—so every scene was carefully carved out of pennies.
- The Ketotic Format Choice: Instead of glossy 3D or slick CGI, Ho stuck with a lean, indie-style production that kept costs low and authenticity high.
- Real‑World Struggles: The cast mirrors the film’s grit. Actress Huang Lu and Ding Ning both grappled with financial hurdles life and Hollywood present alike.
Why It’s a Good Thing
Ho’s approach shows that a film can still spark laughter without a hefty budget. By turning “bitter” into a selling point, he reminds audiences that humor can be wholesome and a little edgy—just like life itself.
What the Critics Say
Recent buzz—thanks to Golden Horse’s nominations—has hailed Ding Ning with a Best Supporting Actress win, while Ho’s own raucous, double‑life-made film spots the spotlight for many newcomers.
Drop in for a taste of this “herbal” comedy. It might not be as sweet as you’re used to, but you’ll leave feeling a little lighter—and maybe a tad wiser, too.
Lights, Camera, And a Touch Of Drama: SGIFF’s Star‑Studded Gala
During the opening whirlwind of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), veteran actress Tang Hao‑tong (aka the “Taiwanese superstar”) stole the show with a daring portrayal of a hardened criminal in the film’s opener. Her performance was a raw, dark echo of real-life grit—so intense that even the director’s little fellow couldn’t sleep—not to mention her child’s nightmare about “lacking love.”
How Tang Brushed Up the Dark Side
“I had to go very deep into the shadowy side,” Tang confessed, “not easy for someone like me who usually shines in lighter roles.” Her dedication was so pure that her on-screen character even drove her son to a sleepless scream, gagging over the line that her love was gone!
Despite tugging at the very edges of her persona, Tang brought her characteristic vivacity to the red carpet—and then to the stage—leaving both the audience and fans belly‑laughing.
What’s Next: The May‑December Line‑up
The 29th SGIFF runs until December 9 at several venues around the city, and it’s buzzing with names. A quick list of who’s expected to attend:
- Actress Sammi Cheng
- Actress Joan Chen
- Actor Daniel Dae Kim
- Director Stanley Kwan
- Director Rithy Panh
Come 20 December, the film “Cities of Last Things” (R21), co‑produced by mm2, will drop in Singapore—so make sure you grab your ticket before the last screen closes.
