Jennifer Yu gets surprise birthday celebration on set, praised for 'wickedly good' dark role
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Actress Jennifer Yu is filming the new movie "Parasitic Desire," where she plays a challenging,
Actress Jennifer Yu is celebrating her birthday early on the set of the new film "Parasitic Desire." Director Keith Woo arranged a surprise birthday cake for Yu, who turns 30 on July 5. Yu expressed her gratitude for the warm gesture, calling it the first time she's celebrated her birthday during filming.
"This shoot has only been over ten days, but the whole team is very passionate. We quickly became like family," Yu said. "Receiving this surprise filled with love is truly heartwarming." She added that the unexpected celebration brought warmth to the high-intensity filming.
This shoot has only been over ten days, but the whole team is very passionate. We quickly became like family. Receiving this surprise filled with love is truly heartwarming.
Yu described her role in "Parasitic Desire" as a significant breakthrough, marking her first time playing a character who undergoes a personality change and "goes dark." This is a departure from her usual positive image. Even veteran actress Anita Yuen, who stars alongside her, commented that Yu's portrayal was "wickedly good."
This is a very meaningful and challenging role. The director has handled the subject matter brilliantly, and the power dynamics and transformations between characters are worth looking forward to. I hope audiences will see a different Jennifer Yu.
Yu expressed her enjoyment of the role and her anticipation for the film. "This is a very meaningful and challenging role. The director has handled the subject matter brilliantly, and the power dynamics and transformations between characters are worth looking forward to. I hope audiences will see a different Jennifer Yu," she said.
Yu also noted her renewed collaboration with director Woo after six years, stating their chemistry is even better after their personal growth. She praised his expertise in similar themes, making the filming process smooth and enjoyable. Working with Anita Yuen was also a rewarding experience, as Yu described Yuen as professional and supportive, even assisting with lines and blocking off-camera.
I learned a lot about passion for acting from Anita. I am very grateful to producer Ng Chi Hung for facilitating this collaboration.
"I learned a lot about passion for acting from Anita. I am very grateful to producer Ng Chi Hung for facilitating this collaboration," Yu said emotionally. After completing the demanding and emotionally draining shoot, Yu plans to relax on her birthday with a massage, a meal with her husband, and family time. Her birthday wish is simple: "I hope to be healthy and have the energy to challenge more diverse film or stage roles. Most importantly, I wish everyone peace and happiness."
I hope to be healthy and have the energy to challenge more diverse film or stage roles. Most importantly, I wish everyone peace and happiness.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.