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Joseph Zeng Cries on Wrap of 'The Rat You're Like'; Yukino Kishii Finds Healing in Taiwan

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • The Taiwanese-Japanese film "The Rat You're Like" premiered at the Taipei Film Festival, adapted from Yoshimoto Banana's short story.
  • Actor Joseph Zeng underwent intensive Japanese language training for his role, experiencing emotional release and tears upon completing the demanding shoot.
  • Japanese actress Yukino Kishii found the collaboration with the Taiwanese crew smooth and enjoyed Taiwan's fruit, especially dragon fruit.

The Taiwanese-Japanese co-production "The Rat You're Like," adapted from Yoshimoto Banana's short story "The Gloves and Compassion," made its Taiwan premiere at the Taipei Film Festival. Director Yukihiro Marube, along with producers and lead actors Joseph Zeng, Yukino Kishii, and Fumiya Fujiwara, attended the press conference.

I had to memorize all the lines by heart. That period, I practiced reciting from morning till dark every day. I am truly grateful the director spent so much time with me reading the script.

— Joseph ZengActor Joseph Zeng described his intensive preparation for the Japanese dialogue in the film 'The Rat You're Like'.

Joseph Zeng described the intense challenge of memorizing extensive Japanese dialogue, requiring two months of dedicated practice. He admitted to relying on rote memorization and experienced a complete emotional release, breaking down in tears after the director called "OK" on the final day of shooting. The film explores themes of loss and redemption across Taiwan and Japan, with Zeng playing a young man suppressing his emotions and Kishii portraying a woman healing from maternal loss.

Director Marube praised Zeng's blend of calm demeanor and wild potential, and Kishii's broad acting range. He revealed that Zeng was initially hesitant due to the Japanese dialogue, requiring three personal meetings to convince him to take the role. Zeng recounted daily practice sessions from morning till night, expressing gratitude for the director's support.

He is like the sun, shining brightly and dazzling, which made me feel very at ease.

— Yukino KishiiActress Yukino Kishii described her co-star Joseph Zeng.

Kishii, collaborating with a Taiwanese crew for the first time, found the process reassuring despite initial language barriers. She has visited Taiwan multiple times and expressed a particular fondness for its fruit, especially dragon fruit, stating she would return anytime for it. She described Zeng as "like the sun, shining brightly and dazzling," which put her at ease. Despite communicating mainly through basic English and Japanese words, the two actors developed strong chemistry through their eyes and body language.

I am willing to come to Taiwan again anytime for the fruit!

— Yukino KishiiActress Yukino Kishii expressed her love for Taiwanese fruit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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