Bu Neng Shuo De. Mi Mi

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.

It has never come to my mind that the R&B/rap singer Jay Chou would make such an extraordinary fantasy/romance movie (and as his debut!), but beyond everyone's expectation he did, showing the world his talent as a fine director.

Definitely not going to compare it to any other campus love story, because this movie is quite different in nature. Still not wanting to give away much about the plot, but the movie got a 360 degree shift half way through when subsequently a whole lot of thrills and twists kept popping out.

Wong Chau-Sang is the most versatile actor in Hong Kong, this time playing Jay Chou's father-on-screen for the 2nd time since Initial D. Lun-mei Guey in the movie was a plain-looking girl who accidentally got hold of some kind of time-traveling ability by playing a mysterious sheet music on a old piano. Both two made irreplacable contribution to the movie's success.

And what also impressed me was the heart-touching soundtrack by Jay and the Thai composer Terdsak Janpan which went perfectly with the plot, especially towards the climax.

For those of you who like My Sassy Girl and Comrades: Almost a Love Story, Bu neng shuo de. mi mi is 100% sure to win your tears once again. Recommend to all Jay/non-Jay fans.

I was pleasantly surprised after watching this film on DVD. While the premise of the story may not be entirely original (there are many who may compare it with Il Mare or its Hollywood remake - The Lake House), frankly speaking, the manner in which the plot unfolds is relatively engaging and has kept me glued to the screen from the opening credits to the closing credits.

The film, Secret, begins with Lun (played by Jay Chou, who also directed the film) being led by a mysterious and alluring piano piece to an old dilapidated room in his new school (Tamkang Secondary School). It was in this room where he meets Rain (played by the infectiously sweet Kwai Lun-Mei), who was responsible for playing the mysterious piano solo. This chance encounter would trigger the start of Lun and Rain's somewhat nebulous relationship, which would be 'put to the test' to an extent by another female student named Sky (which was played to perfection by the delightfully charming Tseng Kai-xuan).

Jay Chou had also taken this opportunity (and a great one as well – with music being centerpiece of this story) in his directorial debut to pay a small tribute to one of his favourite composers, Chopin, wherever possible. Apart from being described as a "gifted composer" in the film, Chopin's Waltz was also featured in the beautifully shot sequence of a "piano duel" – which was one of the highlights of the film.

Besides the storyline and music, the film's cinematography was decent as well. In short, it's a wonderfully packaged film with a plot formula that works.

(DVD Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars – definitely could have been a lot better. The "making of" video was disappointing with no guidance or insight on the making of the film and it was constantly interspersed with periods of continuous silence.)

Surprisingly good~ I was just expecting a decent delicate love story, Bu neng shuo de mi mi(Secret) didn't disappoint me on that, but there is much more - a beautiful thrilling fantasy film it is! The first half is full of witty romantic plots, they do occasionally seem a little gratuitous, but very entertaining indeed, more importantly,they have you absorbed into the atmosphere easily. And you would probably say to yourself, yeah it is an ordinary romance film with a delicate but predictable storyline.

Then, it proves you wrong in an amazing way. It keeps on bringing enjoyable surprises, bringing the film onto the next level. The dialog is not pretentious or overused, the story unfolds itself in a natural manner. And then you will realize it's not another ordinary feel-good romance.

Have to mention, the score produced by the Singer/Songwriter/Pianist/Actor director Jay Chou is outstanding and impressive, and really becomes an integral part of the film.

Fantastic.

I personally thought that the plot was rather exciting and intriguing. Jay Chou must definitely have put in much effort into making this movie. His first movie-making attempt is pretty much a success, I must say. He's even got very positive reviews and comments from award-winning directors from Asia.

Although the plot needed some thinking to be able to understand it fully, I thought this show was pretty original- a far cry from many other love stories produced. This love story was genuine and not like many other cliché stories you can find in the movie market. The actors and actresses put up remarkable jobs too. I personally feel that Jay Chou has made a great improvement with regards to his once-stagnant facial expressions. His co-star Guey Lun-mei's acting did not fail to impress too- for a neophyte selected by Jay Chou himself, her acting was breezy and natural.

The whole story is filled with love, passion for music and excellent piano pieces. My favorite parts were the piano battle, as well as the piano duet. I thought that Jay Chou's piano-playing was fabulous. He, indeed, lived up to his label as "musical genius".

Overall the movie was great. I watched it twice, and both times I still cried and laughed the same as before. Although I'm merely fifteen and hence my mentalities may be a cry away from some readers and movie-watchers here, I think that this show is one that you should catch. You will not regret it! :)