Locally-set soap spinoff debuts in town

All the cast members and guests take group photo on the red carpet for the premiere of ‘Return of the Cuckoo’

Hong Kong’s hit soap, “Return of the Cuckoo,” which was broadcast in 2000, is graduating from television to the big screen and continuing its storyline set in Macau, now with a revamped cityscape.
The television series, which featured the subtle relationship between a mute local and his non-biological sister from the same family, clocked up more than 3 million viewers for its finale. It still remains one of the most watched dramas in Hong Kong television history to date.
The spin-off, directed by Patrick Kong and starring almost all of its original cast, focuses on the encounter between the pair after the girl returns to Macau from the United States.
During a media briefing ahead of a red-carpet premiere yesterday afternoon at the Venetian Macao, Charmaine Sheh, the 40-year-old diva, told media that she was very moved by the plotline upon seeing its details.
“Something regretful has befallen her, which has significantly altered her,” said Sheh, referring to the female protagonist in the film who was a university undergraduate. “Her character has changed a lot as well. I’d say the mental challenges facing her in the film are greater than those in the TV drama.”
The actress, who made her way into the movie industry earlier this year, said the territory remained similar to how it looked in the past, except for the gambling boom. “There were not that many casinos before. Now the night scene here has become so glittering,” said Sheh.
The end of the soap drama, based around the brother-sister affection, disappointed many at that time. However, Taiwanese actress Joe Chen, who arrives as a mute cake baker in the film, helps reignite the pair’s love despite her role as the man’s girlfriend.
“There was so much to consider when we were both young. That’s why we didn’t go together. After over a decade when Joe appeared, we came to understand how we felt about each other,” she said. “In other words, we have been pulled towards each other.”
“I don’t think I am the other woman in the film. The pair dares to face their true selves and their love because of me,” said Chen. “I know it has been disappointing for everybody who wanted them to get together.”
Nancy Sit, another significant actress who stars as the pair’s mother, told media that she was also looking forward to the film’s ending, which was withheld by the director from her until the first screening. “It’s really worth watching, and bring along tissues,” she said, also noting that there could have been several endings.
She also said that all of the actors joyfully reunited and quickly found themselves immersed in the story. Sit added that the territory has turned into a more dazzling city after 15 years, with many high-rises, the nuances of which would also be presented in the film.
The film will be released nationwide on November 20. Yesterday’s red carpet premiere was held at the Venetian Theater.