Lee Chong Wei (film)

Lee Chong Wei is a 2018 Malaysian biopic film directed by Teng Bee, about the inspirational story of national icon Lee Chong Wei (also features as a cameo appearances), who rose from sheer poverty to become the top badminton player in the world. The film is based on Lee's 2012 autobiography Dare to Be a Champion (which has been translated into English by Patty Tai Peck Sing). The film stars in the titular role 2 newcomers: 13-year-old Jake Eng and 22-year-old Tosh Chan, who were picked from more than 2,000 auditioned hopefuls.

Lee Chong Wei
official poster
Traditional敗者為王
Simplified败者为王
MandarinBài Zhě Wéi Wáng
LiterallyFrom Loser to King
Directed byTeng Bee
Produced by
  • Josiah Chieng
  • Teng Bee
Written by
  • Teng Bee
  • Luke Hwong
  • Tony Hu
  • Wong Siew Chooi
Based onDare to Be a Champion
by Lee Chong Wei
Starring
CinematographyEric Yeong
Production
company
  • CB Pictures
  • Mahu Pictures
Release date
  • 9 March 2018 (2018-03-09) (Bukit Jalil)
  • 15 March 2018 (2018-03-15) (Malaysia)
  • 15 March 2018 (2018-03-15) (Singapore)
  • 7 October 2018 (2018-10-07) (China)
  • 28 October 2018 (2018-10-28) (Taiwan)
Running time
133 minutes[1]
CountryMalaysia
Language
BudgetRM6 million[2]
Box officeRM4.75 million
CN¥6.58 million
NT$2 million

Plot

The movie begins with a young boy asking Lee how to be as good of a shuttler as him after a badminton match. A flashback then brings Lee back to his tough upbringing and the story of how he overcame setbacks along the way. The film features a mix of real-life accounts and dramatic fiction, culminating in the 2006 Malaysia Open final where Lee miraculously saved 8 match points against great rival Lin Dan to win the title, one of the few and first occasions where Lee defeated Lin in their numerous encounters over the span of their decade-long rivalry.

Cast
  • Jake Eng as young Lee Chong Wei
  • Tosh Chan as adult Lee Chong Wei
  • Mark Lee as Lee Ah Chai, Lee Chong Wei's father
  • Yeo Yann Yann as Khor Kim Chooi, Lee Chong Wei's mother
  • Ashley Hua as Wong Mew Choo, Lee Chong Wei's teammate and love interest, later wife
  • Rosyam Nor as Misbun Sidek, Lee Chong Wei's national team coach
  • Freddie Wong as Teh Peng Huat, Lee Chong Wei's junior coach
  • Uriah See as Yang Kun Cheng, Lee Chong Wei's rival
  • Sherie Merlis as Latifah Sidek, Misbun Sidek's wife
  • Bernard Hiew
  • Norman Pang
  • Wilson Tin
  • Jacky Kam
  • Agnes Lim as Lee Bee Kim, Lee Chong Wei's sister
  • Ling Tai Yong (aka Ling Big Yong) as Lee Chong Wei's brother and also a youtuber

Reception

The film received generally average reviews, but earned RM2 million in ticket sales in the first 4 days of release.[3] It peaked at number 3 in the Malaysian cinema charts upon release, and fell to number 4 the following week. As of the week of 9 April 2018, it is still holding at number 4.[4]

Although the movie was supposed to be released throughout Asia, it failed to make a splash in neighbouring Singapore, garnering only S$10,000 in ticket sales upon release and a total of under S$75,000 after a 4-day run. Nevertheless, it peaked at number 6 in Singapore and maintained in the weekly top 10 charts for 4 consecutive weeks.[5] According to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) official site, the Lee Chong Wei movie is still screening as of 26 April 2018, 6 weeks after its release. The cumulative box office collection in the Malaysian market is RM4.75 million as of that date, which is slightly below its production cost.[6]

However, the film performed strongly in other markets, having grossed ¥6.58 million in China where it was released on 7 September 2018.[7] Following its release in Taiwan on 28 September 2018, it surpassed NT$1 million after just 3 days and has currently passed the $2 million mark.[8]

References
  1. Kho, Gordon (20 January 2018). "Movie premiere is the Wei to go". The Star.
  2. Cheang, Michael (16 November 2017). "Get ready to cheer for Datuk Lee Chong Wei … in the cinema!". The Star.
  3. – Lee Chong Wei's Biopic Has Hit Over RM2 million at the Malaysian Box Office in Just 4 Days
  4. – Cinema Online Charts
  5. "Top 10 Movies". Yip Wai Yee. 5 April 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  6. – FINAS – Malaysian Box Office
  7. "李宗伟：败者为王". China Box Office (in Chinese).
  8. "台北週末◆票房收入:2018年第40 週10-05~10-07". 台灣偶像劇場 (in Chinese).
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