The Garden of Evening Mists (film)


The Garden of Evening Mists is a 2019 Malaysian English-language drama film. Set in 1940s Malaya, a woman survives the Japanese war camp. To build a garden for her sister who dies, she travels to Cameron Highlands, and become student to a mysterious Japanese gardener, while their forbidden love relationship blooms.
The film received positive reviews. Adapted from the 2012 English-language novel of same name by Tan Twan Eng, the film is directed by Tom Lin Shu-yin, and stars Lee Sin-je, Hiroshi Abe and Sylvia Chang.
The film was released on 29 November 2019 in Taiwan, and 26 December 2019 in Hong Kong, and 16 January 2020 in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

Plot

Background

The background is set in 1940s and 1950s of Malaya. During the period, the country was a British colony, known as British Malaya. In 1942, the Japanese army occupied Malaya, forcing British to retreat. Malaya was ruled by Japanese army for three years, until 1945 after Japan surrendered. The British then returned to occupy, while independence movement rose. In 1948, conflict between British army and Malayan communist party led to irregular guerrilla wars until 1960. Malaya was declared emergency for these 12 years. Malaysia achieved independence in 1957.

Cast

The film is based on the 2012 English-language novel of same name, written by Tan Twan Eng. The book was well received and won the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize. In 2014, it was announced that the novel would be adapted by Malaysian film company Astro Shaw and HBO Asia, with support from National Film Development Corporation Malaysia. The film was originally to be written and directed by Malaysian filmmakers.
Taiwanese director Tom Lin Shi-yu was eventually chosen to direct, while screenwriting was passed to Scottish screenwriter, Richard Smith. The cast are Malaysian actress Lee Sinje, Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe, Taiwanese actress Sylvia Chang, British actors David Oakes, Julian Sands, Scottish actor John Hannah, Malaysian actress Serene Lim and Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua.
The production team members are from Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia and the United Kingdom. Principal photography started in July 2018. Filming took place in Malaysia, including Cameron Highlands. The internment camp and small gardens in the film are constructed. 90% of the dialogues in the film is English, with some Cantonese, Japanese and Malay language.

Release

The film had its world premiere at the 24th Busan International Film Festival on 4 October 2019. It was screened in November 2019 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival and Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival 2019.
The film is released on 29 November 2019 in Taiwan, 26 December 2019 in Hong Kong, 16 January 2020 in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. The film receives positive reviews from audience and critics.

Reception

The film received positive reviews.
The film garnered nine nominations at the 56th Golden Horse Awards. It was nominated for Best Film, Best Director and Best Leading Actress for Lee Sinje, and won the award for Best Makeup and Costume Design.

Accolades

At the 56th Golden Horse Awards, the film was nominated for nine awards, and won one award. It was nominated for Best Feature Film, Best Director for Tom Lin, Best Leading Actress for Lee Sinje, it won the Best Makeup and Costume Design.
AwardsCategoryRecipientsResult
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Feature FilmThe Garden of Evening Mists
56th Golden Horse Awards Best DirectorTom Lin Shu-yu
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Leading ActressLee Sinje
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Adapted ScreenplayRichard Smith
56th Golden Horse Awards Best CinematographyKartik Vijay
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Art DirectionPenny Tsai Pei-ling, Lum Heng-soon, Chen Hsuan-shao
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Makeup & Costume DesignNikki Gooley, Biby Chow, Penny Tsai Pei-ling, Nina Edwards
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Original Film ScoreOnn San
56th Golden Horse Awards Best Film EditingSoo Mun-thye