Valentine's Day will see another mystery from one of China's most popular suspense novelists Cai Jun hitting the big screen, with "Kill Time" starring Angelababy and Ethan Ruan, as reported by CRIEnglish.
The film, domestically known as "Mou Sha Si Shui Nian Hua," marks the first time that Angelababy will collaborate with Ruan on screen. The model-actress is seven years younger than her co-star, and the two will portray a couple in the crime thriller.
Still in the hospital because of a serious cold, Angelababy did not join the rest of the cast for a promotional press conference held recently in Beijing. In attendance was director Fruit Chan, along with cast members Ruan, Zhang Chao and Rayza Re Yi Zha.
At the event, Hong Kong filmmaker Fruit Chan disclosed that he has been trying to adapt the novel for the big screen for some time.
"I read the novel five years ago. I tried every possible means to purchase its copyright, but had failed," said Chan. "I felt the story plot, which related to the young adult development, would arouse interest of young viewers in China, where teen films were just in a start-up phase, however, I didn't realize my ideals then."
The story is about Tian Xiaomai, portrayed by Angelababy, who stumbles upon an obscure website called Witch's Zone while looking for a copy of her father's favorite song. The website only allows one purchase, and she cannot resist buying a mauve scarf, which triggers her memories and becomes a clue in a mysterious murder.
Zhang Chao plays a third party to the romance between Angelababy and Ruan. He meddles in their love affair.
"My role in the movie is Sheng Zan, who comes from a wealthy family. Both my character and Ethan Ruan's character love Tian Xiaomai. So we are hostile toward each other. In fact, we all live in a miserable environment, where we experience our adulthood and gradually grow up," Zhang explains.
The film also tells the story of Tian Xiaomai's father's generation, making it more ambitious than other teen films.
"Cai Jun's novel covers two generations from parents to their children. Parents also grow up from young adults, so 'Kill Time' has a much bigger ambition than any other movies on teen topics," said director Chan.