Love Conquers All

Colour, DIGIBETA
Malaysia, 2006, 90 min
Section: Forum of Independents

Synopsis

Ah Peng, a young Chinese-Malay girl from the provinces, comes to the capital Kuala Lumpur to work behind her aunt’s stall. At first she seems to have neither time nor interest in the joys and dangers of the big city. But at the public phone booth while making her ritual calls to her family and boyfriend back home, she soon encounters John. He follows Ah Peng everywhere, pursuing her fervently until she finally succumbs to him. When John suddenly disappears, we watch helplessly as Ah Ping’s fate, like that of many others, is inexorably sealed. The young Chinese filmmaker from Malaysia creates a vivid yet fragile image of love, poor communication and shifting relationships in contemporary Kuala Lumpur. Using apparently simple film devices, she evokes the emotions, silences and uncertainties lurking within the changing landscape of a modern city.

About the director

Tan Chui Mui (b. 1978, Kuatan, Pahang, Malaysia) has shown a talent for writing since she was young, working as a columnist for local newspapers and magazines. She has directed five short films. Love Conquers All is her feature debut (New Currents Award in Pusan 2006 and WPRO Tiger Award at the IFF in Rotterdam 2007). Tan Chui Mui’s next film project Living Quietly received a CNC Script Development Grant as part of the Locarno International Film Festival Open Door programme.