Power of two with 2R
By LI EE KEEReal life sisters playing lesbian lovers? Its perverse idea notwithstanding, it was a decision tantamount to career suicide. As newcomers to the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Malaysia-born and Singapore-bred Rosanne and Race Wong did not know how the fickle and at-times conservative public would react.
But it was a risk that paid off for the girls, popularly known as the pop duo 2R. Race received a best new performer nomination in the upcoming 24th Hong Kong Film Awards for her role as a schizophrenic photography student in Abnormal Beauty.
“Filming was psychologically demanding. But we are happy with the results,” said Race in Cantonese. She clarified that the script did not call for any outward show of affection between them. It was merely implied through their body language and behaviour.
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Actresses Race (left) and Rosanne are also pop duo 2R. |
The 22-year-old, who gave herself the name “Race” when she was 16 because she aspired to be a race driver, found out about her nomination from the Hong Kong press. “I was working when they came up to congratulate me. In Hong Kong when that happens, it could also mean something bad.
“But I am very happy. It was an honour working with director Oxide Pang.”
The sisters, dressed in matching blue outfits, were in Kuala Lumpur for the launch of Red Box Karaoke’s seventh outlet at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.
After the emotional roller-coaster of Ab-normal Beauty, Rosanne and Race decided to act in director Li Li Chi’s period comedy flick, Fei Zi Siew (loosely translated as “The Concubine’s Laughter”), thinking it would be easier to do. Fei Zi Siew will be released in Hong Kong next month.
Filming took place in Zhu Hai, China, in the summer. They had to don thick and heavy period costumes as well as elaborate hairdos. Each day's shooting began at 6am and only ended at 4am the next day.
“It was really difficult,” laughed Rosanne, 25. “We even had to take painkillers because of the throbbing pain we got from wearing the heavy hair pieces.”
Race said that after filming, both of them, having always treasured their long hair, went to have them cut and dyed.
“Actually, we are very lucky to be working with each other,” pointed out Rosanne. “Being new to the industry, at least we can look out for one another.”
The sisters previously appeared together on the Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) serial Hearts of Fencing (2003) and director Wong Jing’s comedy, Love is a Many Stupid Thing (2004).
Though their film career seems to be gradually taking off, Rosanne and Race’s first love remains singing.
Discovered at a singing competition in Hong Kong while they were on a holiday there, Rosanne and Race had to postpone their tertiary studies in Australia to concentrate on their singing career. They signed with Universal Hong Kong.
While they had their doubts over how listeners would take to them, Rosanne and Race began bringing home the awards on the strength of their first EP Two of Us. 2R received the silver for best newcomer groups at the 2003 RTHK Top 10 awards. In the same year, at the Jade Solid Gold Awards, they were awarded gold in the favourite newcomers category. Their second EP, United 2R, was released last year.
Fans can look forward to their first full-length album at the end of the month. It will feature a mix of Cantonese and Mandarin tunes. Both girls were involved in every aspect of the album’s creation from composition to choice of songs and artwork.
“It was important for us to have a hands-on approach,” related Rosanne.
But these ambitious sisters are far from calling it day. Aside from aiming to hold their first concert soon, the sisters intend to collaborate with their favourite singers.
Rosanne, who grew up listening to Alan Tam, said she hopes to one day work with the evergreen singer. Race, on the other hand, wants to record a duet with Andy Lau. The lucky girl had a taste of what it would be like when they sang together during rehearsals for an awards show not long ago. Rosanne said: “By working with our seniors, we can learn so much, even if it is just for three minutes.”
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