Original subtitles

(Producer Tang's new hit broke box-office records again)

Hello, everyone! I'm online now

Welcome, Prince!

Hello, 007!

It's ten in the evening. Why did you say "good morning"?

007: Having dumplings again? You could be having me

007...

If you buy me 100 love tokens...

Thank you, Hao Bangbang!

(Mark)

Hello, Mark

Hi, Nina. A producer is inviting you to an audition. Check your email

Really?

Okay, I'll check it now

Everyone... I'll be right back

“Romance of the Spies” Scene 1

“Hotel room, 1960s.”

"She lies naked in bed between two officers ..."

When did you come to Taipei?

Eight years ago

I've been your agent for six years, right?

In these six years, aside from short films and ads...

...you haven't been in a film, have you?

It's past midnight. Can I smoke?

- Sure - Thanks!

If you don't want to do it, we can turn it down

If you're uncomfortable with it, don't even try for it

The key thing is how you feel about it

Could we ask the director how he'd shoot the sex scene?

It says full frontal nudity in the script

Of course we can

But keep one thing in mind

There's stiff competition for this role

If you're really concerned, don't even audition for it

Let's think it through

Is nudity necessary in the story?

Or is it just to make a sensation?

Those Hollywood stars you go on about...

There are two reasons they may accept a role

Either it's a good character to play

Or it's good pay

In this case, it's a good character!

I doubt that any real professional...

...would turn down a plum role just because of nudity

But I'll respect your decision

It's up to you

Please leave a voice message. Speak after the beep

Hello, Kiki

How are you doing?

Listen, a film producer is asking me to an audition

I think I'm likely to get the part

I'd more or less given up hope...

Then this opportunity comes along

I really like your acting style

I've seen all those short films

Some would be really awful without your performance.

Anyhow, I believe a film performance should be natural

Say you're having a shower... Do you worry about being naked?

And when you're making love... Do you worry about showing yourself?

Looking natural is the key

The camera is rolling

Would you like to start?

“I can't bear it any longer”

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body ...”

“But my soul”

“Take me with you”

“Wherever you go”

“Only when I'm with you ...”

“... can I be free”

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body ...”

“But my soul”

“Take me with you”

“Wherever you go”

“Only when I'm with you ...”

“... can I be free”

“I can't”

“We can't go anywhere”

“I love you”

“I love you too”

“But we cannot ...”

“The world doesn't love us. You understand?”

“Then don't hate me!”

“I'll do something that all of them will regret!”

“You're the ones who are forcing me ...”

“... to seek revenge”

Okay, cut!

It's okay

That's a wrap. Let's pack up

Thank you all

Well done!

Tomorrow I'll probably shoot...

...from this angle

The shot will be like that

Mark's in Beijing on business

He said not to let him down

If you need any help, I'm here for you

- “I wish Colonel Tsai”... - Cut!

We've cut

Let's make a change

Say the line before you've finished. I want you to look natural, okay?

Another take!

Get moving!

Replace the dumplings!

Slate!

Sound speed!

Scene 28-1, take 8

And action!

- “I wish Colonel Tsai”... - Cut!

Okay... stop rolling

Pouring wine is so important?

What's the most important thing in this scene?

Finding the secret note?

Yes! Speak when you find it!

But when I find it in the dumpling, I still have food in my mouth

So I don't think it's natural to start talking

I don't care if it's natural or not. This is a movie

I want drama!

Your comrades have to know you've got the note

Then the audience will get it too

The secret note is the hint. That's it

Replace the dumplings!

- Slate! - Sound speed

Scene 28-1, take 9

Action!

“I wish Colonel Tsai a great promotion and a successful career"

Cut!

Good! Next shot

It's done, next!

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body ...”

“But my soul”

“Take me with you”

“Wherever you go”

“Only when I'm with you can I be free”

“I can't”

“We can't go anywhere”

“I love you”

“I love you too”

“But we cannot!”

“The world doesn't love us”

“Then don't hate me!”

“I'll do something that all of them will regret!”

”You're the ones who are forcing me to seek revenge”

“Don't be silly!”

- “What are you going to do?” - “Don't come near me!”

“Don't come near me!”

Cut!

What are the three stages of this scene?

First, threaten him

Second, grow soft on him and want to kill yourself

Last, get angry and go crazy. You want to kill them all

Play it, come on

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body but my soul”

Keep going!

“Take me with you, wherever you go”

Again! Play it!

“Only when I'm with you ..."

"... can I be free”

Speak!

“I can't”

“We can't go anywhere”

Keep going!

“I love you”

“I love you too”

“But we cannot”

“The world doesn't love us”

“Then don't hate me!”

“I'll do something that ...”

Say “motherfucker”

Swear at me!

Repeat my swearwords!

“Motherfucker”

Swear!

“Motherfucker”

“You fucking cunt!”

- “You fucking cunt!” - Louder! Motherfucker! You fucking cunt!

“Motherfucker! You fucking cunt!”

“You're a cheap whore!”

You're a crappy, stupid director!

Speak the lines

“Then don't hate me!”

“I'll do something that all of them will regret!”

“You're the ones who are forcing me to seek revenge!”

That's it! One more take!

Nina...

We've got pork and chicken dumplings. Which you prefer?

It's okay. I'm not hungry, thanks

I'll leave them here

Eat when you're hungry

All they give you is dumplings? Not even hot!

Well...

We all get the same

You think too much

They're bullying you!

No, they're not!

She brought me the lunchbox

The others have to fetch it themselves

Could you please sharpen up a bit?

What do you mean?

Just sharpen up, okay?

I'm already sharp

I really want to do well, you know?

Please...

Do you realise my situation?

I can't be distracted anymore

You think too much

We won't get into any more trouble

Okay?

Good morning, director

Good morning

We'll come to the most important scene after the New Year break

Yes, I know

You go through five moods in the scene

Delirious

Desperate

Heartbroken

Suddenly revived...

And then abandoned, liberated. Make sure you're ready

Yes. I'll be ready

Thank you, director

Then... I'll be going

Goodbye

Thank you, director

Come on

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy New Year!

Let's hope Nina, our family celebrity, gets famous...

...and makes a fortune!

That doesn't matter! The important thing is to have good health

What do you know? Actors all need to get famous!

Hope Nina make a big fortune in the Year of the Dog!

Here's to the good fortune of the whole Wu family!

You got it made! You're a lucky dog!

Sis, you're a lucky dog in the Year of the Dog!

Let's hope Nina's film is a big hit

And your factory makes big money! To the Wu family!

Let's hope Nina gets to Hollywood and wins an Oscar!

- Impossible - Nothing's impossible!

No more nonsense during New Year. Let's drink a toast!

No more nonsense. We talk like dogs in the Year of the Dog!

4,000

Thanks

Here are the leftovers

You still use plastic bags like these?

A restaurant like yours! You should have your logo on the bags!

I make customised plastic bags. I'll give you a discount

Thanks

Happy New Year!

Please leave a voice message Speak after the beep

Kiki...

Happy New Year!

Nina, let me explain this scene

This sex scene is very crucial in the film

It's to convey the helplessness one feels in life

So much happiness, sorrow and love are bundled together

You feel anguish in your heart. You don't want to do this

But your body doesn't lie. It feels pleasure

Everything is ready

Assistant director

Block the scene and we'll start shooting

Actors, rehearse the poses

1

No emotions involved, pose for the camera

2

No emotions involved, pose for the camera

3

No emotions involved, pose for the camera

4

No emotions involved, pose for the camera

5. No emotions involved

Stop crying!

How could you screw up such a simple scene?

Your call will be switched to the voicemail...

This is...

Kiki...

Did you get my voice message?

I just had a dream

I dreamt that...

I was walking on...

...a scorched mountain

Nothing there

Only a tree standing

Just one dead tree with no leaves

Then, guess who I met?

I met Nicole Kidman

She asked me to play a game with her

She said...

“In ten minutes ...”

“... a flood will pour down the mountainside”

She and I had to hold on to the tree to survive

Before she'd finished speaking...

...the flood was on its way down

The torrents were huge

Dozens of storeys high

I held on to the tree with all my might

After ten seconds...

...I was still there

But Nicole Kidman wasn't

She'd been washed away by the flood

The water was so powerful

When did you know that?

Did you tell the director?

I'll tell him

Nina didn't get her diving certificate

What the hell?

I think we need to change the scene

How?

- I'm thinking of using a stand-in - At the last minute?

- Anyhow, we shoot the scene tomorrow - How?

Can you change the scene?

I can't change it!

Director...

- I'm sorry - It's okay, I know

Don't worry, we're prepared. Just concentrate on your performance

Remember the five moods I told you about?

Yes. Delirious, desperate, heartbroken...

...suddenly revived, and finally abandoned, liberated

Keep going till I shout "cut"

We'll start when you're ready

Grip it tight

Careful!

Okay, she's in position!

Let's start shooting

Everyone, get ready! Concentrate

Okay, ready, go!

- Sound. Speed! - Camera

Action!

“Goodbye ...”

“Goodbye ...”

“See you in the next life ...”

Stop filming!

You're breaking the law

Drag them away!

- Who's in charge here? - We're shooting a movie!

The film is great!

A new superstar is born!

Nina...

Your performance is really brilliant!

Nina, you made it

You gave it everything

Congratulations!

Congratulations to you too, director

Keep working hard

Thank you, director

Good!

Beautiful!

Wow, really beautiful!

Good!

Can you talk about how you were discovered?

I was running a stall in the night market. Mark, my agent, said he wanted to sign me

So you're from Taipei?

I live in Taipei, but my father runs a factory in central Taiwan

You started as an internet celebrity but also worked as extra

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

Yes, I've always wanted to be an actor. I had ballet classes when I was five

Practiced martial arts when I was seven. Took singing lessons when I was eight

I majored in theatre and acting

Wasn't it hard to work as extra?

- Yes, hard and very poorly paid - How poor?

Some months I had only one job. Then I'd earn just over NT$1,000

- How could you survive? - I spent NT$30 a day

In which films were you an extra?

Mostly short films

Or commercials

Some TV dramas too

Indie productions as well as commercial films...

Anything we'd know?

In ‘Lucy'... when Luc Besson shot in Taiwan...

Wow! What character did you play?

- I was an extra but I had one line - Which was?

When the heroine walks into the hotel, I open the door and say “Welcome”!

We hear that in this new film you are totally naked...

...in explicit sex scenes

I think being naked isn't the point

You did full frontal nudity?

I think the nudity isn't the point at all

I'm a professional actor

And you have a threesome in the film?

You had no problem with that?

I don't think a threesome is really...

Sorry, that's all we have time for. We're out of time

- One last question... - Are you seeing the executive producer?

- Thanks for the questions - Are you happy together?

Are you two in a relationship?

- See you next time, thanks! - Don't we get twenty minutes?

This is ridiculous

Excuse me, are you Nina?

I follow your live streams!

I heard that you're in a big movie?

Yes

- Congratulations! - Thanks

Can I put the mask on your face now?

Sure

The mask we're using today is a product we make with a French company

It's made with honey from Provence and snowmelt from the Alps

All natural ingredients. You can even eat it

Have a taste!

Isn't it sweet?

Close your eyes and rest

“Dad”

Auntie, Uncle...

Sufen, you're here at last!

Ma... How are you?

Sufen, I don't get it

It's just a minor surgery. Why is the doctor asking the whole family to be here?

They won't even start unless you're here

It's not a minor surgery

It's all your dad's fault

Customised plastic bags?

I told him to stop making plastic bags

People are worried about the environment

It's driven him mad

All the orders have been cancelled

And there's a big loan to pay off

Sis, please don't say that

He has a history of mental problems

No wonder he's depressed

Back in the day, he squandered the money from Dad's house

...to move to that remote spot

I have...

I have nothing to leave to you

So I haven't made a will...

Is everyone in the family here?

This is the main reason she had the sudden heart attack

The sooner we fit the heart catheter and place the stent...

...the better are Mrs Wu's chances

But there are risks

If you agree, we'll operate as soon as possible

Do you agree?

Yes, we do

In that case, we'll carry out the surgery as soon as we can

What do you want?

Kiki!

Long time no see

When I heard your mum had a surgery, I thought I'd come to see her

Are you alright?

I'm good

You didn't sleep well last night?

No

The Little Prince is on again

We opened last night. The celebrations went on till very late

As soon as I heard about your ma, I rushed here

You're still playingThe Little Prince?

Yes... Still playingThe Little Prince

- Not like you... You're now in a film! - That's not what I meant

I really miss it

I think it's great

Come and see us. Then we'll have a star's endorsement!

Kiki...

Are you really seeing the guy who plays the fox?

Sufen...

Sufen...

I want some water

Oscar! I miss you so much!

How much does my dad owe you?

Six months' pay

I know there won't be any redundancy pay

How much in total?

- NT$180,000! - What?

You worked in his factory all your life! He paid you only NT$30,000 a month?

Uncle Wang, you'll get the money for sure

See? A star isn't like us!

Money means nothing to her

You'll get the money next week. Please don't cause any more trouble

What do you mean trouble?

I worked in your factory my whole life, I never took a single plastic bag from you

I saw that your dad has mental problems, so I never reminded him about the pay

“Goodbye”

“My secret is a very simple one”

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly”

“What is essential is invisible to the eye”

“What is essential ...”

“... is invisible to the eye”

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose...

“... that makes your rose so important”

“It's a truth and you must not forget it”

“You become responsible forever, for what you have tamed”

“You are responsible for your rose!”

“I'm responsible ...”

“... for my rose!”

“Goodbye”

You messed up our cue!

Excuse me, can I have your autograph?

You're a big star!

You saw the play just now?

It's not fair!

I want an autograph too!

I'm still irresistible to children!

You could be in a movie too

Me?

But I love my rural life

My agent could sign you up

No way!

Because of him?

Are you really seeing him?

None of your business, is it?

Can we still be together?

I don't want to

We can be open about our relationship

Impossible!

It's impossible between you and me!

Let's be together again, please...

We could, if you hadn't left

But my life is good now

Things are going well for me

I miss you so much...

I've been missing you so much...

Sufen...

Many things have changed

Our parents are getting old. You know that better than I do

I promised my ma that she'd see her grandchildren

Damn! What century is this?

Then you go tell your parents that you love women!

You live in the film world

I'm just a primary school English teacher

I have a stable income and try to keep my passion

You could keep your passion in Taipei

You could even act in other plays! Not just The Little Prince for kids

What's wrong with The Little Prince?

You always thinkThe Little Prince is just for kids

But it means everything to me!

Without it, my life would be meaningless! Do you know that?

What do you want?

What's the matter?

Oscar!

“I really can't take it anymore”

Dad, what happened to you?!

Oscar!

Hello, Nina

It's Mark

Mark?

The film is selected for a big film festival! It's fantastic news!

There'll be a press conference on Monday. Come back to Taipei

You need to be back by Friday

Sufen...

Why did you do that?

It's the money my dad owes you. I'll report what happened to Oscar to the police!

Hey, what's wrong? Is she possessed?

The god sees an evil spirit!

Hello, Mark

I booked you a beauty treatment

Have you put on weight?

You'll be on the red carpet. You need to be ready for that

Yeah, I see

This is the latest fat-melting machine

Great for slimming your body

But please do keep still

Or you'll get burned

And keep quiet too

Though I know... You love barking like a dog!

I told you, it's hot!

What do you want?

Why did you get the role?

You did it

I did it too!

I didn't!

What do you mean you didn't?

We had a threesome together. You forgot? Miss Movie Star!

I won the audition!

Audition?

It's because you're better at sex. That's why he chose you

What do you want?

You've snatched away what I wanted

How much do you want?

I'll ask my agent to sign you up. You could have a good career...

Hey, look...

Please come in

Here, this way

All six are here

I'm the executive producer

I think there are two types of film

Money-makers and award-winners

Those are the two kinds of film I produce

This is a film about women

The story focuses on a woman

It reveals her suppressed sexual desires

This time, I've decided to cast a new face I don't mind if you've never been in a film

But you need to be brave

Dare to show full frontal nudity

Of course, you need to be a good actor

Numbers 2 and 5, please step forward

You were a couple passionately in love You loved each other deeply

Ten years after you broke up, you meet again

As soon as you meet...

...you kiss each other passionately

Okay?

Start

That's enough

Thank you for your performance

Number 1, please step forward

Can you speak the lines in that scene?

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body ...”

“But my soul”

- “Take me with you” - Okay, that'll do

Yes, thank you, Number 1. You can leave the room.

Can you swim?

- Yes - Can you burst into tears in ten seconds?

Yes

You're okay with doing a threesome?

Do you have a boyfriend?

No

- Have you ever studied acting? - Yes

You're a dog

You're a dog, don't you get it?

Come on

Drink it

Fine, she can go

You're a dog too

These two stay. The rest can go

You can leave now

Tear off the other's clothes, and you get the leading role

Okay, cut!

Both of you are good. I don't know which to choose

Choose me!

I'll do anything...

- Anything? - Yes

Anything you want

And you?

This is a difficult role

She's depressed, she's schizophrenic...

Not easy to act...

The barking of a dying dog... Not easy to mimic...

Oscar taught me how

Oscar's barking was unique

Even the dog acted better than you!

It's not my fault that you didn't get the role

We were equal

It was fair

It wasn’t fair at all...

I'm a professional actor

You're a nobody

Anyway, I know...

This business is all about exchange

Exchanging one thing for another

I gave them all I had

But I gained nothing

Why did you get it?

You're a whore!

I want the world to see what a lousy actor you are!

Hello, Sufen. Guess where I am? At your place in Taipei!

Kiki!

Why are you in Taipei?

I wanted to surprise you

Where are you?

I...

What happened to you? Are you alright?

I'm fine

Wait there. I'll be right back

Okay, see you soon

Oscar!

You're back!

The filling in the fridge is going off

Give me a hand

I've been really busy. I completely forgot it

Hello. Come on in

Thank you for coming to the audition

Have you eaten?

Yes, thank you

Please bear with me. I've been seeing actors all day

I won't be long

Please speak the lines from the scene

Sure

“I really can't take it anymore”

“They're not only destroying my body ...”

“But my soul”

“Take me with you”

“Wherever you go”

“Only when I'm with you ...”

“... can I be free”

Pretend to be an animal

I mean, to mimic an animal that you like

Or a pet you have. Give it a try

Okay

Do you drink?

Alcohol helps actors stimulate the emotions inside them