The Hong Kong film Mad Fate has made waves at the box office, grossing an impressive 1.4 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately 5.6 billion Taiwan dollars) since its release. This remarkable achievement not only positions it as the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong but also sets a new record for the territory. The film's success is underscored by its 18 nominations at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, highlighting its critical acclaim and popularity.
Stephy Tang, the film's lead actress, has emerged as a standout performer, garnering multiple international award nominations for her role as the protector, a character who is the daughter of a shaman. Tang's portrayal has already earned her accolades, including Best Actress at the Asia-Taiping Film Festival and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards. With the Hong Kong Film Awards set to take place on April 28, 2025, she is a strong contender for the prestigious Best Actress award.
In a recent interview, Tang reflected on her challenging experience while filming Mad Fate. The director, Chen Wing-Kin, pushed her out of her comfort zone, assigning her numerous high-difficulty tasks that tested her limits. Tang humorously described her frustration, stating, "He’s basically a sadist! Every day on set, my only thought was, ‘I want to kill the director.’" Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the growth she experienced through the process.
Tang's character grapples with her father's traditional beliefs, which prevent her from fully embracing her role in the shamanic rituals. This conflict creates a strained relationship between them, adding depth to her performance. "I found it incredibly hard to hold back tears during filming," Tang shared, revealing the emotional toll the role took on her. She noted that the most difficult scene involved asking her co-star Lam Ka Tung, "Do you think I embarrass you?" This line, she admitted, was particularly challenging to deliver, as it touched on deeply personal themes.
Reflecting on her journey, Tang noted that her experiences during filming have shifted her perspective on life. She once held a somewhat naive view about family issues, believing that love could solve all problems. Now, she understands that one cannot truly grasp another's pain without experiencing it firsthand. "I’ve learned that unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you shouldn’t advise them to be kind," she expressed.
Despite her success, Tang remains humble about her career trajectory. She debuted in 2008 and initially struggled to find her breakout role. It wasn’t until her performances in the Anniversary series and Mad Fate that she gained widespread recognition. Interestingly, before her acting career, she worked as a jewelry salesperson and holds various certifications, including tour guiding and lifeguarding. "I just have a curious mind and want to learn as much as I can," she remarked, downplaying suggestions that her diverse skills were for role preparation.
The anticipation surrounding the 49th Hong Kong Film Awards is palpable, with Mad Fate leading the nominations. The event, taking place on April 27, 2025, features fierce competition in multiple categories. Notable contenders for Best Actor include Lau Ching Wan, who recently won Best Actor at the Asian Film Awards, and Aaron Kwok, who portrays a murderer in Temporary Files. Both actors are expected to deliver powerful performances.
In the Best Actress category, Stephy Tang faces stiff competition from other talented actresses such as Louise Wong and Hedwig Tam, both of whom have also received nominations for their compelling performances. The awards ceremony promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with attendees including prominent figures from the film industry.
The red carpet event preceding the awards will begin at 4:30 PM, featuring a host of celebrities dressed to impress. Among the attendees are Carina Lau, Tony Leung, and Charlene Choi, all of whom are expected to make a splash with their fashion choices. The event will be broadcast live on ViuTV Channel 99 and the official YouTube channel of the Hong Kong Film Awards, allowing fans to witness the glamour and excitement from the comfort of their homes.
As the ceremony approaches, the buzz around Mad Fate and its cast continues to grow. With its groundbreaking success at the box office and critical acclaim, the film has undoubtedly set a new standard for Hong Kong cinema. Stephy Tang's journey from relative obscurity to potential award-winner is a testament to her talent and determination, and many are eager to see how the awards will unfold.
In addition to the competitive categories, the awards will also honor lifetime achievements in the industry, with Tsui Hark and Shi Nansheng set to receive accolades for their contributions to Hong Kong cinema. Tsui Hark, known for his innovative storytelling and visual style, has directed classics such as A Better Tomorrow and A Chinese Ghost Story, making him a revered figure in the film community.
As the Hong Kong Film Awards celebrate the best in filmmaking, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightly on Mad Fate, its cast, and the transformative journeys of those involved. With its record-breaking box office performance and a slew of nominations, the film is poised to leave a lasting mark on the industry and inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors alike.
