Ah Niu. [Global Times]

 

"Puppy love disappears so fast, before we even have the time to taste it thoroughly, only leaving bittersweet memories, just like ice kacang."

Capturing the natural beauty of rural Malaysia, Ah Niu said that the film is also his dedication to the vanishing old towns of his childhood memories.

Growing up in a small town in Malaysia, where people enjoyed gathering in old coffee shops and children played by the riverside, Ah Niu said that much of these traditional pastimes are disappearing due to economic development and he wanted to "save some memories on the screen."

Opening in mainland cinemas today, Ice Kacang Puppy Love will find itself up against Zhang Yimou's Love Under the Hawthorn Tree in a week's time.

Acknowledging Zhang's film mastery, Ah Niu said that in some respects, Zhang could be considered his mentor.

"Actually I didn't think about becoming a director until I saw his film To Live and realized the beauty of filmmaking."

Before Ice Kacang Puppy Love, Ah Niu guest starred in several Hong Kong productions, mostly in romantic films as the best friend of the hero. Born Tan Kheng Seong, Ah Niu expanded his popularity from Malaysia and Singapore to China with hit song "Duimian De Nühai Kanguolai" ("Look Here, Girl From the Opposite Side"). His music is known for its focus on daily life as a kampung (village) boy in Malaysia and unrequited love.