In a recent interview with China.org.cn, Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen said that China had inspired him to achieve creative breakthroughs during the making of his new romantic feature film, "The Breaking Ice," which hit Chinese screens on Aug. 22.

Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen appears at the premiere of "The Breaking Ice" in Beijing, Aug. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Today Pictures]

The contemplative film, set in the small and wintry city of Yanji, China, near the North Korean border and known for its ethnic Korean culture, follows the journey of three young adults as they navigate relationships, explore the restlessness of youth, and experience personal growth.

Chen, acknowledged as one of Asia's most promising young directors, achieved international acclaim early in his career. In 2007, he competed in the shorts competition at Cannes with "Grandma" and later won the prestigious Camera d'Or for his debut feature film "Ilo Ilo" in 2013. His second film, "Wet Season," premiered in competition at the Toronto International Film Festival. Both films were selected as Singapore's official entries for the Oscars. However, he says it was the making of "The Breaking Ice" that helped him break through creative barriers and seek further artistic progress.

"Feeling like I may have encountered a creative bottleneck and wanting to continue growing without repeating myself, I thought about finding a solution," Chen said. "The idea came to me to break away from my previous style by going to an unfamiliar place, choosing an unknown environment, and experiencing a different climate. Additionally, I wanted to work with a different creative team to produce a film that would be more liberating, relaxed, and exhilarating."

The director also explained how his journey from tropical Singapore to the cold city of Yanji was transformative. Mesmerized by Changbai Mountain, Chen explored the surrounding cities and discovered the unique atmosphere of Yanji. With its Korean influences, vibrant fashion, and trendy K-pop club scene, the city shattered his preconceived notions of northeastern China. This made Yanji the perfect backdrop to narrate the story of the film's three young wanderers. Through subtle interactions and introspective moments, the trio forms an unexpected bond that offers solace amidst their individual struggles.

A still from "The Breaking Ice." [Photo courtesy of Huace Pictures]

Chen described the making of "The Breaking Ice" as "taking materials right from the location," where he observed the scenery, found actors, and constructed the story based on his own feelings and observations. Despite developing the film's concept and outline in advance, he included numerous details from the local area, capturing the essence of its individual souls. Remarkably, the script was finalized just 10 days before shooting began.

According to the director, the main characters, played by Zhou Dongyu, Liu Haoran, and Qu Chuxiao, form a perfect trio. Initially uncertain about their chemistry, as they had not worked together before, Chen was pleasantly surprised to witness their relationship grow early in the filmmaking process. As shooting and editing progressed, the director even found himself longing to join them in the film. Through subtle interactions and introspective moments, the trio formed an unexpected bond that offers solace amidst their individual stories.

"What I appreciated the most are the three actors who not only trusted me throughout this adventurous creative process but also entrusted their bodies and souls to my care. They bravely embarked on an emotional journey that they hadn't experienced before," Chen said.

The director also found the challenge of filming in China to be surprisingly manageable. Throughout the filming process, he noted how everyone, including crew members, the creative team, and actors, wholeheartedly believed in the project. Despite the film's unconventional emphasis on inner emotions, visuals, and atmosphere, rather than a plot-driven narrative, everyone placed their trust in the director and worked diligently to bring his vision to life.

"The Breaking Ice" garnered positive feedback from both critics and audiences when it premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Some critics praised its warmth and depth. Chen described how he has closely observed China over the years and how the film is a love letter to Chinese youth. Through the film, he aimed to capture and address various issues such as anxiety, dilemmas, mental health problems, and work-related pressures that Chinese youth face in their daily lives.

A still from "The Breaking Ice." [Photo courtesy of Huace Pictures]

"I only wanted to portray the current situation or spiritual state of China. I may not provide any definitive answers, but I believe I have raised some thought-provoking questions. Additionally, I hope that people can perceive the sincerity within my film, which has a genuine concern for the young generation," he said.

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