Hong Kong stars Julian Cheung 張智霖 and Charmaine Sheh 佘詩曼 were recently in Singapore to promote Triumph in the Skies 衝上雲霄, a film adaptation of the highly popular Hong Kong TVB series of the same name which tells an inspirational story of the lives of a group of cabin crew and pilots.. The movie takes place a few years after the end of the second TV season.
Directed by Wilson Yip 叶伟信 and Matt Chow 邹凯光, the film stars some original cast from the series such as Julian Cheung 张智霖, Francis Ng 吴镇宇, Kenneth Ma 马国明 and Elena Kong 江美儀, with the additional cast of Louis Koo, Charmaine Sheh, Amber Kuo 郭采潔 and Sammi Cheng 郑秀文. The movie mainly revolves the love stories of its main cast – a very romantic kind of love with Louis Koo with Charmaine Sheh, a crazy and heart-wrenching one with Julian Cheung and Amber Kuo, and a humorous and mature love with Francis Ng and Sammi Cheng.
The film starts with young pilot Branson (Louis Koo) taking over Skylette, his father’s aviation empire, only to realize his old flames Cassie (Charmaine Sheh) is a flight attendant there. Several years ago, he was forced to break up with her and move to New York to take care of his father’s business. Other than the super cool-looking actors and pretty actresses, the vintage planes and cinematography (mainly shot in England) are of worthy mention.
Charmaine looking cool in her stewardess uniform. Did you know being a stewardess was one of her dreams?
Charmaine was all smiles sharing humorous behind-the-scene snippets at the press conference.
Francis Ng brought much joy and sweet moments with his portrayal of Sam, the very righteous pilot who finally meets a woman who melted his heart.
Sammi Cheng plays Francis Ng’s love interest as rocker TM who is hired by Louis Koo to promote his new airline. When asked what TM stands for, the very cool rocker offers several interesting versions. Watch it to find out what they are ;) I really love Sammi’s style in the movie, to the point I am considering shaving my eyebrow…but not the tattoos though :p
This unlikely pair truly reinforces the famous saying that opposites attract – TM being so carefree and Sam super by-the-book. As time goes by and they get to know each other better, love blossoms in the most adventurous ways. I like their kind of romance best in the movie.
Julian Cheung’s Captain Cool character gets paired up with a looney cos-play girl Kika played by Amber Kuo. It was later revealed that Kika was suffereing from a terminal illness that the irritation of her crazy antics turned into an understanding that she is trying to live her life to the fullest while she can. Look out for the hilarious scene where Julian and her reenact characters from Harry Potter.
My gawd. Julian is just SO SEXY. I almost screamed when the scene of him showing his six-pack came on :p
Julian and Amber had several steamy scenes in the movie, including one where both of them clinked champagne while canoodling in a bathtub.
Julian shared that bathtub scene was shot at a low 2 degree Celsius for eight hours. Amber kept slipping down the bathtub and he had to use his legs to prop her up. “We weren’t familiar with each other at first, but after that scene, we got closer!” And when asked if he could choose onecharacter he wanted to play in the movie, he picked Sammi Cheng’s “cos’ I think it can be fun to date Francis Ng’s character.” He’s hilarious!
Charmaine looking ever picture-perfect.
Candy for the eyes!
Overall, I enjoyed Triumph in the Skies which I would term as a ‘feel-good’ movie. The love stories are tried-and-tested methods, but the delicious-looking cast managed to pull it off convincingly. I am sure fans of the TV series and the stars will be making a beeline to catch the movie during this Chinese New Year, while the rest can also watch it for the gorgeous scenery shot in England, and immerse in the sweet stories of love and hope.