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48 out of 57 people found the following comment useful :-
A Nutshell Review: Secret, 3 August 2007
10/10
Author: DICK STEEL from Singapore

While Jay Chou no doubt holds court in today's Mando-pop scene, he gets no love from the movie-goers who snigger at his expressionless performance in Zhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower. It indeed is quite brave of him (though it's arguable to strike while the iron is hot) to diversify and have a hand in directing so early in his cinematic career, and coming up with quite an interesting, engaging story, though like any creative work, his story did make him seem quite intelligent, in spite of his usual laid-back demeanour.

Jay stars as Jay (yeah, bring back those lazy Hong Kong production days where characters share the actor's first names, because they were working on so many movies simultaneously, it's hard to keep track, so why not name the characters after yourself!), a new student in Tamkang Secondary School. He follows a mysterious piano tune and meets with Rain (Kwai Lun-Mei), a fellow student with whom he starts to spend many lovey-dovey moments with. It's essentially a romance story for dating couples to catch, and it will be a definite test of anyone's cloy-tolerance, given that the lovebirds share so much saccharine sweet dialogue and behaviour, those with lesser tolerance will have goosebumps all the way.

And for the romantic movie fans, it's time to revisit some of the cliché plot elements like the bicycle ride - who can resist a bicycle ride! - lovely scene setting landscape shots, idle banter, close contacts, dance, kisses, the "third party" Sky (whom I think is more attractive than Kwai, thus providing that additional tension), the list just goes on. Jay has mentioned parts of the story was really based on his own experiences, it is indeed interesting to try and find out just which are. Being a piano student, the movie too was a showcase piece for his musical talents and prowess on the piano, coupled with computer generated graphics which enhanced certain scenes for dramatic effect with great aplomb.

Those who think that Jay Chou can't act will want to rethink that again. Given Initial D was pop, and that Curse was action, Secret was a perfect dramatic platform for him to do a little more emoting, even though he can't seem to shake off his signature drawl. And of course some help to make him look good came from thespian Anthony Wong, who had also played his cinematic dad (of similar interest / capability) in Initial D, as he again does in Secret. Here, their father and son characters play off each other a little more in some endearing, comical moments, and naturally, Wong seemed a more believable father figure than Chow Yun-Fat for Jay Chou.

The strength of the movie however laid in its story. I shall keep it a secret just exactly what it was, and all I can say is it is similar in nature to some of my favourite movies in the past, thus I had taken a natural liking for Secret as well. However, while you think you might have it all planned out how the story will unfold, Jay Chou actually had an added punch to keep it a little bit fresh, and in doing so, raises it to a slightly different level as well, with a fairly intense climax that will have you rooting for a desirable outcome, no less. What worked against it though, would be the verbatim nature in which the story was explained, making it a little draggy and at times, repetitive, instead of allowing the audience to put the pieces together.

Jay Chou as story writer (he had someone to script it for him), actor, director and composer, Secret turned out to be a surprisingly commendable, co mmendable effort. If this is any indication of what's to come from this talented dude, then I'll be more than happy to be a fan convert, for his cinematic efforts at least. Recommended date movie of the week, remember to bring out those tissues as well! I won't be surprised if this movie will work its magic into my top ten list for the year.

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40 out of 47 people found the following comment useful :-
refreshingly good, 9 August 2007
10/10
Author: forestnsl from Singapore

After watching the movie, you have to admit that Jay Chou is talented. I was bent on catching the show because one,I saw the movie trailer(when I was watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, that I thought was average but that comes under another thread) which really caught my attention,and two, I am a fan of Jay's music. His acting has received much flak, but this time round, one must say that his acting has improved (even though his character in the movie was basically he himself).

So, Jay stars as Ye Xiang Lun (anyone noticed that Jay, known for being very filial to his mum, took his mum's surname? Really sweet of him.)who is a new student at Tamkang High School. He meets Lu Xiao Yu (Guey Lun-mei) on the first day of school and the romance begins. The lengthy sequence of building up the romance was cloyingly sweet. Riding on bicycles, close contacts, apples!, sweet kisses, conversations that were shy and slightly flirtatious - Jay's fans would probably swoon and wish they were Guey Lun-mei, while others would probably feel their goosebumps popping up. Of course, romance always comes with a third party, who in the movie comes in the form of attractive Jing Yi.

Before you switch your minds off thinking this as just a film about high school romance, be assured that it is much more intelligent, the kind which makes you think back, ponder and oh! the puzzle fits together perfectly (think: Deathnote the movie) The twist comes at a very good time (perhaps a little too late for some), at the point when one starts to demand for reasons behind what is happening. The ultimate twist is more than what you can figure out, not a new idea, but one which makes complete sense in the movie and one which Jay worked on and brought to the climax - which would have you hoping for a happy ending.

The magic that Jay laid on the movie is one, the story, two, the piano and three, the characters.

The piano was awesome, brilliant, breathtaking, no doubt to showcase Jay's skills at tickling the ivories (which is mesmerizing!). The piano battle, the sweet practices together, the use of music in the film to convey feelings and vent the characters' built up emotions (think:anthony wong and jay in the movie) - they were really effective in helping one relate to the characters and fall in love with them.

The characters in the movie were well put together - bringing on the endearing moments which have you wishing you had someone like that (thnk: anthony wong as jay's father with those comical humorous moments and the brainless sidekicks (those two from the rugby team)) Guey Lun-mei shows off her acting chops as Xiaoyu, which was really believable and brings the character a lot more depth - the happiness, the confusion and the emotional pain, showing her acting skills to the mainstream audience(since she usually does art-house films) Not to mention Anthony Wong's portrayal as Jay's father which was so believable and so endearing, caring so much for his on-screen son that makes you hope for a happy ending for him as well, when the truth finally dawned upon him.

Overall, this movie was definitely worth the ticket and I believe more will be made to sit up and take notice of Jay's talents. It is refreshingly good and a movie that will remain on ons'e mind even after the show's ended. Do give the movie a chance and watch it (and bring your tissues! I used up quite a fair bit!)

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26 out of 30 people found the following comment useful :-
Fantastic Fantasy, 13 August 2007
9/10
Author: Stskyshaker from China

Surprisingly good~ I was just expecting a decent delicate love story, Bu neng shuo de mi mi(Secret) didn't disappoint me on that, but there is much more - a beautiful thrilling fantasy film it is! The first half is full of witty romantic plots, they do occasionally seem a little gratuitous, but very entertaining indeed, more importantly,they have you absorbed into the atmosphere easily. And you would probably say to yourself, yeah it is an ordinary romance film with a delicate but predictable storyline.

Then, it proves you wrong in an amazing way. It keeps on bringing enjoyable surprises, bringing the film onto the next level. The dialog is not pretentious or overused, the story unfolds itself in a natural manner. And then you will realize it's not another ordinary feel-good romance.

Have to mention, the score produced by the Singer/Songwriter/Pianist/Actor director Jay Chou is outstanding and impressive, and really becomes an integral part of the film.

Fantastic.

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17 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
The 10 Untold Secrets, 16 September 2007
8/10
Author: NamONamO from Malaysia

1. familiar plot but with some refreshing elements.

2. beautiful piece of film score which are composed by Jay Chou and Terdsak Janpan .

3. surprisingly good acting by Guey Lun-mei (an adorable and charming girl with potential), great acting by Anthony Wong (such a versatile actor, no doubt), refreshing acting by Alice Tseng Kai-xuan (a girl who possesses sublime beauty and angelic smile) and fairly improved acting by Jay Chou (just being himself by acting cool as usual, i guess?)

4. fancy cinematography with good editing and compositing.

5. intermediate visual effects.

6. cool executed scenes to show off music talent.

7. a combination of sci-fi, comedy, mystery, youthful romance (although Jay looks a bit "mature") and probably horror? (the flashback and liquid paper parts really give me the creeps!)

8. some logical flaws. (eg. the desk in the classroom, get what i mean?)

9. flowing storyline with great atmosphere formed by the cool color theme used.

10. and of course, the director himself-Jay Chou, the Chinese pop icon and idol for many teenagers and young adults.

All of the main ingredients above could be found in "Secret". It's definitely worth your time to explore and reveal the secret by yourself or together with your beloved one. It's quite a touching tear jerker (but not as touching as Be With You, personal opinion...) Well, it might not be the cup of tea for everyone, but it is the bowl of soup for me!

Overall, 8 out of 10 for a freshman film director.

Recommend to all of those who believe in fate and love.

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17 out of 23 people found the following comment useful :-
Recommend to all Jay/non-Jay fans, 16 August 2007
10/10
Author: Eric Cartman from China

It has never come to my mind that the R&B/rap singer Jay Chou would make such an extraordinary fantasy/romance movie (and as his debut!), but beyond everyone's expectation he did, showing the world his talent as a fine director.

Definitely not going to compare it to any other campus love story, because this movie is quite different in nature. Still not wanting to give away much about the plot, but the movie got a 360 degree shift half way through when subsequently a whole lot of thrills and twists kept popping out.

Wong Chau-Sang is the most versatile actor in Hong Kong, this time playing Jay Chou's father-on-screen for the 2nd time since Initial D. Lun-mei Guey in the movie was a plain-looking girl who accidentally got hold of some kind of time-traveling ability by playing a mysterious sheet music on a old piano. Both two made irreplacable contribution to the movie's success.

And what also impressed me was the heart-touching soundtrack by Jay and the Thai composer Terdsak Janpan which went perfectly with the plot, especially towards the climax.

For those of you who like My Sassy Girl and Comrades: Almost a Love Story, Bu neng shuo de. mi mi is 100% sure to win your tears once again. Recommend to all Jay/non-Jay fans.

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7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Unbelievablly amazing!, 24 October 2007
8/10
Author: geneysailing from China

Unbelievably amazing! As the first movie of Jay, it's much beyond my expectation. I should say I contempt the action that once a music star gains his fame,he quickly transits to be an actor or even editor. But to Jay ,I have to admitted he won my respect. I am really longing for his next work.The story is begined with a romantic affection between two students in high school.The girl has a secret that is shown at the end of the story.The color of the movie is so good that I am sanked in it.I watched this film twice,and I completely understood the whole plot during the second time.The structure of the film is contrived carefully.The truth is so moving with the thrilling rhythm of the secret music.

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6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
A plot formula that works, 8 October 2007
7/10
Author: The_Good_Man from Singapore

I was pleasantly surprised after watching this film on DVD. While the premise of the story may not be entirely original (there are many who may compare it with Il Mare or its Hollywood remake - The Lake House), frankly speaking, the manner in which the plot unfolds is relatively engaging and has kept me glued to the screen from the opening credits to the closing credits.

The film, Secret, begins with Lun (played by Jay Chou, who also directed the film) being led by a mysterious and alluring piano piece to an old dilapidated room in his new school (Tamkang Secondary School). It was in this room where he meets Rain (played by the infectiously sweet Kwai Lun-Mei), who was responsible for playing the mysterious piano solo. This chance encounter would trigger the start of Lun and Rain's somewhat nebulous relationship, which would be 'put to the test' to an extent by another female student named Sky (which was played to perfection by the delightfully charming Tseng Kai-xuan).

Jay Chou had also taken this opportunity (and a great one as well – with music being centerpiece of this story) in his directorial debut to pay a small tribute to one of his favourite composers, Chopin, wherever possible. Apart from being described as a "gifted composer" in the film, Chopin's Waltz was also featured in the beautifully shot sequence of a "piano duel" – which was one of the highlights of the film.

Besides the storyline and music, the film's cinematography was decent as well. In short, it's a wonderfully packaged film with a plot formula that works.

(DVD Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars – definitely could have been a lot better. The "making of" video was disappointing with no guidance or insight on the making of the film and it was constantly interspersed with periods of continuous silence.)

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7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
It was awesome!, 8 October 2007
9/10
Author: thatjuvenile-love from Singapore

I personally thought that the plot was rather exciting and intriguing. Jay Chou must definitely have put in much effort into making this movie. His first movie-making attempt is pretty much a success, I must say. He's even got very positive reviews and comments from award-winning directors from Asia.

Although the plot needed some thinking to be able to understand it fully, I thought this show was pretty original- a far cry from many other love stories produced. This love story was genuine and not like many other cliché stories you can find in the movie market. The actors and actresses put up remarkable jobs too. I personally feel that Jay Chou has made a great improvement with regards to his once-stagnant facial expressions. His co-star Guey Lun-mei's acting did not fail to impress too- for a neophyte selected by Jay Chou himself, her acting was breezy and natural.

The whole story is filled with love, passion for music and excellent piano pieces. My favorite parts were the piano battle, as well as the piano duet. I thought that Jay Chou's piano-playing was fabulous. He, indeed, lived up to his label as "musical genius".

Overall the movie was great. I watched it twice, and both times I still cried and laughed the same as before. Although I'm merely fifteen and hence my mentalities may be a cry away from some readers and movie-watchers here, I think that this show is one that you should catch. You will not regret it! :)

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Loved the movie, 5 March 2008
10/10
Author: stutsb from United States

Although I only watched it on Youtube...I loved the movie, I don't know why there are those who says Jay can't act, I say he can... I loved this movie. This is the only 2nd movie i have seen of Jay's, and I am a huge fan. I love his music, and his voice is so beautiful. As for his acting, it's rather good... I Love Love stories, and though this is two high school kids, I still love the fact that love has no boundaries, and can travel thru time. There is a similar American movie which starred Christopher Reeves (*aka* superman) and Jane Seymore (*aka* Dr. Quinn, Medicine woman) called somewhere in time, where reeves' character is obsessed with this woman from the past, and goes back to save her...It too is a sad ending, unfortunately, he comes back to the future, cuz he stuck a present day penny in his pocket which forwards him back to the future, and he couldn't' go back to see her...sad cuz he dies only to be reunited with her in death...Glad these two didn't die...Jay is so amazing with the piano. He has so much passion for music, it's a wonder he is so natural for this character that he creates from himself. I say beautifully done, I did have to get a box of tissues...Poor Rain when she thought Sky and Jay were together when she came back... So glad they got together ...They are so good together...I definitely have to add this to my collection now, and now I am a huge Jay Chou fan...and gotta get more of his music and movies!!!

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6 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Excellent little story, 13 September 2007
10/10
Author: Bigprisc (LamCui@hotmail.com) from Singapore

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I am NOT a fan of Jay Chou, in fact, I cannot stand his music. But this movie has gotta be one of the best little ditties I have seen in a long time. Jay does a commendable job as director, writer and actor. I watched this movie without knowing much about it, because anything with Guey Lun Mei (Rain) in it, I am there. But after coming here to the trusty IMDb, I had the shock of my life.

I wouldn't have noticed that it is a first time director (nevermind if he is Jay Chou) on the helms because this definitely looks like a work from a season director. And although I would have guessed that Jay is the Music director, since he is such a 'pop legend', it still impressed me because the entire movie did not have any of his signature fancy-smancy stuff... Indeed, I am pretty in awe, and I think I might just have to view Jay Chou in a different light.

The story, while it is a little slow in the beginning, is fresh and original. In the beginning, Jay (Jay Chou) and Rain's (Guey Lun Mei) interaction had me thinking that I already know the ending, that Rain was a ghost. That completely had me smirking, and I was thinking nothing of it. But when the big reveal was about to happen, I realize that it was too soon in a movie for a simple ghost girl story. And I was indeed much surprised that it wasn't anything about ghost, but more of a suspension of disbelief. It reminded me of 'The Classic' and 'Il Mare' and other Korean greats, except with a very original twist! I spent about 15mins, just staring and wondering how something so simple could be so captivating.

The special effects in the movie, isn't very consistent. There are some parts that are done exceptionally well, and other parts that had me rolling my eyes. But technical faults can be forgiven, as long as the heart and the soul in the story is there. And indeed, it is. Jay wrote the story, and so the connection with music is inevitable. Yet, Jay did not paint himself as a hero, or as a great man, he was just an average Joe who fell in love with an average Jane (but I am bias, Guey is one of the most attractive girls in my book). The development of the love between Jay and Rain has gotta be one of the most believable in recent years. The interaction, the dialog, reminds me of young love. *gush* But for a movie to work, the acting as to work. And boy did the acting work in this one. Jay, (feeling much like a broken record for saying his name so many times), is surprisingly natural. He doesn't have the deliberateness of many 'seasoned' actors, and I liked that. Underacting as opposed to overacting is always good. Anthony Wong (Jay's dad) as always, is one of the best actors of our time, and it shows. Even though he doesn't have much to flex his acting chops, he does so because he doesn't over shadow anyone else. The best actors are the ones who can play at his player's level, and Anthony has shown that he could do that. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Jay is good or bad as an actor, but Anthony definitely toned down and accommodated the feel of natural acting in this movie, which is completely different from the Hong Kong high energy stuff he is probably used to.

But Most of all I would like to gush (Here it comes!) about Guey Lun Mei. She isn't a very frequent actress, and at last count, i think she had only about 3-4 films. But her acting, oh god her acting, she has gotta be one of the best up and coming actresses ever. I believe her happiness, i believe her sadness, i believe her anger, i believe her desperation. I believe everything she emotes, because she is so good at emoting. She doesn't have a signature laugh, or a signature cry like so many others, but she has a kind of natural talent that draws me closer to her character Rain. I am so glad Jay chose her as the female lead, because I don't think anyone else in Taiwan would be able to pull of her kind of subtle acting.

So in conclusion. Watch this movie. Don't judge Jay Chou for Jay Chou. and start falling in love with Guey like I am. Story's great, cinematography's great, music is fantastic, actors are great, definitely a 10 overall.

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