The Heart of Ne Zha

Peter K F Cheung SBS

3 days ago3 min read

FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 9:15
Messy. PETER turns on all the lights.
PETER (V.O.): I've a 9:30 Zoom meeting to attend. I want me to look bright.
Settling on a sofa, Peter adjusts the positions of his handheld devices.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's an important meeting.
Soon, the host lets Peter in and he' s on screen.
PETER (to screen): Hello! It's Peter here.
Listening to the presentations attentively, Peter contributes from time to time.
PETER (V.O): After my last serious engagement of the week, I'll have lunch with my LLB and PCLL classmates.
Later, the meeting ends.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm pleased with my contribution.
Act 2
INT. HK CHARIOT CLUB - 12:45
Peter is led to a round table.
PETER (V.O): I quite like this place as my retirement party was held here 10 years ago. I sang a couple of my songs.
Peter greets SHARON, GLORIA and GILBERT.
PETER (V.O): I was delayed on my way as I forgot the right MTR exit.
Soon, CHAPMAN, ANGELA and JULIUS join them. And they talk about AI, copyright and other things.
SHARON: Have you all watched the talk-of-the-town film "Ne Zha 2"?
GILBERT: "Ne Zha 1" will be shown on the Jade channel at 8pm tonight.
PETER (V.O): That's good. I want to watch it and compare it with "Ne Zha 2".
SHARON: "Ne Zha 2" is so boring...characters fight all the time...I dozed off a few times.
PETER: Sharon, you're not alone. I dozed off a few times too. You know why?
Sharon waits for Peter's analysis.
PETER (Cont'd): The animated film's targeted audience are the young ones, not us!
SHARON: Precisely! Julius, you liked the film?
JULIUS: Yes...
SHARON: You're still young at heart!
A WAITRESS serving them recognises Julius.
WAITRESS: I saw you on TV...
Their conversations then turn to other public figures.
PETER (V.O): They're the rich and famous.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I wasn't born with a silver spoon.
INT. LIVING ROOM - 20:00
A wet-haired Peter returns. He focuses on the TV screen.
PETER (V.O): I've just done my daiy swim. I don't want to miss the opening image of "Ne Zha 1".
Peter and his WIFE begin watching the film on TV.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The story opens well. The animation is captivating.
When the rolling is interrupted by commercials, Peter practises learning Korean via Duolingo.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): While waiting for our pet's hair-dressing in the late afternoon, I maintained some of my streaks.
When the commercials end, Peter re-focuses on the TV screen.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): More heart, more soul.
When the commercials appear again, Peter turns to practise Japanese via Duolingo.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): On my daily physical and intellectual exercises, I've become very stubborn.
Later, the credits and songs for "Ne Zha 1" finish.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The closing image echoes the opening one. The film has the structure of a blockbuster.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I heard nothing about the film when it was released five years ago.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 22:45
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "The Heart of Ne Zha..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): In life's challenges, I embrace the heart of Ne Zha, recognizing that every struggle is a vital step toward personal growth.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Fueled by love and resilience, I pursue my passions, echoing Ne Zha's inspiring journey.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): True strength lies in the courage to redefine one's own destiny, and I do that every day.
FADE OUT
THE END

The Heart of Ne Zha

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