Flower in The Pocket

This guy is a star, the jewel of the film. Everybody adores him.

He's only 8. He's bright. He's a top student in his school but that's not the reason why I chose him. I've liked him from the moment I saw his photograph that was sent to me. I thought hey, this guy looks exactly like the character I have in mind, poor and dirty with an expression on his face that deserves pity. But he turns out to be a rich kid who's father drives a benz to pick him up after rehearsals.

I was having difficulty choosing him or another 'veteran' child actor, who's talent and ability to act and perform is unquestionable. To choose Zi Jiang is a gamble, and I took it because I had this deep feeling, or intuition that he might be the one despite his zero knowledge in performing/acting. He proves me right. He's managed to do it.

I think he made a star out of himself, overnight. Here comes Wong Zi Jiang, watch out for him.

Text by Liew Seng Tat
Photograph taken by Gan Siong King

Get Flower in the pocket's DVD here!