Peeling back the layers

COSPLAYERS generally dress up as their favourite characters in comic books, video games, anime and manga during conventions pertaining to any of these genres.
While it is a growing worldwide ­phenomenon, there are many who don’t see the appeal or understand why ­cosplayers get so hyped up as to spend money (mind you, it’s not cheap) to doll up in the costumes together with the accessories for just a day.
There are even some who would ­categorise cosplayers as “weirdos” or outcasts.
Such misconceptions had Singaporean ­directors Joyce Lee and Michael Woo all fired up to do a coming-of-age movie about three teenagers, using cosplay as the medium for their story to play out on film.
In this way, the directors hope to educate the ­uninitiated about the appeal and ­wonders that is cosplaying for its practitioners.
The result is Young & ­Fabulous, which stars some of the ­hottest up-and-coming actors from Singapore such as Joshua Tan, Jordan Ng and ­Aloysius Pang, as well as Malaysian ­actress Joyce Chu.
The cast also includes veteran ­Singaporean actors Gurmit Singh and Henry Thia.
Lee as well as three members of her cast – Tan, Chu and Ng – were in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote the film.
Lee explained why she came out with this story: “We spent about two years developing the script, and I really wanted to make a film for youngsters.
“I [once] worked as a film distributor and realised that most ­Singaporean movies are targeted at a more mature audience.
“I wanted to make a movie to ­encourage youngsters to go out and ­pursue their dreams regardless of what it may be, even if it means that they have to take the road less travelled.”
Young & Fabulous is thought to be the first cosplay-themed movie from ­Singapore, but as Tan and Chu revealed, there’s actually more to cosplaying besides all the colourful costumes and makeup.
Tan, last seen in the successful Ah Boys to Men film trilogy, explained that while cosplay might be the focus, Young & Fabulous is actually more about ­family, ­relationships, growing up and achieving your dreams.
Tan added that he developed a ­newfound respect for cosplayers and their ­dedication to their craft, especially those who made their own ­costumes from scratch.
Meanwhile, Chu – best known for her YouTube channel where she covers popular songs – will be making her screen debut with Young & Fabulous.
While she is no stranger to being on camera, Chu had some difficulties ­adapting to the experience of working with other actors and a film crew.
However, she eventually learned to ­enjoy the experience, and is hoping that the role will lead to more acting ­opportunities in the future.
Young & Fabulous is currently showing in cinemas.