KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 — They say Chinese New Year is all about family but in the real world, it often involves biting your tongue in the presence of relatives who have fully grasped the concept of freedom of speech.
No stranger to this much dreaded social phenomenon are the stars of Astro Shaw’s Think Big Big, a film about a plus-size girl named Moon who learns to love herself unconditionally after a drastic weight transformation.
“My cousins are really mean, each CNY they tell me, ‘Why do you keep getting bigger each time we see you?’ so I tell them, ‘Why is my weight a problem for you?” shared Moon Yoong, one of the actresses who plays Moon.
After being told for many years her dream of becoming an actress won’t come true because of her weight, she has crafted her response for the Year of the Dog.
“I’m going to tell them I’m fat and my dream came true, unlike what you said,” Yoong said.
Joanne Lau, who plays a slimmed down version of Moon in the Chiu Keng Guan-directed film said the trick is to retort in a manner relatives don’t expect.
“If you’re thin, are you happy? I’m happy when I’m fat,” she said.
Even Miss Astro Chinese 2016 Serene Lim, who cuts a lean figure, isn’t spared during the festivities.
“I love to eat and they shouldn’t judge my weight because they don’t pay for my food,” said Lim, who loves pineapple tarts.
Chiu, who is known for his heart-warming Malaysian films, said the festive season puts more pressure on women.
“It’s not so bad for guys but I tell people I’m happy with what I am,” he said.
Penangite Fabian Loo said Chinese New Year isn’t complete without lor bak and steamed kampung chicken with garlic sauce.
“I couldn’t care less because I love food more than anything,” said Loo, who plays a chef in the movie.
“There’s always the gym if you overindulge.”
