It’s a history lesson not confined within book chapters, but rather in the recalling and forgetting of memories. The Garden of Evening Mists by celebrated Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng is a portal into a time when Malaya was fraught with distress: the Japanese Occupation has ended, but its effects are still keenly felt; communist guerrilla wars continue to rage on and within the ceaseless chaos, an epic romance quietly blossoms.
The historical novel was awarded the Man Asian Literary Prize and the Walter Scott Prize, and is now screen-adapted for release this January in Malaysia. Financed by HBO Asia and produced by Astro Shaw and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), the film features a star-studded international cast, including John Hannah, David Oakes, Julian Sands, Tan Kheng Hua and Sylvia Chang.
