{
  "id": 19742809,
  "title": "Edmund Yeo’s ‘The Age of Goodbye’ weaves the darker parts of Malaysian Chinese history into a nostalgic homage to Ipoh (VIDEO)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/edmund-yeos-the-age-of-goodbye-weaves-the-darker-parts-of-malaysian",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T01:24:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2026/11/13/edmund-yeos-the-age-of-goodbye-weaves-the-darker-parts-of-malaysian-chinese-history-into-a-nostalgic-homage-to-ipoh-video/243041"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Age of Goodbye, directed by Edmund Yeo, is a beautifully poignant adaptation of Li Zi Shu's acclaimed novel. Li herself was uncertain about how the complex narrative could be adapted, as it moves between eras and features two sets of twins born in different times, sharing similar fates. At the heart of the film is Vivian Sung, a Taiwanese actress who immersed herself in Malaysia to perfect various Chinese accents for her role as Du Li An, a young girl who marries the local taikor. Despite the title's suggestion of goodbyes, the film emphasizes the many goodbyes that are never spoken, particularly Yip Lin Sang's (Stanley Yau Sze Chun) unexpected departure without a farewell to his former lover, Du.\n\nSung's embodiment of Du Li An is central to the film's success. Her ability to seamlessly switch between Mandarin, Cantonese, and Hokkien accents adds authenticity to Du's interactions with characters who speak different dialects. The film's narrative is intricate, weaving together historical events like the 1969 riots and the local Communist party with personal stories of love, loss, and family curses. Notable performances by Stanley Yau Sze Chun, who convincingly plays multiple roles, and supporting actors Li Xuan Siow and Liu Tzu-chuan, who portray Du's childhood friends whose lives are shaped by the choices of their parents, add depth to the story.\n\nThe film touches on significant aspects of Malaysian Chinese history without being didactic, presenting a nuanced view that celebrates the past while avoiding heavy-handedness. Ipoh, in particular, is depicted through stunning visuals, highlighting its natural beauty and historical landmarks. The film is rated 18, so it is advised for mature audiences due to some romantic scenes. Despite the complexity of its plot, \"The Age of Goodbye\" stands as one of Edmund Yeo's most accessible works, resonating deeply with Malaysian audiences by reflecting both the nation's history and the enduring impact of personal decisions.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysian director Edmund Yeo brings a beautiful pathos to his adaptation of Li Zi Shu'...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}