Writer: Peter Chai

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Watch this if you liked: "Already Famous"

We have already seen Malaysian and Singaporean filmmakers' joint-productions "23:59" and "Petaling Street Warriors" recently, and clearly, more movie collaborations between these two countries will just keep coming to cinemas. This year, we have the opportunity to witness a history-in-making for the Asian film industry as the new romantic comedy, "The Wedding Diary", is set to be the first Malaysian-Singaporean production that will be released in both Malaysia and Singapore at the same time.

In conjunction with Valentine's Day in February, Penang-born director Adrian Teh is welcoming moviegoers, especially couples, to watch his latest directorial effort in "The Wedding Diary", starring Ah Niu, who plays a humble and confused engineer named Wei Jie and Hong Kong actress, Elanne Kwong plays Zhi Xin, a beautiful pampered lady who marries Wei Jie.

The movie centres on the romantic story of Wei Jie's unconditional love for Zhi Xin, who lied and cheated her family with news of her fake pregnancy in order to get her parents to agree with their marriage. The couple is subjected through various ups and downs together with the complications regarding traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies and its rituals, just to please their parents.

It is always particularly hilarious to see Ah Niu's sluggish look void of any dialogue in the movies he appears in. As a result, in "The Wedding Diary", you will not only pay attention for his nerdy expressions but you will smile at his funny local accents that audiences from both Malaysia and Singapore can connect with in terms of language and cultural aspects. Meanwhile, Elanne Kwong manages to bring a natural look to her role as the bride with the girl-next-door characteristics. Also, her cute smiles will definitely light up your day in the cinema.

It is not surprising to feel awkward with the director's choice of casting the nerdy Ah Niu with the much more attractive-looking Elanne Kwong as two halves of a couple as they are indeed, mismatched. However, the two opposites in turn, counterbalance each other to create a hilarious chemistry that should be more than enough to make you forget about the issue.

If not, "The Wedding Diary" is worth a watch for demonstrating its own moral values and beliefs about the concept of marriage, which are to remind people about the importance of togetherness in a family and to keep things simple in life. Moreover, luxuries and dignity should be put aside when it comes to organizing a wedding ceremony as happiness in a marriage is the first issue that should be emphasized.

Get your valentine partner a special gift this Valentine's Day by watching "The Wedding Diary", as you and your partner will surely be touched by the characters' tough but romantic journey in protecting their marriage.

"The Wedding Diary" is also available in 2D in Singapore.

Cinema Online, 13 February 2012