HAVING a powerful memory may be a blessing as you remember facts and figures — an ability that will benefit your career and help you make important decisions.
On the other hand, it can e a curse because unpleasant moments remain in your mind and always make you depressed.
The double-edged sword that is a powerful memory gets addressed by YouTube sensations Ho Ming Yue and Ho Ming Han a.k.a. The Ming Thing in their first drama series with video streaming service tonton this Sunday.
The Ming Thing’s four-episode series is I, Remember, the story of young accountant Hafiq who suddenly wakes up with a super-memory, which boosts his career and living skills but also gives him nagging headaches.
MNEMONIC IDEA
“Each episode is 20 minutes, and it’s not only about Hafiq and his special ‘power’ but also how his life changes physically, mentally and emotionally with it,” said Ming Han at the launch of I, Remember in the GSC 1Utama Cineplex in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya recently.
Ming Yue added: “As we promised, it’s a thriller adventure, which also combines elements of comedy and the latest parodies of Malaysian consumer trends."
Playing honest-to-goodness Hafiq is Gol Dan Gincu 2 actor Jad Hidhir Harjono, who has appeared in several The Ming Thing videos over the last two years.
He is joined by established actors Alvin Wong, Louisa Chong, Emily Chen and Sharifah Amani, as well as theatre actor Karan Hundal.
“I, Remember is based on a chat with friends last year, about how certain people have photographic memories,” said Ming Han.
“We have family friends whose children possess such skills and easily remember our YouTube videos and their dialogue,” added Ming Yue.
Ming Han said the duo behind JinnyBoy TV also encouraged them to come out with I, Remember.
FUNNY SCI-FI ROMP
“Jin Lim and Ruben Kang impressed us with their romantic drama By My Side in August last year.
"We loved By My Side and figured we could also work with tonton,” said Ming Han.
Ming Yue added: "However we didn’t want a romantic comedy. Instead, we wanted a science-fiction comedy. We grew up enjoying adventures and thrillers on the big screen, especially the ones from Hollywood.”
“As a result, we decided to combine both elements for a series that could keep viewers excited and amused at the same time," said Ming Han.
RAINING CHALLENGE
The brothers had the full support of tonton general manager Loh Ben Jern and its director Airin Zainul.
"When they approached us, suggesting that we create a special series or telemovie for tonton early this year, we were thrilled!" said Ming Yue.
Ming Han said filming began in early April, mainly in the Klang Valley, but the set was often interrupted by heavy downpours in the evenings.
“We spent two weeks on the set. The wonderful thing was that the rain always stopped punctually at 6pm.”
Besides the main cast, I, Remember also has cameos by several well-known actors including television host and dancer Dennis Yin.
SUPERHERO SASS
Jad, 25, an accounting graduate, said he was fascinated with Hafiq’s character, as he resembled Spider-Man and other Marvel characters who possess special powers.
“It’s an interesting story, which tells us to be proud of who we are, and realise their is something special in all of us,” he said.
“We need not be superheroes with special powers because ultimately the best heroes are ordinary ones who are honest with themselves.”
Jad plans to appear in more specials by Ming Han and Ming Yue, and would love to star in movies later.
“I love films that have sci-fi elements in them,” he said.
LIFE LESSONS
tonton director Airin Zainul said I, Remember is an original story with a universal message that everybody can relate to.
“All of us would love a powerful gift like a super-memory but there will always be pros and cons to it, because nothing comes free and easy. This is what Hafiq goes through, and all of us can learn lots of useful lessons from his adventures,” she said.
The Ming Thing was formed in 2012 when Ming Han chose to vlog about the car park at his university.
It received a few thousand views overnight, and they roped in videographers Bryan Lim and Raffi Th'ng to assist them.