What If Jolin Tsai Played Anita Mui Instead Of Louise Wong

 

After watching Teresa Teng: Wish We Last Forever, I felt Michelle Chen's performance as the titular character pulled it off. This gives me more reasons to further scrutinize the film Anita and think that the wait wasn't worth it. I thought of these reasons why Jolin, not Louise Wong, should've been cast as Anita Mui — despite Jolin being Taiwanese!

Jolin's facial resemblance to Anita is practically stronger than Louise

Surface-wise, I thought that Anita was called the Ugly Queen of Pop. In the 2000s, I remember Jolin was was also called UGLY. The two actresses share some similarities that couldn't be denied — large eyes, beaky nose, and puffed lips. Jolin's teeth are also similar to Anita's in some way. Sure, it's not a 1:1 copy but I can't deny that Jolin actually has some resemblances to Anita. 

During the Pepsi Nine Stars in 2004 (and Anita passed away in late 2023) — it was shocking for the old schoolers I knew Aaron Kwok. I said, "I only knew Aaron Kwok through Pepsi." However, the photos of Jolin with Pepsi triggered the comparison: "Wait, I saw that girl. She kinda looks like Anita Mui!" among some older generation. But that's not where it ended...

Jolin Tsai, the chameleon, was established in 2003

Jolin released her song "Witness My 72 Transformations" that would've reminded people of Madonna. Sure, we was once called the Asian Britney Spears because she danced and sang. Comparisons between Madonna and Britney were made. Anita got compared to Madonna. Jolin got compared to Britney. Some older generation Chinoys I knew couldn't stop comparing her to Anita. 

Her song "Love Love Love" was featured in Myx back in the 2000s, aside from F4. I thought about the whole vibe I heard was "She doesn't just look like Anita. She sings and dances like Anita!" Sure, Anita and Jolin belong to two different eras. But Jolin, unlike Britney, relied more on precision like Madonna. Both Anita and Jolin were compared to Madonna.

In fact, Jolin was called the Madonna of Taiwan just as Anita was called the Madonna of Hong Kong. Jolin would've instinctively worn replicas of Anita's costumes better.

Jolin's dancing abilities would've naturally made Anita's archive footage 100% unnecessary, while voice-over would still be needed

The Variety even said this about the film Anita (2021):

The short life and brilliant career of Hong Kong singer, actress and social activist Anita Mui is celebrated in the middling biopic “Anita,” starring 31-year-old model Louise Wong in her film debut. This handsomely decorated and lushly filmed portrait nails the look and electric atmosphere in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry during its 1980s and ’90s heyday but only fitfully captures the sassy energy and fearless spirit that made Mui an adored figure who became known as the “Madonna of the East” and the “Daughter of Hong Kong.” Archival footage of Mui sprinkled throughout the film highlights the difference.

However, Jolin would've already slain it with her dance steps. Sure, Anita and Jolin have different philosophies behind the dance. However, looking at this 2010 presentation where she sang, "Black Haired Beauty" (which I often compare to Anita's "Panther of the Night") with the black outfits made me think she would be able to imitate Anita's "Bad Girl" (cover of "Strut" by Sheena Easton) without the need of archival footage. The only thing needed is to use Anita's songs to be voiced over Jolin. I'll admit I still prefer Anita's songs over Jolin's songs.

This alone would've removed the footage. Every remake of Anita's concert scenes wouldn't need archival footage.

Agent J makes Jolin even more ideal to play Anita

Jolin may have been more focused on singing than acting. However, I thought about it that the reason is because Jolin's talent fee got more expensive due to circumstances. Agent J movie proved that she probably would have been able to take on the roles done by Anita. For example, Jolin could've been cast as Inspector Ann Fong in a remake of My Father is a Hero — a role that Anita took alongside Jet Li. Jolin's stunts in Agent J would've already said, "Okay, she can hypothetically play as Ann in a My Father is a Hero remake."

The way Agent J was might remind me of Anita's older videos like "Love Soldier" or perhaps "Bad Girl". The music video shows a new level of boldness. That kind of boldness would've fit Anita's musical style and work ethic. Anita was no billboard either. The experience from Agent J would've translated into creating a blazing tribute.