The Wong story

Faye Wong has inspired a hit Japanese movie and doesn't even know it.

Critics had thought the 'ethereal diva' at the centre of Shunji Iwai's film, All About Lily Chou-Chou, was based on Sade or Bjork. But in a recent interview the Japanese director revealed he wrote the script - based on his interactive novel - after seeing Wong live in Hong Kong.

'Wow,' said a spokesperson from Sony, Wong's record company, when SAR called. 'We had no idea. Faye is completely unaware of this.'

Had Sony's people seen the movie - now screening at Cine-Art House - they probably would have guessed. The audience is made to spend almost two hours expecting to see the 'mysterious' Lily Chou-Chou. And then, of course, she doesn't show up.