Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Lust, caution.

Hey Edwin, since you've asked for it. Here it is. Hope u don mind some grammatical and spelling mistakes. :)
ANyway, I'm not much of a writer, but I did try my best!

ENjoy~!

Lust, caution

1.

Time: Night.

Setting : A well decorated table, with lited romantic candles is set on the stage. A small counter with a waiter behind it can be seen.

Act : A waiter walks around the table, arranging some plates and forks. He then switches on a piano theme.

Outside he noticed a woman.

Mrs.Mak walked in the restaurant. She stopped looked over her shoulder on the right, then on the left. She was wearing a long grey jacket, covering a blue cheongsam, and on top of all that, a round hat that was 3 inch larger than her head.

Narrator:Mrs.Mak slowly strolls into Nikolai’s Restaurant. At the doorway, she halt, finding herself staring at her reflection in the restaurant’s glass. The person who stared back was now a different person. The plot had changed her

She glances away from the glass.. As she steps inside, she surveyed the restaurant. Vacant. Like Mr.Tian had promised. The restaurant was fancy like the other restaurants Mr.Tian had taken her into. A round table is set in the middle of the restaurant. Decorated with three red lilted candles which under it was a purple cloth cover for the table.

Waiter : (Clears throat)Mrs Mak I assumed?

Mrs.Mak didn’t noticed a waiter standing across the counter, a note pad in hand

Mrs.Mak : Yes. That’s me.

Waiter : This way, Mdm.

The waiter led her to the table.

Waiter : Please sit. Mr. Tian will be here soon. He said he’ll be late.

The waiter pulled out the chair, allowing Joanne to sit.

Waiter : Would you like anything, Mdm?

Mrs.Tian : Coffee, less sugar.

A few minutes later, the waiter came out.

Waiter : Your coffee, Mdm.

He served the cup with one hand, the other behind his back, bending slightly down in a common western gentleman style.

Narrator :As Mrs Mak stirred her warm coffee. She stared outside the busy city. She looks back at the past, registering what had happened in these three years. It had been a mess. She slowly recalls………………………….

Lights out.

2.

Time :Day

Setting : Four chairs are set surrounding a small round table. The room looks old and battered, like a basement.

Narrator: Three years ago, she was not Mrs. Mak. She was Joanne Lee, a student who study acting in a private school academy.

Act:A group of students is seen whispering, gathering around, as if discussing something. Then someone spoke.

Fang Wen :We’re going to assassinate him. The plot is simple; we’re going to lure him into a place where we can kill him.

Mustaffar : But a Japanese collaborator? That’s absurd! We’ll get killed.

Fang Wen : Not if we keep out mouth sealed.

Jack : Fang Wen, how are we suppose to lure him anyway

Fang Wen : Look, Jack, I got it all planned. Let’s be serious. ( Turning to Joanne) We’re going to try to get into his social cycle and lure him into a place where we can assassinate him.

Mustaffar : And if we fail?

Fang Wen : We won’t. Don’t be so pessimistic all the time, Mustaffar.

Mustaffar : Who are we targeting?

Fang wen : Mr.Tian. He’s the head of the secret police in charge of resistance investigation.

Jack : What? Are you out of your mind? Do you know how stiff this task will be?

Fang Wen : I’ve weighed my options.

Jack : And who’s gonna do the luring, huh? You? ( Chuckles)

Joanne : No, I am.

The three boys glance at the shy girl.

Jack : Joanne’s gonna do it? For crying out loud, she’s just a girl.

Fang Wen : ( Gazing at Jack, then to Mustaffar) Look, we can do this, I’ve got it all planned. This collaborationist guy killed my parents, I want him dead.

Mustaffar: And what is this plan you’re talking about?

Fang Wen. : One of men’s greatest weakness is lust. Joanne will get into his social life in an attempt to seduce him and luring him into a place where we can kill him.

Jack : And how are we suppose to that?

Fang Wen : That you don’t need to worry about.I was informed that Mr.Tian is going out tomorrow, he always use a cab. I got myself a job there and was assigned to pick them up tomorrow. Joanne just needs to be in that cab and chit chat a little with him.

Mustaffar : (Sigh)(looking at Joanne) You think you can do this?

Joanne : I’m sure of it. For Sarawak, I will.

Mustaffar :(To Fang Wen) You really got this all planned?

Fang Wen : Right to the smallest details.

Jack : Then we’ll begin tomorrow.

2.

Narrator:Mr.Tian is a secret police top official, responsible for the killings of many resistants. He was working in a branch of Wang Jingwei’s Japanese Collaborationist Government in Kuching, his superior was a denounced national traitor, Ibrahim Yaacob .

Setting:The stage exposes a small house gate, a cab halted in front of it.

Act: The conspirators awaited for their target. A few minutes afterwards, the gate opened, and a man with a grey suit, emerged flanked by two guards. He wave his hand slightly, signaling the guards to back off. He was Mr.Tian.

He then slowly steps inside the cab and it drove off. In the cab, Mr.Tian couldn’t help staring at this beautiful young lady sharing the cab with him.

Mr.Tian : Where are you heading to? (Cantonese)

Joanne : Excuse me?

Mr.Tian : Oh, sorry.You don’t speak Cantonese? I figure you were Cantonese.

Joanne : It is my mother’s appearance that I resemble from. She’s from Hong Kong.

Mr.Tian : Hmmmm, no wonder. Do you speak Mandarin then?

Joanne : Of course. (Mandarin)

Mr.Tian : Then that’s good. (Mandarin). (Chuckles)

Mr.Tian : So where are you heading to at this early hour?

Joanne : (Light smile) I’m picking up a new cheongsam downtown.

Mr.Tian : Really? I’m going downtown too, can your tailor wait? I mean, I’ll buy you breakfast.

Joanne : Are you sure?(Shying away)

Mr.Tian : It’ll be my pleasure.

Joanne : (chuckles) Ok.

Mr.Tian : That’ll be great. (To driver) Can you turn around that corner there? You’ll see a small restaurant. Stop there.

Joanne : We’re going to Li Min’s place? Your kindness is too much for me.

Mr.Tian : Anything for a beautiful girl.

Driver( Fang Wen): We’re here, sir.

Mr.Tian steps out of the cab, offering his hand to Joanne before closing the door. He pushed his hand inside his pocket, and took out a bundle of money for the driver.

Mr.Tian : Keep the change.

Together, Mr.Tian led Joanne into the restaurant.

In the cab. Fang Wen heard the public phone nearby rang. He stepped out and reaches for the receiver.

Fang Wen: Jack? She’s in.

Lights out.

3

Time : Day

Place : Li Min’s Restaurant

Setting: The restaurant is a traditional Chinese restaurant, filled with traditional red. In between the sitted Joanne and Mr.Tian, is a table covered in red cloth.

Joanne caught Mr.Tian staring at her.

Joanne : Something wrong?

Mr.Tian : You’re pretty quiet for a girl.

Joanne : (She stops eating, and gazed at Mr.Tian)Aren’t girls suppose to be like that?

Mr.Tian : I assume you know who I am.

Joanne nodded slightly.

Mr.Tian :(Sigh) Rumors sure spread fast around here.

Joanne : How is like being with those Japanese?

There was an utter silence. He registers the question and collected his thoughts. Putting his elbows on the table, he clenchedhis hand together lightly, looking away from her, then back.

Mr.Tian : (Chuckles) They are like like us. Officers, Generals, soldiers and so on. I saw the same thing in them everyday.

Joanne : Oh? Interesting. What could that be?

Mr.Tian : Fear.

Checking for her reaction, he paused for a while before continuing.

Mr.Tian : Are you scared? I mean of this war. It could never end.

Joanne : (Leans forward and placing her hands under her chin, staring into Mr.Tian’s eyes) Are you?

Mr.Tian : (Chuckles) Your pretty smart.

Joann laughs along. They continue their dinner in silence before Joanne spoke.

Joanne : Do you like to go to the movies?

Mr.Tian : No.

Joanne : And why is that?

Mr.Tian : I don’t go to dark places.

Joanne : And where would you like to go?

Mr.Tian : (Checking his watch) I think we’ll go grab that cheongsam of yours now.

Lights out.

4.

Time : Day

Place : Taylor’s shop.

Setting: A sewing machine is seen on a table. Near it, there is a changing room and a counter.

Mr.Tian sat on a chair, putting one leg on the other, while waiting for Joanne to change into her new cheongsam. The tailor was busy with his errands; he had an unlit cigarette stuck into his mouth.

A moment later, Joanne came out with a cheongsam. Her hands was on her waist, she look downwards the dress, looking uncomfortable.

Joanne : What do you think?

He was silent, just staring at her body.

Joanne : It’s obviously a little tight for me. I think I’ll try the other one.

She turns to the changing room before Mr.Tian finally broke the silence.

Mr.Tian : Keep it on.

Joanne : What?

Mr.Tian : I said keep it on. I like it.

Mr.Tian reaches down his pocket and grabs his wallet. He opens it and took a bundle of money out which before he handed it to the tailor.

Mr.Tian : It’s on me.

Joanne : But I……

She was interrupted.

Mr.Tian : Pick another one.

Joanne : Your kindness is too much (Turning away from him)

Mr.Tian : It’s not for you, it’s for my wife.

Joanne : Oh? Sorry (Chuckles).

Joanne’s finger ran through a stack of clothes, and then she pulled one out and spread it across the table. She then shows it to Mr.Tian.

Joanne :This one, I think she’ll like it.

Mr.Tian : Very well.

Mr.Tian stood up and walk towards the counter. He places another bundle of money on the counter.

Mr.Tian : Let’s go.

Lights out.

5.

Time : Night

Place : Fang Wen’s house.

Setting: The stage is split into two. One side shows the internal of the house and the other is the external. Inside the house, three chairs were arranged around a table which on top of it was some mugs plates and a bottle of wine. A gun is also placed on the table.

Act:A car is driven slowly until it reaches the front gate. Inside, Mustaffar ran towards the curtain and peeked outside. Immediately, he turned towards Fang Wen and Jack who were sitting behind him.

Mustaffar : They’re here! They’re here!

Fang Wen bounces up from the chair and went to turn off the lights, he then dash across the floor, grabbing a gun from the table. He waited while pointing his gun towards the door.

Mustaffar and Jack were holding a knife each while couching on the floor.

Fang Wen : Ready? Get into your positions. Here we go guys, we’re gonna save Sarawak.

Setting : The light shone on the internal side of the stage was turn off. Allowing the focus to shift to the external.

Mr.Tian got out from the car and walked around it to the other side where he opened the door for Joanne, like a gentleman.

Mr.Tian : I’ll accompany you inside.

Joanne : That’s unnecessary.

Despite what she said, they walked together towards the door. Gently, Joanne took out her keys and pushed it into the door knob.

Before she turns the keys, she spun towards Mr.Tian.

Joanne : You can call your cab away and come inside to have some tea.

Mr.Tian : I’m a busy man.

Joanne : I’m sure your work can wait.

Mr.Tian walks towards her. He lowered her head down, and then kissed her on the forehead.

Setting : The light from the external side is turned off and the internal is switched on, but with a dim light. Exposing Fang Wen, Jack and Mustaffar.

The door knob can be heard turning; Joanne walked in and gave a despair look to the boys.

She turns on the light and shook her head.

She stormed across the room and sat down on one of the chairs, and drank the wine on the table.

Fang Wen signal the other two boys to back off as he slowly walks towards her before he sat down, leaning forward and staring at her.

Fang Wen : Why didn’t he come in?

Joanne took a big sip before she spoke.

Joanne : (Sigh) He doesn’t go to dark places. He’s a very cautious man, that I can see. We must be very careful.

Fang Wen : Anything else you’ve found out?

Joanne : Nothing much, he’s very secretive about things, I can’t get through him.

Fang Wen : Then we’ll……

Fang Wen was interrupted when the phone rang. He glances at Joanne and Joanne picks up the receiver quickly.

Joanne : Mr.Tian! What a surprise …(Paused for 3 seconds/PF3S)……yes…(PF3S)……yes…(PF3S) Go on.

She paused for a while and places her hand on her chest. Looking worried, she knelt down and continued her phone conversation.

Joanne : To where? Hong Kong? …(PF3S)….Yes..yes. Ermmm, at least let me accompany you to the airport. What?..(PF3S)...then….(PF3S)….okok…(PF3S)nevermind then.

Joanne banged down the receiver and lean her back on the chair . She covered her face with one of her hands.

Fang Wen : What happened?

Joanne sum up her strength to overcome her grief.

Joanne : He’s leaving for Hong Kong tonight for some emergency meeting. He may never come back again.

Fang Wen turns away from the news and rub his temples.

Fang Wen : Great, just great. (Sigh), pack up guys, we’ve better go.

Lights out.

6.

Narrator : Three years later, in 1944, the Japanese continue to occupy Sarawak.Kuching was in chaos and resistance movement was becoming more active than it was before. After three years in Hong Kong, Mr.Tian came back to investigate the resistance movement. And Fang Wen was heavily informed of his whereabouts.

He again searched for Joanne.

Setting : The room was filled with piles of newspapers and old books, surrounding a small table and a chair, which behind it, a small window. The stage is split in two, like the other scenes, one side is the external and the other the internal.

Outside the room, Joanne can be seen walking mindlessly looking at the ground. People were standing around minding their own business. Inside the small room, Fang Wen peeked out the window before he opened the door to the outside. He grabbed Joanne by the arm and turn towards him.

Fang Wen : We need to talk.

He pulled her inside the room.

Fang Wen : Sit.

He poured tea into a cup and served it to Joanne. She picked it up and took a sip.

Joanne : What is it about this time? Another collaborationist?

Fang Wen : Correction. The same collaborationist.

Joanne : Excuse me?

Fang Wen : He’s back. Mr.Tian is back from Hong Kong and he’s been promoted to a higher position. It’ll be a little difficult to get through his security this time.

Joanne frowned , looking confused.

Fang Wen :(reaching for her hand) I know it’s hard , but what we did three years ago never ended. We still have a chance. Think about it, we can save Kuching, we can save Sarawak from this occupation. We’ll be in history books!

Joanne : You’re in charge again?

Fang Wen : No, not me. I’ve been associated with the current underground resistance. There’s this guy who can help us get to Mr.Tian.

Joanne : Who could that be?

A man walked out from behind the stage. He was formally dressed and an unlit cigarette is stuck into his mouth.

Man : Me.

Joanne and Fang Wen spun towards the voice.

Man : My name is Kenny, pleasure to meet you.

Joanne and him shook hands.

Kenny : I see that Fang Wen has informed you about me.

Kenny sinks down to a chair, and lit his cigarette.

Kenny : Do you want to do this?

Fang Wen: (To Joanne) Come on, Joanne. We can do this. Please.

Reluctantly, she nodded her head.

Joanne : Fine. I’ll do it.

Kenny : Very well. Learn fast, I don’t wanna waste any time.

He slides a file across his table towards Joanne. She grabs hold of it, and opens it.

Kenny : You’re no longer Joanne Lee, this file I give you is your new identity. Remember this. You’re married 2 years ago to a rich business man who passed away shortly after you married him. You will be called Mrs.Mak.Any information from him comes to me. Understand?

Joanne : Yes, sir.

Kenny : Fang Wen, I hope you know what to do.

Fang Wen : Yes. We’ll get him.

Lights out.

7.

Time : Day

Setting: The stage is split in two. The internal of Mr.Tian’s house is accompanied by a rocking chair and a big sofa.

Narrator:The rain beat down hard outside of Mr.Tian’s house. Joanne was standing outside alone with one umbrella in hand.

Mr.Tian then comes out and Joanne caught his attention. He stared at her with a calming expression. She noticed him, but pretends to look away. As he reaches out for Joanne’s hand, he finally spoke.

Mr.Tian : It’s been too long.

She slips her hand from his grip and turn away from him.

Joanne : Do you believe me if I say I hate you?

He turns her to him.

Mr.Tian : I believe. For Christ sake, I believe. I haven’t trusted someone so much for so long.

Joanne : You left just like that. With just one phone call.

She lowered her head down.

Mr.Tian : Now I’m back. Do you still hate me?

He lifted her head so that he could look into her eyes. She then shook her head in reply to his question.

Mr.Tian : Come in.

He held her hand then led her into his house. She shook her hand off from his grip once more. She stares lustfully at him then place her hands on his shoulder to push him down so he would sit on the rocking chair. She lean her back against the sofa.

Mr.Tian then took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up. Gently, Joanne stroll towards him, and sat on his lap. She pulls out the cigarette from his mouth and put it off.

Mr.Tian forces himself out from his rocking chair and grabs Joanne’s hair from the back.

Joanne : Ouch, my hair.

Mr.Tian : Is it really so hard to do this?

Joanne : Patience. Sit down.

He did what he was told.

Joanne slowly took her jacket off, revealing the tight cheongsam that he had bought for her before. She walks towards a table and rests her back against it and unties her hair.

Mr.Tian stormed across the room and forced Joanne to the wall. His hands were placed on her face, applying great force before finally calming down.

Mr.Tian : I love you.

Gently, he presses his lips against hers.

Lights out.

8.

Time : day

Setting : From scene 7.

Joanne walked into the small room that she had entered earlier. Inside, Kenny was waiting for her along with Fang Wen.

Kenny : So?

Joanne : He gave me this.

Joanne handed out an envelope.

Joanne : He says it’s something important that he wanted me to do.

Kenny : (To Fang Wen) Open it.

Fang Wen tore it open and took out its content. There was a name card and a letter in it.

Fang Wen began to read the letter.

Minutes later, he turns to Joanne.

Fang Wen : It’s a love letter. For you.

Kenny : What about that name card over there.

Fang Wen : He bought a ring from a shop. He’s asking her to pick it up tonight.

Kenny : Where?

Fang Wen : Somewhere around Nikolai’s restaurant.

Kenny : Very well, I’ll get my men there before evening. And you(Looking at Joanne), must continue your task.

Joanne walked away from the two men and looked outside the window.

Joanne : I can’t do this anymore.

Kenny : What?

Joanne : (Weeping)He raped me just now.

Kenny looks away from her.

Kenny : Shut up.

Joanne : I don’t know who I am anymore; a part of me dies every time I see him.

Kenny : I said shut up.

Joanne : I love him!

Kenny : Shut up!

He banged the table hard enough to silence her.

Kenny : Mr.Tian killed my wife and kids. I want nothing more but to get my revenge. You will resume your mission. That’s an order. Or else.

He stormed out from the room.

Joanne began crying.

Fang Wen place his hand on her shoulder and turns her towards him.

Fang Wen : Your gonna be ok.

He kissed her. But was force to stop when Joanne push him away.

Joanne : Three years ago, if you did that. I would have fallen for you. It’s too late now.

She walked out from the room.

Lights out.

9.

Time : Night

Setting : From Scene 1.

Joanne sat silently, enjoying her coffee while looking outside the window. Two waiters then came out, whispering to each other.

One of them came to Joanne.

Waiter : Mrs.Mak? Mr.Tian had canceled the dinner. He wants me to inform you that he’s bringing you to another place.

Joanne : I see.

Waiter : He’s waiting outside.

Joanne : Oh? Very well then.

She got up from her seat and walked outside. Mr.Tian is seen leaning against the wall, smoking.

Mr.Tian : Sorry for the long wait.

Joanne : It’s ok.

Mr.Tian : Get in.

He opened the car door for her and she sat inside. He walked around the car and got himself in.

Mr.Tian : Go to my house.

Joanne : Wait.

Mr.Tian glanced at her.

Joanne : I think my ring is ready. I wanna go pick it up now, if that’s ok with you.

Mr.Tian : Ok then. (To the driver) Turn back.

Lights out.

10.

Time : Night

Setting : The shop had a sofa and there’s long table set in the middle of the stage. A man is seen sitting behind the table, doing his errands.

Mr.Tian walked in with Joanne. His arm was wrap around Joanne’s waist.

Mr.Tian : Khaleed, nice to meet you again.

Khaleed bounce up from his chair and immediately shook hands with Mr.Tian.

Khaleed : Ah, yes. You’ve come for the diamond ring. It’s ready, the masterpiece is ready. Sit, please.

Khaleed walk into the back stage and came out with box. He sat down quietly and opened the box with great carefulness.

Khaleed : Here it is. 40 carats .Just how you want it.

Joanne : It’s beautiful.

Joanne’s hand trembled as she held the diamond ring.

Mr.Tian : The ring doesn’t interest me. I’m more interested when you wear it on

your finger.

She stares at the ring and slip it in her ring finger.

Mr.Tian : Let me take a look at it.

He lifts her hands up and studied it.

Narrator : Joanne then finds her identity being pushed to a breaking point. She was confused.

Joanne stood up from the chair and turn away from Mr.Tian. Mr.Tian felt awkward and came to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and turns her to him.

Mr.Tian : What’s wrong?

There was an utter silence before she spoke.

Joanne : Go.

Mr.Tian : What?

Joanne : Go now. They’re outside waiting to kill you.

He registered the thought fast and dashed out from the shop. Joanne knelt and covered her face with her hands, then wept.

11.

Time : Night.

Setting. : A long table is set on stage. On top of it is a lamp and some books scattered here and there.

Narrator: Mr.Tian sat quietly behind the table. Trying to recall what has happened that had confused him from top to bottom.

A soldier walked in with a file in hand. He slide it across the table to Mr.Tian.

Soldier : Her real name is Joanne Lee. She’s also a talented actress that often works with three other resistants, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack. And…………

The soldier was silenced when Mr.Tian banged the table.

Mr.Tian : Why on earth didn’t you tell me earlier?!

The soldier back up a little.

Soldier : Because of your relationship with her.

Narrator:Mr.Tian fell into quietness with the answer.

Soldier : Mr.Tian, you must sign the execution warrant.

Mr.Tian grabs a pen and opens the file which the soldier had handed him. He opened it and signed it. He slides it across the table, returning it to the soldier.

Soldier : There’something for you.

The soldier took out the ring that Mr.Tian had bought for Joanne earlier and passed it to him.

Mr.Tian : But this is not mine.

Soldier : She insisted that this must be return to you.

The soldier then left the room, leaving Mr.Tian all alone as he examined the ring closely.

Lights out.

12.

Time : Night.

Setting: The stage is empty.

Joanne, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack walked out, guarded by a soldier each. Their hands are cuffed behind them. The soldiers lead them to the middle of the stage.

Soldier : Kneel down.

The soldiers force them to kneel.

Soldier: Any last words?

The soldiers pointed their hand gun to the four conspirators. Fang Wen broke the silence.

Fang Wen : In the name of Sarawak do we fight.

Narrator: Joanne, Fang Wen, Mustaffar and Jack were executed on that night.

~End~