Lam says she's all impressed by the story line as far as her own life is concerned, she says she's been there and done that.

Karena said, "My first love was my school mate. We split up after graduation. Three years later we met again and I still had feelings for him. We broke up again and soon after I heard he got married. We still have our friendship. We send emails to each other every year telling about how our lives are going."

Now 30, Lam was born in Vancouver, Canada. A talent scout from Taiwan discovered her in 1993, when she was 15. Lam started a singing career in Taiwan. She released two albums in 1995 and 1999. Her career was put on hold for two years after that, until 2001, because of contractual problems.

Her film debut in 2002 propelled her toward real stardom. Lam starred in "July Rhapsody" directed by Ann Hui. Lam played a precocious student with a crush on her 40-year-old teacher. Her performance won her awards as Best Supporting Actress and Best new Performer at the 21st Hong Kong Film Awards and the 39th Taiwan Golden Horse Awards. She also was named Best Supporting Actress at Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Awards.'

Lam's collaboration with Leslie Cheung in "Inner Senses" and Nicholas Tse in "Tiramisu" launched her as a rising star. "Inner Senses" was the last film by Hong Kong pop icon Leslie Cheung, who took his own life on April 1, 2003. Lam showcased her performing talents in the psychological thriller. Her role in "Inner Senses" won high acclaim.