21 January 2004

Translated by Nana. Thanks Nana!

Chow Yun-Fat aroused many fans all over Asia with holding two guns in "A Better Tomorrow". Though he has a long career of appearing in more than 70 films in Hong Kong, it seems that he has a hard time getting the position as an Asian actor in Hollywood.

Regrettably, his latest film "Bulletproof Monk" is a halfway movie. However, his warm and genial smile hasn't changed a bit. I'm getting worried that he is so gentle that it is hard for him to compete in Hollywood.

Q: This film characterized the Tibetan monk as very simple character. Do you feel a sense of incongruity in the Asian images which are expressed in Hollywood films?

CYF: Every culture has unique senses. American culture has it, too. It isn't easy to completely understand for Western playwrights the long history of Asia. So we can't blame them. For example "The Last Samurai", many Japanese audiences were satisfied with it because of thorough research about the history of Japan. However "Bulletproof Monk" was based on comics, so I suppose that there was little cost for the research. It is difficult to meet a good script in which Asia is expressed properly.

Q: Do you point out cultural mistakes to directors or playwrights?

CYF: Of course, I sometimes do it like correcting the boat's course. But I think that I don't have the right of making the script widely changed. Making a film has many people bringing ideas and aim finally at one port. I don't intend to deprive them of it.

Q: Are you annoyed by the label which is "an action star"?

CYF: I have no choice but to accept it. Really, I want to be "an actor" which can play whatever role. But many audiences, who have never seen my old films which are comedy or drama, see me as an action star which is holding two guns. I wait for a chance which I can act various roles. I don't like to play action roles but I have to do it because my wife can't go shopping (laughs).

Q: "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was prized at the Academy Award. After that, has it brought about any changes, such as many offers rushed to you?

CYF: There were not especially changes, because that is not to say that I received the award. I think there is a time for everything. It is difficult for Asian actors to get valuable roles like a lead in Hollywood. However, these days Hollywood is making things for the Asian market, so there are chances for me to get valuable roles. I can't speak English very well, but I have market value, I have many fans in Asia. I should wait for a chance instead of giving up.

Q: In Hong Kong, the relationship between actors and the staff is like a family. But in Hollywood, some actors are treated like a king. Are you worried that it may spoil you?

CYF: It is a fact to excuse the actor, who made a great success on screen, for doing wrong in his private life.
Do you ask me who it is? I can't say for sure. In China, as the saying goes, we can't judge a person while he is living. There is possibility that he will change. Only after his coffin is nailed down, we can finally comment about him.
The important thing is to have a consistent mind. Movies is often compared to a factory which is making a dream, but people each have their own dream, and it is fragile. Even if I leave, someone will keep making a dream. I think that I must not forget both a dream and life are fragile. But I hope you will have a good dream tonight.

Q: Because I could see you, I will surely have a good dream.

CYF: Thank you.

©2004 Hankyu Communications Co.,Ltd. All rights reserved. Image courtesy of Screen ©2004 Kindaieigasha Co., Ltd.