Still Dreaming Actor Tony Leung "Serial Killer Role OK, Now I Enjoy It" [2022 BIFF]

The 27th Busan International Film Festival On Site

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Busan=Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "I remember the passionate Busan movie fans whose shoes would come off from their enthusiasm. Although Haeundae Beach has changed, the passion of the fans from 20 years ago remains the same."

Actor Yang Zaowei (60, Liang Chaowei) shared his thoughts on visiting the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) for the fourth time as the recipient of the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award. He also showed his undying passion for acting. Despite taking a break since last Christmas due to the pandemic, he expressed his desire to take on various roles.

On the morning of the 6th, at the press conference for the 27th Busan International Film Festival's Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award held at KNN Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, Yang Zaowei said, "Meeting a project is a matter of fate and timing," adding, "If the opportunity arises, I would go anywhere?Korea, Japan, Taiwan."

Yang Zaowei, who first connected with the festival when invited to the 2nd Busan Film Festival in 1997, visited Korea for the fourth time this year. He reminisced, "25 years ago, the festival was held on a narrow street with a small stage. Many fans crowded the narrow street, and there were times when shoes came off. That’s when I realized the passion of Busan fans." He continued, "Looking down from the hotel, I see tall buildings and a beautiful beach. Walkways and swimming pools have been added, and the area has developed modernly," but he also said, "I feel that Busan’s passion for movies remains unchanged."

Active since the 1980s and considered one of the most important actors of his generation, Yang Zaowei is famous for director Wong Kar-wai’s films such as "Chungking Express" (1994), "Happy Together" (1997), and "In the Mood for Love" (2000). He appeared in three films that won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival: "As Tears Go By" (1989), "Cyclo" (1995), and "Lust, Caution" (2007). His filmography includes "Hero" (2002), nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, "Infernal Affairs" (2002), and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021). He won Best Actor at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival and holds the record for the most Best Actor awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards with five wins and three at the Golden Horse Awards.

Known as the master of the so-called "melodramatic gaze," Yang Zaowei captivates audiences with his intense eye acting. He said, "I spend a lot of time researching when preparing a character. I refer to books and observe whether there are people around me in daily life who resemble the character, sometimes imitating them. That’s why I usually take about three months to prepare for diverse roles."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yang Zaowei, who is 60 years old by Korean age this year, revealed that he still dreams. "I started out at a broadcasting station and debuted in dramas, so I wonder what it would be like to shoot a drama again recently. Many fans who liked me back then might be curious to see me like that, so I want to challenge myself with dramas. I also want to act in older roles that I couldn’t take on when I was younger."

He added, "I’m interested in roles with complex backgrounds that make you think a lot. I also want to try playing a serial killer." Yang Zaowei, who played a father in the film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021), described the role as "one that allowed me to transform my image." He said, "Even 10 years ago, I never thought about taking on father roles. If I divide my celebrity life into two halves, the first 20 years were a learning phase, and the latter 20 years are about managing what I’ve learned. Now, I think I can enjoy acting without much stress as I pass that stage. I want to try various roles that I can handle as I get older."

He named Song Kang-ho and Jeon Do-yeon as actors he would like to collaborate with. Yang Zaowei said, "I really like those two actors, so if there’s a chance, I want to work on a film with them. There are many actors I like in Korea, but the biggest issue is the language barrier. If that problem is solved, I would like to take on the challenge anytime. For example, if it’s a role like in the movie 'CODA' where no dialogue is needed, I might be able to try it."

Busan=Reporter Lee Iseul