If Tom Cruise Was at Cannes, Busan Has Tony Leung [2022 BIFF]

The 27th Busan International Film Festival On Site

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Busan=Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] If Tom Cruise was at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, then Tony Leung is at the Busan International Film Festival.

The ambitiously invited star Tony Leung (60, Liang Chaowei) is living up to his name during the festival. It closely resembles how the Cannes Film Festival in May cleverly drew attention by featuring Tom Cruise, reviving the excitement from before the pandemic.

On the 5th, the opening ceremony of the 27th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held at the outdoor theater of Busan Cinema Center was bustling with fans eager to see Tony Leung. When he stepped onto the red carpet, cheers erupted on site. It wasn’t just the general audience; actors dressed in tuxedos and gowns were busy capturing Tony Leung’s image on the big screen with their phone cameras. Even the stars couldn’t hide their fandom. Amid this attention, Tony Leung, who appeared somewhat nervous on the red carpet, soon regained his composure and showed a charming expression.

On the second day of the festival, Tony Leung was still Tony Leung. The press was equally fervent. Tony Leung attended the press conference for the 27th Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award held at the KNN Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, receiving unprecedented attention. Truly, Tony Leung is in a class of his own. Reporters’ hands were busy trying to capture him. The atmosphere was different from before. It was an interest never seen before. When the questions began, many reporters raised their hands at once. For 50 minutes, a heated barrage of questions continued, and Tony Leung even personally selected the last questioner.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Will we get to see Tony Leung acting alongside Song Kang-ho? Tony Leung cited the impressive Korean films Christmas in August (1998) and Oldboy (2003). Naming Song Kang-ho and Jeon Do-yeon as his favorite Korean actors, he said, “If given the chance, I definitely want to meet and work with them in a film.”

He said that his participation in the Hollywood film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was because he felt sincerity during a phone call with director Destin Daniel Cretton. He recalled, “I decided, ‘I can trust this person and take on the challenge.’” Expressing his desire to appear in Korean films, he pointed out language as a challenge and said, “If it’s a role like in CODA where speaking isn’t necessary, I could take on the challenge.” He firmly stated that he has no interest in directing or producing films. Tony Leung said, “I plan to continue acting. For now, I have no plans to direct or produce.”

The interest of Asian filmmakers toward Tony Leung in Busan was intense. It is also remarkable that his works are loved among young cinephiles. Will a Korean film emerge to embrace him? Will we witness scenes where Song Kang-ho and Tony Leung speak and move together in the same frame? The Busan International Film Festival is surprising and exciting in many ways.

Busan=Reporter Lee Iseul