Shaolin Singapore Star Tour with Andy Lau & Benny Chan

Andy Lau, recognized as one of the Heavenly Kings in our heart, stops by Singapore on 20 January to promote his latest movie, Shaolin. Appearing in the press conference with the movie director, Benny Chan, in the afternoon at Fullerton Hotel, Andy Lau shares with us his experience in the movie.

You can learn that Andy is truly a professional actor, who insists to do what he can by himself. However, Andy notes, "Even if an actor wishes to do the scene by himself, it is important that a director knows whether an actor is capable of his means, and also to highlight the danger level. Likewise, if a director is unsure of the capabilities of an actor, he or she may want to hear out other opinions in certain scenes."

In this case, Benny is an experience director who has worked with Andy Lau before, as such, there is already a certain level of understanding. The similarity about Benny and Andy is that both of them were very serious during the filming process and they appeared very fierce-looking that the working crew will give them a berth when they were together. On the other hand, Benny shares with us that Big Brother, Jackie Chan's special presence can ease the tension in the atmosphere. Benny adds, "When Big Brother's around, the crew becomes more lively and cheerful!"

One of the highlights is Andy shaving his own hair in the film. When suggest that Andy can actually use a wig, than to really shave his hair in the film, Andy jokes, "It doesn't really matter. I look good even when bald." He adds that nowadays the standards of the film requires a level of realism. It is important for some scenes to be realistic so as to bring out the feel of the movie. He smiled and says "Or some 'bad' media will criticize here and there."

Dressed in sleek black blazer paired with black ankle cut pants, Andy Lau reveals that he was once a Singaporean PR but forgotten to extend it due to busy work schedules. When asked how come he never consider entering the hollywood industry, Andy replies that there's no need for him to go there or just to show off that he has gone to Hollywood. What he needs is a film with good script and not just people adding him into the film for the sake of another market. Andy feels that the character Sand man is a tremendous role, portraying the emotional struggle and care for the daughter, and he likes it very much. "If approached to do this character, I'll still take it even though it's not the main lead," Andy explains. "Ultimately, they [Hollywood] must feel that we chinese are not just good in fighting but also in acting." He jokes and continues, "Why can't I star along with Angelina Jolie and have a romantic relationship with her? Why? The Blacks has waited so many years for their chance which is why we [Chinese] must also wait for ours."  

Speaking about martial arts, both Andy and Benny agree that Nicholas Tse is the best fighter among them all. Not just good at it, Benny describes Nicholas as a martial fanatic who is constantly discussing about martial arts. Benny shares with us the strange thing about Nicholas working ethics, for example, a slap scene where Nicholas is to get hit, he will always demand the other party to make it real and not to hold back. However if Nicholas were to hit others, he wouldn't dare to give his all. 

Initially, Nicholas is to be cast as a monk, but when Benny decides to cast him the role of Cao Man, the evil traitor. Benny shares, "He is so happy as he is no longer required to shave his hair and do many preparation for a monk's role." Filming as Cao Man, Nicholas gave many suggestions to make his role more evil, however, Benny feels that a limit is required as he worries that fans of Nicholas Tse may not like it.

There was a scene in Shaolin where Fan Bing Bing, starring as Hou Jie's wife, has to enter a big jar of water. When asked if Bing Bing has any objections to the water scene, Benny replies, "No, [she's] very good." It was a cold winter night during the shoot and initially, they prepared warm water for Bing Bing. However, due to the difference in temperature, water evaporates all over her body when she gets up and they have to reshoot the scene. Hence, there was no choice but to prepare cold water instead. Benny adds, "I told Bing Bing to hang on and we did a one time shot. She was shivering after the scene and we hurried to bring her towels." Awww...

Benny understands that people will compare his movie with the 1982 Classic Shaolin Temple, but he hopes that the audience will appreciate this movie, that has portrayed Shaolin Martial Arts from another different angle. From a three and a half hour film, edited into a two hours film, there's actually quite a number of scenes Benny has to sacrifice. Andy Lau shares one of them with us, where it depicts how hatred can cause an innocent child to seek vengeance, eventually turning into a monster. "It's really a pity." Andy concludes but notes that the director has still got to pick the best within the time limit. Usually around the corner of Chinese New Year, the movies releasing are usually light and easy. As for Shaolin being a more serious action film, Benny feels that it may be to its advantage as Shaolin appear more unique and stand out among the other movies. Lastly Andy took a pose with the movie poster and says, "This movie's good."

Check out more photos of Andy Lau in our Gallery, including the Red Carpet Appearance at GV Vivocity where the horde of fans cheered for the arrival of Heavenly King Andy Lau and Director Benny Chan!

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