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News Article
Zhao Wen Zhuo (Chiu Mun Chiok) - Spokesperson for Hero
U-Weekly, Week 1of Nov 2002, Issue 78 Hong Qiu Yan
On a warm invitation from Mediaworks' Channel U, this reporter went to China's Hangzhou in April to attend a press conference of major period production Romance of the Book and Sword, and interviewed some of the main stars of the series. One of them was Zhao Wen Zhuo, who acted as Chen Jia Luo, the chief of rebel group Red Flower Society. . Prefers Decisive People
Could you talk about Chen Jia Luo's personalities? He may appear to be bookish and polite but deep inside his heart, he always long for desert dwellers' carefree life. It's never his intention to be the head chief of Red Flower Society. He always wants to evade this problem. However, after witnessing various incidents, he eventually agrees to shoulder this responsibility, and do his utmost as the head chief. He is such a type of person - either he doesn't make any promise, or once he has given his promise, he would put his best foot forward, without any reservations. He's rather decisive, unlike the Chen Jia Luo of original novel by Jin Yong, who is somewhat wishy-washy.
There is a saying that it's quite impossible to fulfill duties both to the country and the family at the same time. How does Chen Jia Luo deal with such difficulties? Actually, he always hopes to fulfill both duties without any compromises. But reality is harsh. Chen Jia Luo is someone who values kinship, he couldn't bear to fight against his own brother Emperor Qianlong, for their parents would not be able to rest in peace, so he has always been very accommodating and forgiving towards Emperor Qianlong. But when Qianlong keeps rejecting to overthrow the Manchu government and restore the Han rule, Chen Jia Luo has no choice but to go against Qianlong. Even when his beloved girl Princess Fragrance is captured, when Qianlong threatens that he would only help overthrow the Manchurians on the condition that Princess Fragrance stays with him, Chen Jia Luo still sticks to his principles and replies that the two are separate issues that cannot be mixed together. He reiterates that Princess Fragrance won't be happy with Qianlong and this is a personal matter; the affair of the country is another matter altogether. He's rather to the point - I like that.
Faced with such a situation when you have to choose between patriotism and kinship, what would you do? Would you be like Chen Jia Luo? Chen Jia Luo is a Hero in the people's hearts, I dare not compare myself with him. In daily life, we may encounter some minor incidents, but won't face such a major, heart-breaking decision. Should I be landed in such a situation, I shall approach it based on reasons.
Which scenes do you like best? The various confrontations with Qianlong. The kind of conflicts between the welfare of the people and sibling ties is rather hard to deal with. It was great acting in such type of scenes.
Hero is the Result of Tragedy
The characters you have acted in the past are all highly skilled heroes, such as Wong Fei Hong, Huo Yuan Jia, Fong Sai Yuk, Zheng Cheng Gong and Chen Jia Luo, etc. How do you define the term "Hero"? Hero(ine) is a title bestowed by the people. This person must have strict discipline, they might not be conscious that what they were doing at that time was something very noble, but they would spare no effort in doing what they believed to be right. When successful, they would be hailed as a hero, but often posthumously - ha ha.
Do you think Hero still exists in today's world? It's very rare.
Is there any hero whom you respect very much?
Is is a necessity that Hero must to go through adverse conditions? Definitely. Without hardships, a person won't become a hero - especially in movies or TV series. The audience would be able to empathise with them and feel that they are indeed heroes when the former can compare between the hardships the latter suffered in the past and their exalted status and achievements in the present. It would be lack persuasiveness if the protagonist is a hero right from the outset. As such, the script must be written in a way that put the hero through the mill, riding the storm. Eventually, the protagonist achieves what ordinary people couldn't, endures what ordinary people couldn't. Thus, (s)he is a Hero(ine).
Do you think that Hero is created by changes in times, or Hero creates changes in times? Well, it's not easy to say. They are complementary. Without epoch-making, there won't be any heroes. Without heroes, times won't change. (Do you believe in fate?) Yes, but not to the extent of being superstitious.
Getting the Most Kicks
Having played some many heroes, which of them do you like most? Hmm... I like Li Liang in Hua Mulan most. The character in this drama serial was rather rounded, such as the pre- and post-marital blues, many of the parts were very close to daily life, I feel it was somewhat natural, down-to-earth. When he was fighting wars, he was very strict and authoritative. Yet, he was completely helpless on problems relating to his wife and in-laws. I believe that such a type of person goes well with the audience and is interesting. I am rather partial to him.
What other types of roles do you wish to act as apart from Hero? Teen idol dramas, contemporary dramas. Actually, having done so many period productions, I wish to have a change. Otherwise, it can get a little dreary. I hope to expand my horizon, not necessarily a teen idol drama. I hope to act in a show where the lead is rather unobtrusive, leads a plain, routine life - going to work and knocking off on time, but unbeknownst to everyone, he is actually a somebody - someone who comes out to mete out justice whenever something bad happens. (What about comedies?) Those shows that depend on facial expressions and looks don't suit me. The type with humorous content, a dark comedy might be fine.
Which of your works do you like best? In terms of movies, Tsui Hark's Blade. It's portrayal of events and themes is very unique. I love it. It was very arduous during the production, but the result was wonderful beyond expectations. As for drama serials, I like the wuxia flavour in Wong Fei Hong and Romance of the Book and Sword. They emphasised my strong points, stressing on real fights. For example, in Romance of the Book and Sword, the director would capture a continuous series of moves in one take, it's especially beneficial to someone such as myself who has foundation in martial arts. I got more kicks from the fights, the actions would be more beautiful and my expectations raised.
There are some criticisms from outside the circle that Tsui Hark has reached an irredeemable stage in the use of computer generated images in his movies. What are your views? Tsui Hark is a very talented director. He is able to produce a very aesthetic work just by the traditional shooting method, without computer enhancement effects. That he used lots of special effects in his recent works might be owing to the fact that he wished to reach another height in movie-making. The people might be casting aspersions on his recent works, but to Tsui Hark himself, they were but an experiment. He was constantly challenging himself relentlessly, to the extent of being mistaken for being hopelessly into CGIs.
Building up a Strong Foundation Before Venturing into the West
Do you have any difficulties acting with non-martial artists? Yes. Sometimes, the problems can be really big. When the other party couldn't fight, I have to compromise and slow down though I am able to move really fast. Moreover, I have to exercise extra caution, for they may forget their moves, since they are unfamiliar with handling unexpected moves. This is especially the case when fighting with weapons - it's fine for bare-handed fights, getting a few more punches at most, it's but a small matter (When he's hit, it's nothing. But when the other party gets hit by him...). When weapons are employed, it's more risky when the other party forgets the moves. For example, when they are supposed to swing from left with the sword but suddenly they thrust towards the right instead. If I were to move according to the script and dart to the right, I would have been hit. So, I have to be on guard at all times, observing them carefully. But, having reached such a level in martial arts practice, even if the other party forgets their moves, or when they show signs of uncertainties in their eyes, I would be able to sense that something is amiss and dodge immediately.
Your contemporaries Jet Li, Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan, all of whom have received formal martial arts training, have successfully established their footholds in the West owing to their excellent martial skills. Lee Ang kindled interests in wuxia in the West with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Have you ever considered striking the iron while it is hot and head to the West? Right now, I wish to strengthen my foundations first; I am doing fine in the Asian market. Actually, I have always been in talks with productions from the West. However, the scripts aren't in my favour. In the eyes of the Western people, Chinese roles aren't that glorious. I would accept a project only if the script and the production are good... perhaps in the later half of the year. That Lee Ang successfully introduced wuxia movie to the West is commendable. The West does not understand Eastern philosophies. I do not mean just the beauty of the actions but also the meaning and concept of wuxia, of robbing the rich to pay the poor, of the loyalty among the pugilistic fraternity, of the deep master-disciple relationships. It's great to see that they are starting to accept Easter philosophies, all on the account of Lee Ang's contributions. Actually, once their interests in this area grow, it would be easier. We would have more things to show them in the future.
Chinese Wushu is Not a Mere Fanciful Facade
Do you still practice martial arts daily? I train everyday, and as long as it doesn't rain, I would go jogging. However, I would not solely be doing boxing, for presently, my main aim is to maintain my physique. As for boxing, I can come up with one set of moves at any time. I could take apart numerous fist routines, extract the essence, and then meld them into a single set of boxing routine. I could also adapt fencing and weaponry techniques and execute them bare-hand, moving according to the way the weapons are employed. I am very familiar in this field and need not specifically practise any certain boxing style. It's enough to condition my fitness level. When I am in production of a project, I am not able to train regularly. But, I would still try my best to find time for practice.
Is there any boxing style that you prefer? I specialise in Tongbi Fist. It's very physically demanding, one has to move really fast and not any Tom, Dick or Harry could manage it.
Some says that Chinese wushu appears fantastic on the outside but is practically useless in applications. What are your views on this matter? There was a schism in Chinese wushu which started 20 years ago. Now, there are three main categories: One belongs to health maintenance, such as Taichi, Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing. All are internal styles of kungfu, and focus on manipulation of chi (incorporeal energy). Another is performing wushu, which is called fists of flower, kicks of embroidery by the outsiders. The boxing, weaponry techniques in this group appear not to be useful in self-defence. However, performing wushu serves as groundwork for pragmatic implementation of martial arts. While they may seem to be nothing more than appearances, once you have reached certain heights in your practice, it takes no more than one or two year to master practical combat. The third is practical combat San Da. It's rather extreme, is assembled from the more powerful, practical combat moves from various wushu styles. However, now, many problems have surfaced during competitions. Being required to put on boxing gloves, many techniques such as clawing, joint-locking, grabbing cannot be executed. However, it cannot be helped as many highly lethal moves are found in Chinese wushu. So, many restrictions are put on the competitors. As such, a Sanda athlete will be at a major handicap on meeting a foreign competitor, for the former cannot use their skills to the full potential.
Should you run into trouble, how many people do you think you can tackle?
I think that four, five people should not be a problem. (Wow!)
Not Bothered by External Pressure when In Love
The media said that you split up with Anita Mui for you couldn't withstand the stress? Stress? There wasn't any stress, I wasn't bothered by it. The relations between two people need not be explained, be talked about. People said that it was due to the pressure caused by the media. News of our relationship was already leaked, what pressure could there be?
Why did you split up with Anita Mui? We were truly in love, and it wasn't because of age gap, or social status. It was due to a major misunderstanding.
Your present girlfriend is overseas while you're in China. Would distance hinder your relationships? No, she loves me greatly.
Have the two of you decided on marriage? Marriage is not important to me, nor to her.
Order Romance of Book and Sword VCD Boxset at Sensasian. Book and Sword Novel (Pre-order) -
Romance of the Book and Sword is being shown on Channel U at 9 pm on the weekdays from 30 Oct 2002 onwards. |
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