Key Facts
Tony Leung Chiu-wai, jury president of the Golden Goblet Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival, held a masterclass on June 20, 2026, following a screening of his film 'Silent Friend.' The actor discussed his career, collaboration with director Ildikó Enyedi, and why his subtle acting style demands the cinematic experience.
Masterclass Highlights
On 'Silent Friend' and Director Ildikó Enyedi
Leung admitted he was initially uninterested in the script for 'Silent Friend,' a three-chapter story spanning generations and a 200-year-old ginkgo tree. However, after a video call with Enyedi and watching her previous films, he trusted his gut. 'I always feel the person whom I meet rather than use my brain to analyze them,' he said. Enyedi wrote the role of Professor Tony Wong specifically for Leung and changed the tree species to ginkgo to suit his character's Eastern origins. Leung explained, 'The film is about loneliness. Trees only share information with their own kind but not the outsider. My character is from the east, so is the ginkgo tree.'
Preparation and Acting Philosophy
To portray a neuroscientist, Leung spent six months studying plants and neurobiology, visiting laboratories. He described thorough preparation as essential for freedom on set: 'Otherwise [the shooting] would become a stressful burden, no fun at all.' He praised Enyedi's collaborative approach, noting she gave the crew space to work freely and never dictated his movements.
Career Reflections
Leung divided his career into three stages: television, collaborations with Wong Kar-wai, and his current phase. He humorously noted that if he acts until 90, he is in his final 30-year stage. Reflecting on working with Ang Lee on 'Lust, Caution,' he said the costume and hairstyle initially reminded him of 'In the Mood for Love,' requiring Lee's guidance to reposition himself.
On Talent and Growth
Addressing an audience member's comment about his ability to excel even in weak films, Leung emphasized effort: 'One must put effort because, even with your talent [in acting], it needs to be developed.' He advised against excessive hope, saying, 'Too many hopes usually lead to disappointment. Better to let yourself be surprised.'
Why Cinema Matters
Leung stressed that his restrained performance style—conveying emotion through minimal physical detail—only registers fully on the big screen. 'Sometimes it might just be something on my fingers, you must watch very carefully, and it must be in cinema,' he said.
Conclusion
Tony Leung's masterclass offered deep insights into his craft, from preparation to collaboration, and underscored his belief in the irreplaceable power of cinema. His reflections on aging and risk-taking revealed a mature artist embracing new challenges.
FAQ
Why does Tony Leung insist his films be seen in cinemas?
Leung believes his restrained, subtle performances—like a slight finger movement—are only fully appreciated on the big screen, where audiences can watch carefully.
What is 'Silent Friend' about?
The film, directed by Ildikó Enyedi, traces a relationship across three generations of scholars and a 200-year-old ginkgo tree, exploring themes of loneliness and connection.
How did Tony Leung prepare for his role in 'Silent Friend'?
He spent six months reading books on plants and neurobiology, visiting labs to observe experiments, and immersing himself in the mindset of a neuroscientist.
What did Leung say about working with Wong Kar-wai?
He noted that Wong's experimental style—shooting scenes many times—shaped his career, but also caused him to initially feel like he was on the set of 'In the Mood for Love' while filming 'Lust, Caution.'
Source: variety.com