AT 52, Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok still looks dapper. This festive season you’ll see him in The Monkey King 3 as the charismatic titular character.
The film is the third instalment of the series adapted from a classic Chinese novel (by novelist and poet Wu Cheng’en) which was published in the 16th century.
While this is Kwok’s third appearance in the series, directed by Cheang Pou Soi, it is his second reprisal of the character.
In the first instalment, Sun Wukong was played by martial arts exponent Donnie Yen. Kwok played antagonist Bull Demon King then.
Cheang says his biggest challenge in directing this movie was the script. It’s also his first movie in the romance genre. “It’s a very unique romance story as it involves a monk. There are many things that he can’t do. If he could, then it’d be a different story altogether.
“What is special about this film is that it is actually a romantic movie. The story is complicated because in the all-women kingdom, there is no concept of love between man and woman. And then, there’s this monk, who also believes that he should not be involved in any such relationship with members of the opposite sex,” he adds.
Groove brings you a special interview in which Kwok speaks about his filming experience in The Monkey King 3.
WAS IT VERY TOUGH TO PLAY THE MONKEY KING THIS TIME?
Yes, in fact it was one of the hardest roles I have ever played. It took a lot of energy, from the moment we started shooting right up until the end.
Each day would start with make-up, which can take up to four hours.
The make-up artists would stick fur on my face and my entire body. It was painful as this time the fur is shorter and is pokey, as the director wanted to create a friendlier looking monkey.
WILL YOU CONTINUE TO PLAY THE ROLE IN FUTURE?
I will need more audience support on this to encourage me to keep playing this role. But I will not think about it now as it has been tough for me.
I remember the first day of shooting, from the moment I was first made up and put in costume, I immediately called my manager to tell her that I didn’t want to play the role. The first day of shooting took place in Taiwan and the make-up was not suitable for the hot weather there. We were shooting in the southern part of Taiwan and it was very hot and unbearable.
My mood was not stable and there were times when I became depressed. However, I managed to keep going, thanks to the encouraging messages from fans who’d been following the previous two movies. The director’s understanding and patience also helped.
DID THIS FILM MAKE YOU BECOME A BETTER PERSON?
Well, we had to adapt to the situation. It was something that not many people can comprehend. Imagine having to wear a helmet and not being able to take it off for more than 12 hours! You can’t take it off even if you’re sweating profusely or if you just wanted to take a break.
You wouldn’t be able to eat as you would spoil the make-up. I could barely open my mouth. I could only drink some water or eat groundnuts; ice-cream was my favourite.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH ZHAO LI YING, GIGI LEUNG AND LIN CHI YING?
It’s not my first collaboration with Zhao Li Ying. I think she is the most suitable actress to play the ruler as the director wanted someone young, and an audience favourite. She is also very smart and had her own challenges in portraying her character.
For Gigi, it was a different role compared with the ones she had played previously. This time, she had to play a powerful advisor. To carry it out effectively, she had to put on the persona of someone with authority.
Meanwhile, Lin Chi Ling had to play a man. As the river god who had no dialogue, she had to completely rely on facial expressions, which was a challenge in itself.
HOW DO YOU RATE YOUR ACTING SKILLS IN THIS FILM?
I think my acting was not bad! In fact, I found the entire experience quite fun and I think my portrayal of the Monkey King was rather hilarious.
Come to think of it, not many people have asked me to act in comedies. Hopefully, there will be such offers in future.
DO YOU PLAN TO DIRECT A FILM IN THE FUTURE?
Definitely, but not now as I still want to play many other characters. It’s simpler being an actor. It takes a lot of time and effort to be a film director. During filming of this instalment, whenever I was with the director I observed how he carried out his work, and it was not easy. He definitely had a lot to handle.
I find acting to be more fun. But who knows, I might think differently in the future.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR SINGING CAREER? WOULD YOU QUIT ACTING TO PURSUE SINGING NOW THAT YOU HAVE A FAMILY?
I won’t give up singing. I had always wanted to have children and raise a family. I got married at 50 and my child was born two years later.
It’s a blessing to be a father. Having a family definitely changes you, and your priorities in life. It’s my responsibility now to be a role model for my child.
I also feel my responsibility to my work is bigger because I have to take care of my family now. They are the motivation for me to work harder and become a better role model.
When my daughter grows up, I want to show her how serious I am about my work and set a good example for her to become passionate about whatever she may want to do with her life.
The Monkey King 3 opened in cinemas nationwide yesterday.