| Subject: From Princess To Assassin -- (The Sun 4/9/02) |
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小影 （大马赵薇后援会）
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Date Posted: 23:04:56 09/11/02 Wed
Chiense actress Zhao Wei tackles the bad guys in the power-packed action movie, [So Close], writes Peter Yap
Mainland China actress Zhao Wei is one of the fastest rising stars in the industry following the success of Stephen Chow's smash hit comedy [Shaolin Soccer], last year. Her wide-eyed look of mischievous innocence has also made her a much sought-after star these days.
She first shot to fame in the 1998 Chinese TV series [Princess Pearl]. The sequel proved equally popular and firmly established Zhao Wei as one of the top actresses in China. For her role as Little Swallow, she won China's top TV award, the Golden Eagle, for best actress.
Beijing-based Zhao was born on March 12, 1976 in Wuhu, Anhui province, China. She attended the Beijing Film Academy, where she studied acting. She has also appeared in other TV series such as [The Challenge of the Female Knights], [Deep Feelings, Gentle Rain] and [Adventures in Beijing]. In China, she has appeared in films [Valley of Girls] and [A Fate Too Beautiful for Words].
Zhao can currently be seen in her first action movie, [So Close] directed by Cory Yuen. The movie boasts a star-studded cast, which includes Shu Qi, Karen Mok and Song Seung Hun. Zhao was recently in Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands to promote the movie.
In [So Close], Zhao and Shu Qi plays two formidable sisters who are assassins locked in battle with a powerful computer mogul, and have the police breathing down their necks.
"This is my first action movie and Cory (the director) is the best at making women look good at fighting," Zhao says.
On the most important piece of advice she picked up from Cory and his team of stuntmen, she says: "He told me that I must take a hot bath after each night's shooting, so that we'd be able to move the next day."
"One of the scenes I like," says Zhao, "is the one where I kiss Karen. It wasn't in the original script. Karen and I came up with it and asked Cory about it. He was cool with the idea. Isn't that nice?"
Zhao is no stranger to controversy. Last December, she was attacked by an unidentified man during a 'live' television broadcast in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The man grabbed Zhao by her neck and punched her.
The attack was apparently triggered by a photograph of the actress modelling a mini-dress printed with the old Japanese naval flag. The picture resulted in a backlash among patriots in China still rife with resentment over Tokyo's past aggression.
Below are excerpts from a recent interview.
You always get to play innocent roles in movies.
Actually, I was offered to play the policewoman's role in [So Close]. But I chose to play an assassin. It's more challenging. (The role went to Karen Mok instead)
Was it tough acting in this action movie?
It requires me to have good stamina. Shooting for three hours means we are exercising for three hours almost daily.
Did you take any supplements to recover faster?
Prior to shooting the movie, we learnt martial arts for one month. I didn't take any ginseng or bird's nest as I'm from Beijing. My mother was in China so she wasn't around to boil me the nutritious soups.
Did you lose weight?
No, because I eat a lot.
Is director Cory Yuen a strict person?
He's even more mischievous than me!
In [So Close], your character said: "I don't need men."
It's just a role I'm acting out. Personally, I find men very adorable.
What do you think of your co-star, the Korean hunk Song Seung Hun?
I don't really understand him. We have a language barrier. Moreover, he doesn't talk much.
What's your expectation for this movie?
After I complete a movie, I never think about it.
Are you satisfied with your performance in [So Close]?
It's okay. In addition to the fight scenes, I had several emotional scenes as well.
On Hollywood
Do you plan to venture into Hollywood?
I don't think much about it because if a movie shot well, it can be shown internationally. Next year, three of my movies will be screened in the US. I don't have to go Hollywood to show that I am successful.
Can you name the movies?
[Shaolin Soccer] first, followed by [So Close] and [The Warriors of Heaven and Earth].
More about Zhao Wei
Describe yourself.
Honestly, I love eating. I like peace and quiet. But what I love most is acting in movies.
What about drama series?
I'll consider them if the script is good.
What do you like to eat?
I enjoy hot and spicy stuff like those served in Malaysia.
Are you IT-literate?
I check my e-mail to read scripts that I have been sent. I also chat online and play computer games.
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