September 12, 2009 - Ekin's debut in Japanese Movie - Kamui Gaiden
In this exclusive interview with Ekin Cheng he not only talked about his feelings acting in 《卡姆依外传》but also his plans for a concert and other topics unfolded during the conversation. When the interview began Ekin had already seen the movie and so the conversation began there.
Q: After seeing the completed movie. What were your feelings?
Ekin: This is the first time I acted in a Japanese Movie. I accomplished being a Japanese Ninja. The director in the movie used two types of standard drama one is the popular CG and the other is the standard powerful moves..
During my childhood I watched Japanese frequently and saw many Samurai duels and Ninja battles. Really both these techniques can stand together very well.
Q: You have been in many Hong Kong action movies. How are the words in Japanese movies different?
Ekin: Roughly the same, but when I looked at the completed movie I discovered there are subtle differences. The method of holding a knife, the method of using a bow and archery. A double edged sword like a Ninja throwing star method of throwing, etc. etc. Fighting in Hong Kong movies is not so rigid and meticulous. Briefly as long as it gives the impression of a heroic and handsome air it is fine. Really this is my own style, but the Japanese style is very characteristic and distinct. it must be executed according to teaching that type of skill. In this Japanese fights are different.
Q: Mr. Yu Yuan was the martial art teacher how did he guide you?
Ekin: Although Mr. Yu was in charge and had the responsibility, in fact I had three teachers, one for the Ninja throwing stars, one taught me sword techniques, and another taught me how to fling a whip.
Q: Did you do considerable training?
Ekin ( laughing): Actually I returned home to try, but the directions were fairly specific.
Q: The whole start is filmed last August?
Ekin: It should have been then, approximately two weeks duration. Originally we were to film in Kyoto, but because the itinerary changed, I had no choice but to go and film Storm warriors, the result is that it was filmed in Okinawa.
Q: Isn't Okinawa incredibly hot in August?
Ekin Yes...そうですね (sou desu ne - Yeah! Uh-huh! It's like that, isn't it!)
Q: The cliff scene, did you really fall down?
Ekin (laughing): Yes ( Ekin's face had a completely calm expression as though nothing happened causing reporters to be quite astonished)
Q: They use a cable to suspend over the cliff?
Ekin: yes..drop down to the cable limit then stop, but preparation was useless, if see the movie then can understand, finally repeatedly appear and see my face, so I have to do this personally. The director requested to go down the entire slide process, everyone can see.
Q: And the fight scene?
Ekin: Difficult, the director requested many rehearsals, and the rehearsal must be the same as the final performance. The scene has me kick 小雪's leg, the rehearsal time every time I do it, it was too merciless, the result was that I suggest to the director can we not kick during the rehearsals, just do the movements and only kick when the official filming is done. The director considered a while and then agreed, so we did it this way, otherwise she would die of being kicked too many times.
Q: You can really be called gentle?
Ekin: it's really not good to be wounded. In Hong Kong when doing a fight scene the actors rehearse together, but really here there was not enough time. In Hong Kong the rehearsal time is not so serious. Prepare the style and then it is fine. In Japan the rehearsal is precisely the way it will be filmed, this is not the same as Hong Kong.
Q: Your facial expression is very like a Japanese Warrior, did you watch Japanese movies to research?
Ekin: Thank You. I think there are several factors. First is the character. You put on these kind of clothes and you will have this kind of style. Then the director to this kind of character has requests about how the actor is to perform this character, it is difficult and a headache, the script is completely in Japanese, sure enough this is not as spontaneous as when speaking Chinese.
Q: The movie unfortunately is dubbed, but the Japanese script is identical. Do you speak Japanese?
Ekin: Yes. The director's requests are extremely high, my complete script is the director's speech. Have to follow this prompt to interpret it. But the dubbed voice is a little old.
Q: However really good performance
Ekin: Thank You.
Q: You like Japanese manga, seen very many, what are your impressions?
Ekin: This time the director didn't simply picturize the manga. he wanted to portray the human side of things. A movie is only a permutation of the true thing.The director's style is different. After I read it, I think maybe he is going to portray the fisherman's life.
Q: Because he has filmed many true scenes so that the feeling is very wonderful.
Ekin: Extremely gratified, Kamui comes from the sea, he wanders on a destitute island to help. he uses his body temperature to warm the children. This is extremely original and very interesting.
Q; Originally what is the opportunity turning point to perform in this movie?
Ekin: Actually I also have a manager in Japan and when talk with the movie staff, by chance heard of the movie and chose the role. Are looking for this character's performer. My manager at once went to the director with a 
recommendation.When he saw my picture he said," I know this person and I've seen his movies." result is he decided, and offered the part.
Q: Do you agree with the director's world view?
Ekin: I also have seen this director's movies before, they are brilliant works, Consequently I very much want to perform in this movie.
Q: What is your impression Yochi Sai?
Ekin: There is an adult side, and a childlike side, but always full of vitality, very active from the war period turns into the leader and leads everyone.
Q: Is he like Tsui Hark?
Ekin: he isn't, although he uses a similar structure, however he is a different type, doesn't resemble any type.
Q: The origin in Hong Kong is also very popular
Ekin:Publicity technique
Q: Storm Warriors will open in the Fall
Ekin: Yes the movie is already 90% complete and is in late stage editing Filming is complete.So I can finish Kamui Gaiden. They only do the CGI... it is very great movie.
Q: The Peng Brothers do they work together much?
Ekin: Forest of Death was the younger brother. This is the first time I worked with the older brother.
Q: Are they very distinctive as directors?
Ekin: Are genius. Consider things and then do differently from an ordinary person.
Q: In the past have done hero and righteous roles, recently you have begun to challenge with more villainous roles?
Ekin: Generally speaking actors go through various kinds of stages of growth, present stage I think to develop some different roles.
Q: Claustrophobia was also very fresh?
Ekin: Of course, this was the first time I acted in an art and literature movie.
Q: What;s next?
Ekin: There are many roles I want to try
Q; You are already beginning to prepare for your concert?
Ekin: Yes December 17 at the Hong Kong Coliseum
Q: Do you think you will sing in Japan?
Ekin: First at the Hong Kong Coliseum, after, will reconsider other places.
Q: You are also preparing to release an album ?
Ekin: As a matter of fact publicity events are just finishing return to Hong Kong quickly will start meetings, also have demo, however still can't say.
Q: In that case will the concert be recorded?
Ekin: Likelihood will release an album in Hong Kong, then to have DVD, I think the next time it will be a concert DVD environment.
Ekin was so earnest in his responses, able to ask comparatively more topics. Hope can watch Ekin in the future become more active and grow more mature.