September 25, 2009 - Shenzhen - Storm Warriors Publicity Press Conference
Today in Shenzhen Golden Harvest Compound the directors the Peng brothers began the publicity for their new movie Storm Warriors. Charlene Choi and Ekin were in attendance as were Aaron and Tang Yan. Tang Yan takes over the character of Muse played in the first movie by Shu Qi and is Aaron's love interest. This was the first major publicity event to start a countdown at 83 days before the December 17, 2009 release of the movie. Ekin and Aaron also showed the swords they use in the movie so that pictures could be taken. While they were posing for pictures a man rushed onto the stage to give Ekin fresh flowers. Ekin was taken aback and did not respond. In fact the flowers were from a mainland reporter who wanted to give them to Tang Yan. He asked a fan to take them to the stage, but the fan had his own ideas. The four major actors and the directors accepted interviews.
This is the sixth time Ekin and Charlene have collaborated. Charlene said that although it has been 10 years since the first movie and Ekin is still not old, she said, "For so many years he hasn't changed, seems like he eats some kind of preservative." Ekin thought this was hilarious. Laughing he said, "Aaron and I are from the same decade, probably we find everything problematic." Ekin once more plays the role of Whispering Wind. In order to defeat Lord Godless he doesn't hesitate to enter his dark side, becoming self-centered, in everyone's eyes is only a killer. Ekin said this was the first time he played an evil-doer and the challenge of the role was tremendous. " To play this role I needed many-sided skills, because only then can I show that the character has a three-dimensional feel." Collaborating with Charlene was a matter of polishing the spark between them, they have a mutual understanding of the layers of closeness.
Ekin spoke briefly about the rumors that his girlfriend was pressuring him to get married. Ekin clarified this, " Hong Kong magazines print irresponsible talk. She has never tried to force me to get married. Currently we both enjoy our lives." Then he was asked about his relationship with Charlene. He said over our collaborations she has acted as girlfriend, lover, wife, younger sister, many different roles. Charlene said she had liked playing his wife the best. Regarding his relationship with Aaron he said, " I don't think anything special has changed." He said that the character of Whispering Wind starts out much like the last movie, gradually he becomes darker, his nature then is completely different.
For Charlene this was the first time she had played a role in a period drama, she didn't expect to not only play such a role, but also one with such intense feelings. She said that she falls in love with Wind but at the same time is scared of him. The actual lines in the movie are very few. The emotion is completely given by acting skills. To do this she had to have a good rapport with Ekin. She said that she really wanted to play Ekin's lover. Aaron who was also in good form suggested that the next time she could play his mother. Charlene immediately retaliated suggesting that maybe she would play his grandmother. Ekin noted that Charlene was getting more and more mature. Charlene, for her part, continually complimented Ekin on his healthy lifestyle. Reporters also asked him his trade secrets.
The directors explained that they have used new techniques to make this movie. What is the new method? We won't get any horror shots in the movie, even though we are renown for this type of filming, but this time we wanted to authentically follow the story of the manga. They emphasized that this is not a remake, but an entirely new story.
Aaron said that he hadn't played such a melodramatic figure before. He said he had to lift weights to be obtain the muscles of Cloud. Tang Yan added that although she was taking over from Shu Qi she hadn't studied the way she was played in the previous movie, because the storyline is so different. "The directors and Aaron helped me very much." As usual in interviews, reporters asked about private lives, Asking Aaron why he was the only one of the heavenly kings not married. Aaron refused to talk about his private life saying he would only discuss work. He said he was very diligent putting 100% into his work." I will not stop working, I am a keep up with the times sort of person." Aaron hoped he could surpass his performance of 10 years ago and move the audience.
