October 17, 2009 - Nancheng - Storm Warriors Publicity Press Conference
Storm Warriors is still in the late stages of post production as it has a large number of computerized special effects. It is set to be the most scrutinized movie of 2009 when it is released at the end of the year. It is scheduled for release across Asia on 12/17/2009. Ekin and Aaron have reprised their roles as Whispering Wind and Striding Cloud respectively. The Pang Brothers who directed the movie, have indicated that the filming techniques are unique.
Ekin's character, Whispering Wind in the course of the movie becomes evil. Ekin said that each time he needed to start at 4 or 5 am to get the makeup on, and it took 3 makeup artists and 4 or 5 hours to complete the transformation.. " It was very exhausting to become this evil character. I was to go into battle naked from the waist up. I believed as long as I was fit it would be OK, I didn't expect that it would require my body to have a completely white special effect. While filming the scene it was very hot, many of the film crews were envious that I didn't need to wear clothes. Actually they don't know I am suffering, once the makeup is on I am unable to be comfortable, really it was completely laborious.
At the press conference Aaron spoke with reporters first. When Ekin came to sit in the same chair right afterward he seemed a little resentful.
Reporters: Compared with 10 years ago what is different about this movie?
Ekin: Ten years before when finished shooting the first episode, I assumed the second part would be filmed fairly quickly afterwards, but it has been ten years. I believe I can't do it again. That the film can only do well once. As far as I am concerned I think I haven't ever left this character.
Reporters: How is this Whispering Wind different from the last time?
Ekin: I hope there is a different feel. In fact the current Whispering Wind 's practice is comparatively not good. Because he is asked to enter the evil side. once he enters that side he doesn't speak, so I must perform from beginning to end a completely different Whispering Wind. Completely have to use a fantasy strength, this needs acting skill. Aaron, however, more or less follows the character from the first movie in that he is comparatively ruthless, but also is good and honest. My character is more variable.
Reporters: We just finished watching the latest trailer. Your evil nature is comparatively frightening.
Ekin: Frightening? I thing still very stylish. Filming this part was very hard. The filming after entering evil was even more difficult. It was very exhausting to become this evil character. I was to go into battle naked from the waist up. I didn't expect that it would require my body to have a completely white special effect. While filming the scene it was very hot, many of the film crews were envious that I didn't need to wear clothes. Actually, they don't know I am suffering, once the makeup is on I am unable to be comfortable, really it was completely laborious.
Reporters: Last time Aaron was still mainly a singer. Now he is also already a popular movie star. In these last ten years, what has been your greatest benefit? and your biggest regret?
Ekin: I have no regrets. In fact I have also taken awards before in South Korea. It's just that I prefer to be low-key. I don't go around telling other people. In these years I have also tried different kinds of movies. Adapting a heroic cartoon character became unfashionable. Hong Kong audiences wanted funny movies. These I also try before, but they are not my favorite type of movies.
Reporters: You say you have tried different types of movies, which sort suits you best?
Ekin: I most like fantasy movies for example Storm Riders. I think the movie world likes manga characters. They are completely different from real life. Previously I filmed comedy. I filmed many comedy movies. perhaps you haven't seen them. I filmed TV dramas, sang, so many things, Now I already understand that I suit these fantasy type of movies compared with cartoon types of roles. I recently prepared to find myself, Now I can say that I have moved around the circle and now have returned to the start.
Reporters: Do you think your performance has a baseline?
Ekin: No I've tried many different types, I have tried being bald headed, I have performed the villain before, but some people don't accept it. There is nothing I can do about that. Singing challenging songs, not everyone understands, that still is useless, what the audience likes is most important.
Reporters: Will you film Young and Dangerous again with Andy Lau?
Ekin: This is unlikely, Andy Lau is very busy. Young and Dangerous is also a cartoon character. This topic is also not currently popular
Reporters: Will you return to TVB?
Ekin: If TVB call on me to film a drama, I will consider it. However must be a different type of drama, perhaps a love story.
Reporters: This christmas you will spend with who?
Ekin: This one! ha ha! Before Christmas I will hold a concert. I has been a very long time since I held a concert. I'm pretty excited. Christmas time I may go to Beijing to film a movie, but right now nothing is decided.
Reporters: Will you change your personal life status, for example get married?
Ekin: My girlfriend and I are dating, things are good. Currently work is first. Actually we really aren't different from ordinary people so long as our needs are satisfied. I am very satisfied with my current life status. Work makes me very satisfied . Other than work and filming there is a little time I can set aside for family and my girlfriend. Regarding my feelings for things I care about it is the processing of my memories.
As Ekin left his long hair floated behind him. He has the kind of face that is similar to the manga characters. He still is extremely handsome and reporters can't help but admire him. He laughs and jokes, in a nutshell he is always totally himself. Reporters are convinced that in the last 10 years Ekin's favorite things have been romantic love, and also he remained in love with the wind character. Even though Ekin started slower than Aaron, he is a celebrity of the same era. He is still trying to find the persona the audience likes most. The Young and Dangerous days are called to mind and people hope he will return to the heroic manga characters. Ekin believes that cutting his hair and even shaving his head for Huo Yuan Jia was a transformation. Reporters believe this injected life into his career and returned him to idol status. This can explain his replies, he will discuss love but never marriage. he has developed all kinds of characters, but the return to manga is most desired by audiences. Ekin now works hard on plans to recover lost territory. To sing, to produce an album, to hold a concert . Ekin " jia you" We reporters from Nanchang wish you all the best.
Later that afternoon after using the washroom, Ekin found himself trapped at the bathroom door by fans who had seen him enter and then refused to give way. They were finally moved on by police. The whole debacle took 10 minutes. Ekin's staff said it was quite a frightening situation. Ekin said later that it was of no consequence.
