February 1 , 2008

If you mention Huo Yuan Jia, there are people who will immediately think of Jet Li's movie Fearless. But if you think of the television drama of Huo Yuan Jia then then the public right away thinks of the name Ekin Cheng. Well known in the past for his Chan Huo Nam role, now his role as Huo Yuan Jia has raised a number of questions, but the return of Ekin Cheng to television seems to have raised a lot of discussion. As Huo Yuan Jia this style of Kung Fu we realize seems strange for Ekin Cheng. Yesterday he agreeed to an interview.

Reporter: Very many people feel your image is not very suitable for Huo Yuan Jia, too scholarly, how do you see it?

Ekin: This version is not the same as the former one. The director hoped to film a Confucian Huo Yuan Jia, he is Confucian and heroic. so this aspect they felt with me that I comparatively resembled this.

Reporter: The last version of Huo Yuan Jia the actors all had short hair style, why did you choose to wear a long braid?

Ekin: This was the drama group's decision. They investigated Huo Yuan Jia's life in the final years of the Qing Dynasty. At that time most wore a long braid. In addition Jet Li also wore a braid in Fearless.

Reporter: What about the pressure of filming such a classic role?

Ekin: Didn't consider pressure before. Before I joined this drama I certainly hesitated a lomg time, but all because of more immediate questions, for example I needed to shave my head, spend a long time in many locations etc. etc. I therefore will likely have some hesitations, but once I decide to do it then there is little else, I only think how to perform the role well.

Reporter: Before filming did you understand Huo Yuan Jia?

Ekin: Before the start of filming the director and the drama group organized very many specialists to accompany me to Huo Yuan Jia's home town. His decendants spoke with me about a lot of things. Also during the filming gradually approach this character. I very much admire him.

Reporter: What was the most difficult unforgettable scene?

Ekin: Filming was comparatively difficult. In many places it was very cold. The image of the Yellow River, The Great Wall etc. etc. These places the wind seemed like a knife on the face. When you opened your mouth it quickly is freezing. Talked very quickly. Filming the desert scenes, even walking was impossible the wind was blowing so hard. Every time you opened your mouth the sand got inside.at that time Jordan jokingly said to me, "so hard to bear then cry" Ha Ha! Actually to be honest i had a keen desire to cry.

Reporter: In the event you can choose, Qing Nan or Yun Jie, which would you select for a wife?

Ekin: These two roles are very good, one is known from very young, one is looked after like ones own sister. It perhaps is possible to feel more or duty more. Selecting a wife, both aspects required only then feelings or duty from both can't start.

Reporter: When career and romance hit a low ebb, how do you adjust yourself?

Ekin: Highs and lows in a career it is hard to say. I never think about it this way. To me for example work is work. Work is separate from my personal life. The two are unlikely to come together. When work is tiring I rest. When the filming of Huo Yuan Jia finished, because I have to grow back my hair I rested a long time.

Reporter: It has been many years since you have collaborated with Jordan Chan, this time how was it different?

Ekin: We haven't filmed together for many years, however, we still are very familiar with each other, and have a silent understanding. This time he plays Chen Zhen, this is a very nationalistic role. Competes with me much more. He plays the role very well.

Reporter: To welcome the Beijing Olympic Games, it is said that this drama embodies an Olympic temperament, how is this expressed? What impression do you have regarding the Beijing Olympic Games?

Ekin: Our drama has some techniques produced, but these seem the basis really. Huo Yuan Jia originally had these ideas, but he probably didn't clearly say, Olympic Games, those three words. His thought on this is quite open, he strove to make his body strong and healthy, he established the Jing Wu Association to further those goals. The Beijing Olympics, of course, is the pride of our country. I hope when the time comes I will be able to come to Beijing to watch the Olympic Games. Actually Huo Yuan Jia is a gift for the Olympic Games.

February 19 , 2008

Singapore director Kelvin Tong's new movie Rule Number 1 is scheduled for release in March. Kelvin describes the movie as a Horror-Thriller, he said that he wrote it several years ago, but only began to film it last year. The movie is reported to have a budget in excess of $20,000,000 US. Ekin together with Shawn Yue Fiona Xue, and Stephanie Che star in the movie. Ekin plays the role of Inspector Wong. a jaded and alcoholic veteran of the Miscellaneous Affairs Department or MAD. Shawn Yue plays a rookie cop, Sergeant Lee, who has just been assigned to this unit. He is teamed up with Inspector Wong. MAD's role is to answer supernatural calls, however, Wong is adamant that there are no such things as ghosts, and everything has a logical explanation. When a string of teenage suicides begin, it becomes clear that they are impossible unless the victims were possessed by something. Following the clues, both Wong and Lee realize that something supernatural is indeed going on.