Red Cliff Press Conference in Tokyo

[Eri]

On 6th Aug, I (with some of Tony's fans) sneaked into the venue of the Red Cliff Press Conference at Rits Carlton Hotel in Tokyo.

(Actually some people promoting Red Cliff on internet were invited to, so I write this to contribute for this purpose a little as a temporary reporter for www.tonyleung. )

We watched Red Cliff trailer (with English narration) first, then Mr. Woo, Tony, Takeshi, Chan Chen, Chi Lin and Shido appeared on the stage.

Starting with photo session. A lot of Photographers were continuously taking photos for some time.

Then the interview started. At first, usual questions about movie production which was already told in many other places before. (so I am not writing about these again.)

The thing I should mention specially is ; John Woo was very happy to see so many people attending this press conference. He thanked all of us and said, "Every time, when I encounter difficulties in making films, I will recall each of your faces and remember how enthusiastic you are and it is very encouraging for me".

Also it was his long term dream to make a film about Red Cliff so he didn't want to compromise any scene used in this film to reduce the cost because this means wasting everyone's effort to make a good film.
Money is not the main concern, so he invested his own money when the budget has to be increased.
(He said usually Hollywood films are made with strict budget control, so if one scene's cost is exceeding the limit, other scene has to be sacrificed, however he didn't want this for Red Cliff.)

One question was "I've heard Mr. Woo spent his own money, could you recover the money you invested already ?" to John Woo.

And "Also what others think about Mr. Woo spent his own money to make this film?" to the others.

John Woo answered jokingly " If this is going to be a big hit in Japan, I will be able to recover the money I invested".
"I've been working on Red Cliff for 3 years by now and all I get is 2 meals a day. But this film is more important than money."

Tony also joked "I'd also heard Mr.Woo invested his own money, but I didn't investigate if he actually paid the money or not, because I thought studying about my role was more important for me and I should prepare for the role rather than the investigation." (I laughed quite loud when I heard this. Tony has a nice sense of humor.)

To be continued.

[Tony Obsessed]

Wow! I'm really envious of you, Eri. Did you take any pictures of Tony yourself or get to meet him? If you took any pictures of him, please post them.

[Info]

Thanks Eri for sharing with us!

[summertime]

Thank you Eri

[Eri]

Another thing I remember is that there was an unusual question like ;
These characters in Red Cliff are fighting for their countries or lords shouldering a heavy burden, and The Beijing Olympic games are opening very soon where the entrants are also competing for their countries, what would you say to them?

Tony looked a little uneasy to answer this question, (unexpected perhaps ?) and after in thought for a while, he said "I hope everyone is happy and try their best."

Takeshi Kaneshiro also answered the same question "I know it is important for them but I think it is cruel to make them think like that. It is the best for them to enjoy the games and also enjoy Chinese food while they are staying in Beijing." (I love these comments.)



I will write again if I remember any more.

[Eri]

Tony Obsessed,

When I tried to take some photos, suddenly my camera stopped working properly, so I couldn't take any photos.

Anyway, there are lots of good photos on internet taken by professionals.

Tony was very busy this time, and even after the press conference, he had to do a lot of interviews, so we couldn't see Tony personally however Tony saw us and waved to us when he was on stage.

info and summertime,

Hope you enjoyed. I would like to share something which is not mentioned by others here.

[Tony Obsessed]

[karengoh]

Thanks Eri for sharing with us your experience, we really enjoyed the details.

[Info]

Video:
http://www.news.janjan.jp/movie/stream/080806_redcliff_pc.php (full)
http://trend.gyao.jp/event/entry-1582.html

[Eri]

Tony Obsessed,

We were close enough to see Tony's facial expressions. (very cute ! )

I didn't call out "Tony" so loud (only quietly) and waved at him instead.


Karen,

Thanks.
Tony is probably coming to Tokyo again in October for Tokyo International Film Festival, so we all hope Tony is not going to be too busy next time.

[Tony Obsessed]

[Eri]

For Cantonese speakers. (Speaking Japanese parts with Chinese subtitle)

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=kfGXcciamWw&feature=related

This reminded me that Shido Nakamura said "Tony was not so talkative but very kind and always smiling during shooting this film just like today." "I got some presents from Tony on the last day we were together, and I treasured them very much."

[Eri]

Tony Obsessed,

You never know. Tony might go to England for Red Cliff promotion in the future.

[eliza bennet]

Eri domo arigato gozai masu for your nice report.

How was Kaneshiro Takeshi? He is one of the people I would like to see in person (he is so flawlessly beautiful on screen that I'd want to know if it is real )

[Tony Grrl]

Oh I am well jealous!! I'm glad he waved at you. Thanks for sharing this news and giving us an insight into the press conference.
_________________
Sheila

TLCW Fan UK