Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan – Bruneian born superstar Wu Chun left the country yesterday after his one-day trip back here to promote his first movie "Butterfly Lovers" costarring Hong Kong celebrity Charlene Choi.

In the midst of his busy schedule, The Weekend managed to get a little bit of his time to talk about his big screen debut in an exclusive interview held at the Royal Brunei Airlines Sky Lounge.

I understand that you play the role of a highly skilled martial artist. Did you encounter any difficulties, particularly with the martial arts scene?

Wu Chun: Well, first of all, I had to learn martial arts and all the kung fu moves. The director of the movie "Ma Chor Sing" is a very famous director and is also very strict. Before the shooting of the movie began, I trained for a

month and continued practicing every chance I got. Even during filming, I try to find time to practice during breaks.

The bigger challenge, however, is that action movies are quite difficult. It was not only hard for myself, but also everyone involved in the movie. Everything had to be a hundred per cent accurate.

Another difficulty I encountered was that when we were filming, it was summer and I had to wear thick costumes, as the movie is based on ancient times. I was sweating and it was pretty exhausting.

Wu Chun: I did not go through any auditions. The role was offered to me because the director thought I suited the character. I felt very lucky to be offered the role. When I got to know all the crew, I also got to see their professionalism and how they went the extra mile for this movie.

Everyone put a lot of effort into this movie and when I see that kind of attitude, 1 think it is really worth to be part of this movie.

What do you think of your co-star Charlene Choi? How was it like working with someone who has years of experience in acting?

Wu Chun: I can say this is maybe like her 30th movie and this is my first, so I was very nervous. But when I got to know her, I came to realize that she is very down-to-earth and I was glad she never gave me any kind of pressure. I enjoyed working with her.

As this is your first movie, how different is it compared to the television series you used to do?

Wu Chun: A movie is different from a drama because a drama has many episodes and a movie is just 100 minutes, so every scene is very important. This is my first time filming an ancient movie and also my first time doing an action movie, so everything was very new to me.

It's like when I first entered showbiz and did my first drama - the feeling is roughly the same. They invest more money in movie. The things that you see and wear in a movie set are different - they are more real.

Were you nervous when you watched the first screening of 'Butterfly Lovers'?

Wu Chun: Of course. There are two versions to this movie - Cantonese and Mandarin. I prefer the Mandarin version, as it is my own voice. It feels different watching the Cantonese version as it is not my voice and unfortunately they are showing the Cantonese version in the cinemas here.

Wu Chun: This movie is different from my previous dramas. Dramas are catered more to teenagers and every time I appear on screen, there is not a haft out of place.

This movie, however, is more real. Expect to see faces covered in blood, fighting and killing scenes... It is very different’ from roles I played in the past.

Wu Chun: I am very happy if I am able to influence people. If I can, in any way, through my popularity and roles, contribute towards helping other people when they are encountering difficulties or motivate them in some ways, then it feels like doing charity to me. You are away most of the time.

Wu Chun: I miss my fitness club, my family and, of course, the food in Brunei. Every time I come back to Brunei, people at home would buy food like satay and nasi lemak.

You are one of the four members of popular Taiwanese boy band `Fahrenheit’. Any plans to tour neighboring countries so that your fans in Brunei do not have to travel far to watch you perform?

Wu Chun: Yes, actually we will be touring Malaysia in November and Singapore in December.

Wu Chun departed for Kuala Lumpur yesterday after his short trip to the Sultanate to continue his quest in promoting his latest movie.

"Butterfly Lovers" is a HK$20 million movie production based on a famous legendary Chinese love story, sometimes regarded as the equivalent to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet".

It is a martial arts movie in the olden times that depicts the tragic romance between two lovers - Liang San Por and Zhu Ing Tai - as played by Wu Chun and Charlene Choi. Ma Chor Shing, whose work is well known in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, directed the movie. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin