"Kairo" Japanese Theatrical Poster
Kiyoshi Kurosawa made a name for himself on the international scene with skin-crawling thrillers like Cure and Kairo (AKA Pulse). As of late, the director has branched out from the horror genre with the domestic drama Tokyo Sonata and the TV mini-series Penance.
Now word arrives that Kurosawa is looking to team up with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (In the Mood For Love, The Grandmasters) for an international project titled 1905.
In the film, Tony Leung will play a Chinese loan shark sent to Japan during 1905 to collect the debt of some anti-Manchu revolutionaries. While there, he interacts with the locals, which will include Japanese actresses Shota Matsuda and Atsuko Maeda.
Interestingly enough, the setting of Yokohama, Japan circia 1905 will be recreated in Taiwan, with about 90% of the film’s dialogue recorded in Chinese, which should pose an interesting challenge for Kurosawa.
Thanks to Twitch Film for the story. However, there is some rumor that Tony Leung’s involvement in the project has been put on hold due to rising tensions between Japan and China over the island dispute.
This story is from Asian Fanatics. Tony’s wife Carina Lau is who said that her husband will put the film on hold. Hopefully the wait won’t be too long.
Carina Lau: Tony Leung to Put Film On Hold
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net
With the ongoing disputes between Japan and China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, the relationship between the two countries have gotten increasingly intense. With anti-Japanese sentiments escalating in recent days, Tony Leung has taken a beating after announcing his participation in the Japanese film 1905. Netizens have condemned him for not having a backbone. Yesterday night, Tony’s wife Carina Lau attended a banquet held by the Emperor Group. She expressed that Tony will be putting the film on hold indefinitely. Tony’s management company Jet Tone also expressed that he has yet to sign the contract for the film.
Yesterday’s banquet was held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Emperor Group. The star-studded affair attracted not only celebrities, but many elite businessmen and distinguished politicians. Casino tycoon Stanley Ho attended the event accompanied by his fourth wife Angela Leong and son Arnaldo. While he hasn’t been seen in public lately, he appeared to be in good spirits. Henderson Land Development Chairman Lee Shau-kee attended the banquet along with his son Martin Lee and his daughter-in-law Cathy Tsui. Cheung Kong Holdings Chairman Li Ka Shing, Henry Tang Ying-yen, Tsang Hin-chi, Paula Tsui, Hong Xian Nu, Donnie Yen, Jennifer Tse, Andy On, Deborah Lee, EEG big-sister Joey Yung, Nicholas Tse, Twins, Alien Sun, Fan Bing Bing, Christy Chung, Connie Chan, Andy Lau and Ge You also attended the event. Out of all the attendees, Carina and Cathy Tsui were the most eye catching. Carina had a low plunging dress, while Cathy revealed her bare back.
When asked whether she’s aware of the backlash Tony has received from netizens, Carina responds, “Of course! But it seems like the film was in the works since 2009. The film has been pushed back until now because he hasn’t had time in his schedule.” With the escalating tension between Japan and China, will he consider stepping down from the project? “I think it will be postponed indefinitely.”
Carina believes that reasonable people would not place the blame on the director or the actors. As for netizens calling Tony a ‘Han Traitor’ and requesting he apologizes? Carina angrily says, “Is that really necessary? I hope people will view the issue more rationally.” Tony’s management company Jet Tone has issued a statement saying the discussions for the film began back in 2009. However, Tony has not seen the script yet and has not officially signed onto the project.
Thanks a lot for this update! It sheds light on the situation. Sounds like we won’t be seeing “1905” for awhile or, if we do, Tony Leung may not even be involved.