Cold War 2’s actors break the ice with heartfelt encouragement and witty jokes of each other
By Pamela Chow; Photos: Courtesy of Encore Films
They may be Hong Kong’s hottest stars, but actors Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun Fat and Eddie Peng are unabashedly comical in person.
The trio took playful jabs at each other during the press conference for crime movie Cold War 2, which, by the way, smashed the box office in Singapore over its opening weekend.
Now that they’re off the case, the cast reveals their light-hearted side as they chatted about their chemistry on set, film awards and Fa-ge’s (Chow’s nickname) knack for selfies.
What should audiences look forward to in Cold War 2?
Aaron Kwok: Look forward to Fa-ge, of course… He joins us this time as a legislator and because of his character, many important clues are revealed.
Sounds like things are getting complicated in the sequel.
Kwok: Complicated is good!
Fa-ge, you were bent on joining Cold War 2 after you watched the first movie. What about it attracted you?
Chow Yun Fat: I found the actors’ performances excellent and entertaining. So I spoke to [the director] and requested to join in on the action… I didn’t even see the script or know what was happening, I just wanted to work with them!
Why’s that, was the script hard to follow?
Chow: I had to look through the script several times [with the directors]. I had to keep asking them, “What about this part? What does this mean?” This is such a complex film… But I finally understand the story now. [turns to Kwok] Do you understand it?
Kwok: [laughs] I didn’t really get it either, at first!
Eddie Peng: I definitely understood it. But you may have to watch Cold War 3 to see the full picture! It’ll be called “Cold More”. [laughs]
As veteran actors, how do you feel about working with younger stars like Peng?
Chow: I’ve acted with them before, so I feel we’re very fated to work with each other… I think the younger actors perform very well, and they’re so clever and energetic. I believe they’ll rise up higher – then I can join them as a backer. [laughs]
Kwok: I dare not say too much in front of Fa-ge, because he’s been my idol since childhood.
Chow: [laughs] You’re just saying that!
Kwok: You never knew this but I’m serious. Actually, whenever I see Fa-ge, my heart will start to jump. It’s very enjoyable to work with him because he treats people very well.
Chow: So did you treat people badly? [laughs]
Kwok: I treat people well! But you treat us so much better.
How about Eddie – what were your thoughts about working with your seniors?
Peng: I feel very lucky because I grew up watching their shows… It was a dream come true and I never expected to continue with a sequel.
Do you find it more fun to play the bad guy?
Peng: Yes, of course! [When young] you’d always want to be the pirate… It’s interesting; you get to do a lot more different things and actions that ‘normal’ people wouldn’t… You want to surprise the audience. You don’t want people to know what you’re about to do.
But if the pirate dies early, then I’d rather be the policeman. [laughs]
We got to hold and shoot a real gun, with real bullets – it’s amazing. And I could shoot Aaron Kwok on set! But the sad part is you just can’t hit him.
How do you feel about your chances at the film awards?
Peng: There are three big stars in this movie, I couldn’t possibly aim for that! I think it’s better for me to stay humble. [grins]
Kwok: I think Tony Leung Ka Fai will win [Best Actor] again.
Chow: Not necessarily. Leung won for the first movie and although you [Kwok] already won one this year, I feel like you should have won for Cold War. So I think you should win this time.
Kwok: You’re putting a lot of pressure on me!
Chow: No, this is encouragement. If I was the judge, I would’ve given you the award.
Kwok: He can say this only because Leung isn’t here today!
Chow: It’s so that he’ll treat me to dinner tonight. [laughs]
After so many years in the business, how do you choose your roles?
Chow: This isn’t up to me – it’s up to Mrs Chow. She will consider things such as how much I’ll be paid, how many hours I’ll be filming, what time I can have lunch and whether I can buy her a bag after the shoot. Those are important considerations.
Chow with his wife at the red carpet premiere of Cold War 2.
Have you tried any of the local food while you’re here?
Chow: We’ve been to quite a few! In fact, later we’ll be going to Maxwell Food Centre.
Kwok: I’ve been too busy with my concerts. When I get back to the hotel, I immerse myself in my music and performances.
Chow: He used to shoot films and perform at the same time. Now, he performs after he’s done shooting a film.
Chow taking a selfie with fans at the red carpet premiere.
Fa-ge, why do you like to take selfies? Can you give us some tips?
Peng: [holds up phone] I’ve gotten ready for a selfie.
Chow: I’m very scared of letting other people take photos of me. Why? Their angles are bad! I turn out ugly and chubby. It’s like that Cantonese saying, “I died in the hands of another, and not in my own hands”.
The most important is to hold the camera as far away as your arm’s length… If you get too close to the camera, wow. Look, my face looks puffed up. But if I move to the middle [of the shot], then it’s okay. Your face looks a lot slimmer.
Read about more selfie tips from Chow Yun Fat here.
So if Eddie and Aaron had a selfie contest, who would win?
Peng: I believe that since I learned a lot from Fa-ge, I will not lose!
Kwok: I think I’ll lose for sure – I have no confidence in taking selfies. [laughs] Most of my time is spent with my music and dancing while looking in the mirror. I’ve had little practice with taking selfies.
Chow: I have a suggestion. You could take a selfie while you’re dancing and during your concerts. Use Facebook Live!
Peng: He can extend a camera from a helmet!
Cold War 2 is now showing in cinemas.
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