It is often said that the world of movies is like a dream factory, always dazzling and vibrant—ranging from bright lights and extravagant indulgence to humble homes and simple meals. Actors don various outfits, traversing different dimensions of time and space, assuming various identities, and carrying the weight of diverse lives.
Every smile and frown on the stage seems to tell stories that the audience has never imagined or that lie unspoken deep within their hearts, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
But how easy is it to breathe life into a film? The entanglement between actors and their characters is, in fact, an endless journey of exploration. Behind the dazzling lights, there are living souls, each with a real heart beating, carrying their own joys and sorrows, accumulating experiences and insights in every moment of life, and distilling countless life stories into just a few scenes, trading ten years of effort for a single minute.
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As the curtain rises and the lights illuminate, let us step into a theater of the soul, listening to the insights of this duo—Hu Zitong (Tony) and Zhou Xiuna (Chrissie)—and witness how they seek their true selves in every performance, touching upon the essence of life within each character.
【Playful Understanding】
Tony, a semi-newcomer in the film industry known for his tough-guy image, entered the scene in 2016 with his role as “Sai Wai” in the film “Dot Five Steps,” which earned him the Best New Performer award at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2017. Last year, he gained significant popularity for his character “Shir Twelve” in “Kowloon Walled City.” Beyond films, he has recently been spotted frequently at various fashion brand events.
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In recent years, the sweet and sexy Chrissie has made her presence known on the big screen as an actress, smoothly transitioning from guest roles and supporting characters to starring as the lead. She was nominated for the Best Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards twice, for “29+1” in 2018 and “Madame Liana” in 2022, showcasing her impressive achievements and hard work.
It seems that these two individuals, who appear to have little in common, have found a connection through film. In fact, this isn’t their first collaboration. Chrissie said, “In the past, we had very few scenes together but this time in the movie ‘Temporary Duel,’ we are like senior and junior students in the same school, so our scenes together will be more frequent, and we will also understand each other better.”
When it comes to understanding, Chrissie began to share the surprising side of Tony, “I never thought he was such a foodie, and I certainly didn’t imagine his appetite was so outrageous! I really thought there might be worms in his stomach!” Upon hearing this, Tony looked at Chrissie in disbelief, while Chrissie continued to explain: “One day after filming in Malaysia, we all went out for a lovely dinner, which was quite a feast. However, not long after finishing, he wanted a late-night snack and ended up devouring a whole burger meal.”
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Chrissie’s expression of uncontainable surprise is indeed fascinating. Then, she revealed another side of Tony’s playful nature, “His playfulness is the kind filled with ideas; for instance, when everyone is engaged in serious matters or interviews, he always tends to pull funny antics with German (Zhang Wenjie) at the back.”
Finally, Tony couldn’t help but retort: “Because I’m very familiar with German and we have good chemistry, it’s easy to collaborate on recording IDs or shooting promotional materials, but Nana’s rhythm is always very unique, often adorably offbeat, which makes us seem quite lively.”
Clearly, this rebuttal seems somewhat weak, and in the end Tony could only helplessly explain: “Don’t say I’m gluttonous and playful, you’re actually quite playful too!” To which Chrissie responded with a smile: “Yes, in fact, both of us are quite playful.”
Watching the two of them tease each other, with you saying one thing and me saying another, it’s as if I can feel the invisible understanding between them and the warm atmosphere radiating from their friendship.
[Original Color?]
Although being playful has become a kind of tacit understanding, when it comes to movies, the two naturally return to a serious state.
In the movie “Temporary Duel,” both characters are disciples of the retired boxer Zhong Lei, bearing the weight of their mentorship while also carrying the dedication to chase their dreams. They face numerous challenges and countless defeats, yet they continue to fight relentless battles and train hard, embodying a sense of courage and resilience.
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However, behind persistence and bravery lies a myriad of setbacks. Chrissie admits that during the preparation and character immersion for the film, she experienced many discouraging moments. “Because I had previously practiced kickboxing, I felt it was like running—an exercise that allows you to release pent-up energy. Especially after sweating it out, you feel refreshed and exhilarated. However, while kickboxing and Muay Thai both fall under the category of boxing, they are actually quite different. So, during my very first official Muay Thai training session, I found myself being corrected by the instructor with nearly every punch and kick I threw, and I had to shed the habits I had formed. It was really frustrating.”
After the training sessions, Chrissie spent more time and effort learning and researching Muay Thai, particularly by watching matches and focusing on the fighters’ stances and movements. This determination and bravery in the face of challenges subtly inspired those around her.
Chrissie thoughtfully said: “I believe the character ‘Sun Yuyun’ that I portrayed has some similarities to myself, and one thing I particularly admire about her is her self-belief. No matter how many failures and competitions she goes through, she always trusts in her abilities. I really respect her journey from choosing to leave the boxing gym to participating in competitions, taking several years to finally achieve the championship.”
Tony beside him nodded in agreement, “I feel that this character is quite similar to me, because in the movie, he faces countless failures but never gives up easily. In real life, Hu Zitong is the same. Whether it’s sports, acting, or singing, as long as it’s something I love, I won’t give up easily, no matter how many difficulties I face.”
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At first glance, it becomes evident that the characters, despite their vastly different experiences, share a profound and resonant feeling: no matter what challenges they face, they persistently hold onto resilience and courage. Every drop of sweat they shed and every powerful blow that misses tells a story of an indomitable belief in life’s ongoing struggles. Outside of the characters themselves, they emanate an indescribable vitality — a stance of unwavering strength in the midst of a storm, and a relentless determination to forge ahead in darkness, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness it.
“Because of love, we can overcome many things.” Tony said.
Where the Weakness Lies
“I believe that in this film, each character has their own beliefs and principles that they are really committed to. However, being committed doesn’t mean they aren’t vulnerable.” Chrissie said.
Even the strongest walls have cracks that let the moonlight slip in; even the toughest soul has a soft garden hidden within. When this question came before Tony, time seemed to freeze, as if brewing countless words, and after a brief silence, he gently uttered the word “feelings.” “Because I am a very sentimental person, which might be quite contrary to my appearance, but whenever I haven’t seen certain friends for a long time or when bonds slowly fade away, I always feel a sense of loss. Yet, I understand that this is an inevitable part of growth, something I can only learn to accept gradually. This fragility has become part of my growth experience and has evolved into elements found in my performances and music. So, even vulnerability is very important.”
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This moment of honesty seems to reveal the beating heart beneath the armor, allowing us to feel the tenderness and vulnerability behind the strength.
The soft underbelly indeed leaves our inner loneliness and unease nowhere to escape, but at the same time, these vulnerable points remind us that true courage lies in acknowledging these weaknesses and learning to find strength in vulnerability, just as Tony does.
Just like the differing attitudes and perspectives between “optimism” and “pessimism,” the two also hold distinct views. Tony, who chooses “pessimism,” slowly reveals his thoughts: “When you plan for the worst and most pessimistic outcomes, nothing can really affect you. On the contrary, if a small piece of good fortune happens to come your way, it transforms into immense satisfaction. For example, today I’ve been playing with the little cat in the studio, hoping to interact with it, but it ignored me completely until just now when it suddenly came over and gently bumped its head against me. At that moment, I felt like I had already won; I was very happy. I believe this mindset is particularly applicable in this industry or in the current environment.”
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“Whether it’s persevering or failing, as long as you can face your inner self and your own feelings, it’s an act of bravery.” Chrissie agreed.
No wonder people often say “life is like a play,” because a sincere performer is actually more like an observer of life, a seeker of the soul. They capture the subtle rhythms of life with keen eyes, transforming the everyday moments into artistic inspiration; and this spirit that transcends the role is like the first ray of dawn, quietly yet firmly illuminating each other’s hearts.
[Hong Kong Movies]
However, in this ever-changing era, cinema flows like a breath of fresh air, continuing to weave itself into the fabric of Hong Kong culture, showcasing its unique charm.
When discussing the impact of martial arts films, they are all quite animated, and Tony, in particular, shone with enthusiasm as he recounted many of his favorites: “Among the works from Hong Kong, I think of ‘Infernal Affairs,’ ‘Dragon Tiger Gate,’ and ‘Kowloon Walled City,’ because they are just phenomenal; and from Japan, it would be ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ and the recent live-action ‘Yu Yu Hakusho,’ both of which are very innovative in terms of action, so they’re fantastic!” Finally, he paused and exclaimed again: “And then there’s Rory and Tom Hardy, absolutely stunning.”
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Every word and phrase reveals Tony’s boundless love for martial arts, while Chrissie shares her perspective: “Actually, Hong Kong has many classic works, like the old Wong Fei-Hung films, which are rooted in traditional martial arts with specific styles and schools. However, in recent years, martial arts have evolved slightly, as seen in films like ‘The Grandmaster’ and other crime drama films. Among the many films released recently, the one that left the deepest impression on me is ‘The Siege of Kowloon Walled City.’”
So, how does this movie “Temporary Duel,” which also belongs to the martial arts genre, differ from previous martial arts films?
“This time, the director didn’t approach it as an action or martial arts film, nor as a New Year’s movie, but rather presents his true narrative within a backdrop of subtle black humor and comedic elements. Thus, inheriting themes from the director’s previous works, each of our characters has their own life lessons to tackle, and we explore how we respond to these challenges. If viewers can see their own reflections and resonate with the characters, then the film can be deemed a success, and I believe this is the message the director hopes to convey.” Tony explained.
Chrissie immediately added: “In fact, the director has always hoped to express some profound ideas in his work, such as his feelings in daily life and his views on Hong Kong, all of which are incorporated in this film. Therefore, each character in the movie reflects familiar figures from our lives or those around us.”
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Ultimately, films are merely a reflection of life, allowing us to see ourselves and others; they can take us back to the past and give us glimpses of the future. Every scene is the most sincere expression of life, every frame a captivating interplay of light and shadow, but what is even more crucial is the inner understanding and emotional connection.
Finally, Chrissie explained with deep emotion: “I believe that film is a medium for telling a story, a character, an emotion, or a family narrative, and these stories can transcend time and space, continuing to resonate. Whether it’s the actors or the work itself, they all leave an unforgettable impression. However, in today’s fast-paced world, even just a fleeting 15 or 30 seconds can quickly be replaced, regardless of how interesting or humorous the content is. I think the uniqueness of film lies in its ability to allow the audience to continuously explore and find their own feelings and resonance, possessing a charm that is completely different from short clips.”
Each character is a rebirth of life, each performance is a journey of the soul, and these stories leave an indelible mark in their hearts.
Despite the various challenges currently facing the film industry, as reiterated by the film and Chrissie: “When we encounter difficulties or problems, the most important thing is how we choose to respond and move forward.”
Executive Producer: Angus Mok
Photographer: Ricky Lo
Art Direction: Mimi Kong & Ricky Lo
Styling: Mimi Kong assisted by Isla
Videographer: Alvin Kong & Alessandria Li
Video Edit: Alvin Kong
Interview: Louyi Wong
Makeup: Circle Cheung @ndnco.co (Chrissie), Will Wong (Tony)
Hair: SingTam @ArtifyLab (Chrissie), Nick Lam @ TwoTwo (Tony)
Jewelry: De Beers
Wardrobes: Loro Piana, Fendi, Max Mara, Versace