All offline pages are back online again

[RuiBunny]

oh oh, new is from boston too?? wah, i am so excited haha, actually i dunno if its a good thing. that means news has been freezing her butt off for 2 decades now... but i am so glad that another fan is so close by

[mu99le]

Not until news posted her bio that I am prompted to share something about m'self, and also realize how difficult it is to write your own story. Nevertheless, her well-written account has stimulated my writing instinct (I'm a part-time contributor in local English mag) and since I'm in a supporting mood today, below is a very boring story about myself:

About Me
I have never done a bio on myself, neither ever thought to do so, although I have written bios on other people several times. Perhaps it's because I couldn't find anything interesting in me that could even make a catchy opening line. I have to admit that I never feel confident of myself, maybe because of the experiences I have while growing up. Being an only child, I was raised protectively and with no competition of getting parent's attention, I became an introvert and emotional person. Thus, with uninteresting social life, I spent most of my time at home, expressing my thoughts, feelings and emotions through writing and drawing stories.

Movies are my other passion. Since I was little, I had been watching countless Mandarin series and that helped to set my wide interest and knowledge of Western and Asian movies today. I have always enjoyed watching movies and writing reviews about those that caught my attention (in my diary of course).

Reading is also something I found addictive. Just like movies, I like reading because it helps me to escape to another world. That is why I love Harry Potter, since I found his problems so true in my own life, yet his fantasy world so delightful to be at. I also enjoy to let my imaginations fly away by listening to enchanting music--that is why I never be able to write by listening to music, as I will end up daydreaming instead of focusing on my writing

With that background, one might never understand why I decided to choose Mass Communication as my major in college instead of Language and Literature. That is because when I graduated from high school, I was so concerned with how I'm going to get a proper job that I chose what I thought to be a more prospective field. Only after I took Public Relations in my second year that I felt it is not quite right. After I graduated, I applied as Communication specialist only to get rejected several times, and finally I landed a job as English translator. Then through a small advertisement in newspaper, I tried to apply as part-time writer, and as time goes by I found that my interest is truly in language. After I quitted from my job as translator, I applied as technical writer in a software company and that's where I am now. I still have deep passion to become all-encompassing writer in the future, so I keep developing my skills through my part-time job as feature writer while also looking for more creative writing job.

I guess that's all I can share about myself--actually I want to share how I became a Tony fan, but my time and current situation do not allow this time. Besides, I don't want to bore you with long and chessy stories . So I leave it there, and I will come back with more information, if you like![/b]

[caidanbi]

I have to say, I am really enjoying reading everyone's bios! I have always loved learning more about other people... maybe one day I will write my bio too (not today though, too much homeowork!)...

[Chloe.]

Yeah Caidanbi!

it's so interesting huh... it's like being able to fit more pieces of the jigsaw together....forming an impression of a person you've never met..

[Susie]

I agree. It's interesting to learn more about the people who post and visit here. The bios fill in the picture and images that the messages only hint at. And I think when we get to know each other, there is a real sense of community and identity.

Having said that, I'm afraid I'm too shy to write a bio of myself. Plus, I don't like talking about myself. I'd rather read about others.

So thank you for the generosity and openness to those who have written their bios.

[Monke]

Hey Mu99le,
So surprised, we're not only living in the same cities but I also found we share a lot of things
I also studied Communication, but I'm more focused on advertising. I work in an advertising agency now (and loving every minute of it ), but have dabbled in other forms of communication industries as well (radio station, PR, a bit of journalism).
I got interested in asian movies (especially Tony's) only recently. I start to watch east asia movies lately and since lots of my office buddies are movie buffs, they introduced me to these more 'serious' flicks, such as WKW's. I find Asian movies more beautiful, more touching. Even the cheesy stuff hints of purer kind of love than the hollywood stuff that I'm getting bored at.
A brief outlook of me... hmm... I'd say how I am at the moment is a balanced result of the influence of my surroundings and the things I found out by myself.
I'm really into art. I love music, I can sing a little bit but mostly at the moment I manage an a cappella group which consists of five of my best friends. I find singing is nice channel to release pent up emotion. For me it even cure headaches to sometimes I like a wide rangle of music; from Indigo Girls, Tori Amos to Ella Fitzgerald
I love drawing but sadly I can hardly find the time to do it recently. Doing Tony's portraits will be my next priority!
Reading is a long-standing passion of mine. I read all kinds of things, from comics to encyclopedia, but IF I really have to choose, my favorite author will be JRR Tolkien. He is a man with unfathomable imagination, and I so admire his dedication and thoroughness in his writings. Heck, I'm beginning to believe middle earth truly exist somewhere in time...
Other than these, not much else I think. Really want to know more about you guys. Who knows, we might share more than just our craziness over Tony )

[mu99le]

[Susie]

"Having said that, I myself have not watched ANY WKW movies because they are unavailable here (except in the place you mentioned). But I'm not sure I want to watch them because they're very 'arty' movies...for example, I still hesitated to watch ITMFL and Happy Together (especially Happy...) because I'm afraid it'll ruin up all my images about Tony. I don't think I'll like seeing him doing gay stuff--I prefer to see him playing characters that suit him best!"

I don't blame you for feeling that way, but I can assure you that you will like "Chungking Express" because Tony is very adorable as a broken-hearted policeman. That film does have several unrelated stories going on, but you see how they all interweave and connect with each other. I don't think it is an "arty" movie per se in the sense of slow progression of the story and heavy dialogue. But others may see it differently.

As for "Happy Together," I wouldn't recommend it even if it has been critically acclaimed. It's a very depressing, disconcerting film to watch. And the gay scenes are fairly graphic without being pornographic. So by that alone, that may be a big turn off for you. It was difficult for me to watch those scenes even though I have nothing against homosexuals. Then again, I don't care to watch rough sex even with heterosexuals!

Please try to see WKW's "Chungking Express" at the least. Then, if you like that movie, you should see "Fallen Angels" which is almost a sequel but not quite. Neither one is as 'arty' as ITMFL in its absolute examination of the emotions of the characters.

[mu99le]

[Monke]

Hmm... basically I don't really like to dissect movies from being 'arty' or not. A far as I know, I enjoy every WKW films I've watched. They're not nearly as depressing as some of Zhang Yimou's or Chen Kaige's that I've watched. Tony blends so naturally with his roles in WKW's films. No wonder he's WKW's top choice...

I agree, Tony is so adorable in Chungking. But I also find his character in Happy very endearing. If you try to overlook that he's gay, the story could relate to any relationship, wheter it's hetero or homosexual. I don't really see it as a gay flick. It just something that happen when you really love somebody, no matter how much you try to hide or shut it out. Although in the end you do have to face reality and go away from a relationship that can only bring you pain.
Still I'm so glad Tony played the good guy and Leslie play the slutty one, hehehe...

So Mu99le, give it a try ok I don't think the so-called 'arty' flicks will spoil your perception of Tony. If anything, I think you'll admire him more because they really show how versatile and talented he is. If you're a bit 'scared' of Happy Together, start with ITMFL or Chungking Express.

Btw, I'm a copywriter. And about advertising being a bit crazy, that's why I love it so much You'll find yourself being challenged and facing different situations constantly.
Oh and good luck with your writing, hopefully you'll find the opportunity of doing creative writing soon. If I may suggest, maybe try Djakarta mag? I think they have many sections for feature writing and reviews. A gal from my office writes a feature for it regularly and I think it takes on freelance contributors as well. Good luck anyway, earning your living by doing what you love best is indeed a blessing

[Chloe]

Hi Hi..

with all this animated discussion, i just had to join in the "fray".. hahaha

personally..i like Tony as an actor becoz he is so versatile! He has no problems fitting into all sorts of roles..and he isn't likely to be typecast, although with his increasing popularity, this is kinda reversing..heh..

You know i really really enjoy WKW's shows?? It's very challenging to watch them, and you feel that the director is respecting the audience's role in the whole process, as the viewer is just spurred to draw conclusions???

And i did enjoy Happy Together. Tony works really well with WKW. His full potential as an actor is really pushed to the limits, and it's experiemental and refreshing. WKW brings out this side of Tony that we don't see when he works with other directors...my personal view.
It's really WKW to explore controversial themes in an artistic and dynamic manner..

[Monke]

Chloe, your comment make me realize why I like WKW's movies so much...
Usually I prefer reading book rather than watching movies, because book unleash my imagination while in movies my role is more passive.
But WKW's movies leave room for various interpretations and conclussion. We're actively involve in it, imagining what happen and what goes into the characters' minds that prompt them to react the way they are in the movie. Not all lay bare for all the audiences to see.
Not to mention the movie's always a feast to the eye (bravo Chris Doyle!). The visual always successful in building the atmosphere, it's almost like you can smell the dank odor in Tony's room in Happy Together, or you can feel the surpressed passion between Maggie and Tony in ITMFL, although they give out only very subtle hint of it.
Aw I just love it so much !

[Chloe.]

hey Monke!

yeah yeah i totally agree with you..

it's like in WKW's shows... you jus know it's not some commercial flick based on some formula that's out to get your money...

The good stuff is really in all these comparatively more offbeat, non-mainstream movies ..than the run-of-the-mill hollywood-type films we see so often.

But but but..i must say that sometimes it is nice to indulge in some brainless commercial entertainment. for the fun's sake.

But WKW's great..

[Monke]

[Susie]

Monke is correct that "Happy Together" isn't necessarily a gay flick, but I would bet it's a favorite with gays. The movie is the examination of a dysfunctional and unhealthy relationship that can easily be a heterosexual one. Props to WKW for having the creative vision to explore in-depth the relationship between a gay couple. The characters are treated with full emotional range and not as cardboard cutouts. And I give Tony a lot of credit for daring to take on a gay character without holding anything back. Although I didn't like the overall mood of "Happy Together," this film put Tony's acting talent on the map for me. I thought it was one of his finest performances, rivalling ITMFL.

There's a funny behind-the-scenes story by Tony about how WKW manipulated him in the role. WKW promised Tony that he would have to only kiss Leslie Cheung, who had revealed his real-life homosexuality. But during filming, WKW conned Tony into a simulated sex scene with Leslie. It can't be easy for a male heterosexual actor to engage in simulated sex scene with an admitted homosexual actor (though Leslie and Tony are great friends). So I admire Tony's security with himself to allow himself to be so vulnerable and display the incredible range of his acting skills.

These days, it's become almost trendy for actresses to have lesbian scenes in kissing their female co-stars. Those kissing scenes are almost as normal as heterosexual kissing scenes, without having any shock value, which I think is great because it slowly removes the stigma of homosexuality (though not a complete solution). The men are slowly picking up the pace but still lag behind the readiness and willingness of the actresses with playing full-bodied gay characters.

For instance, one of the most infamous cases was when Will Smith refused to kiss another male actor in the film, "Six Degrees of Separation," even though his character was supposed to. Will wasn't comfortable with kissing another man. That's a shame because he wasn't true to his character. In retrospect, he said he might do it now. Easier said than done, hmmm?

Then, there are the films about gay that don't have any displays of affection because they explore the relationship superficially. Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderas played gay lovers in "Philadelphia." I thought the players (filmmaker and cast) played it too safe to the point of not being true to the characters. I don't know if Tom Hanks or Antonio Banderas would have been willing to go that far in playing his role. Not only does he have to overcome any hangups he has, but he has to be concerned if it's a career killer as Harry Hamlin thought his kiss with Michael Ontkean in one of the early films with heterosexual actors displaying actual affection between gay men.

Well, I'm rambling. Sorry. Point is I greatly admire Tony's versatility and courage in his choice of roles. He rarely disappoints.

And that takes me back to Mu99le's reservation in seeing Tony out of his element. I assure you that if you see Tony playing a gay character in "Gorgeous" you would love him even more (if that is possible!). He was so hilarious in that film and the film is so funny and entertaining that you wouldn't see him as anything but a goofy person.

Fortunately though, he does a lot of the romantic/comedic films to satisfy those of us who like him better in those roles.