Tony Leung Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Tony Leung breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Chungking Express,' 'Happy Together,' 'Hard Boiled,' 'In the Mood for Love,' '2046,' 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,' 'Hero,' 'The Grandmaster' and 'Lust, Caution.'
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - 'Chungking Express'
01:45 - 'Happy Together'
03:15 - 'Hard Boiled'
05:10 - 'In the Mood for Love'
06:06 - '2046'
07:15 - 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings'
08:50 - 'Hero'
09:23 - 'The Grandmaster'
11:33 - 'Lust, Caution'
Still haven’t subscribed to GQ on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2iij5wt
Subscribe to GQ magazine and get rare swag: bit.ly/2xNBH3i
ABOUT GQ
For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. So join celebrities from 2 Chainz, Stephen Curry and Channing Tatum to Amy Schumer, Kendall Jenner and Kate Upton for a look at the best in pop culture. Welcome to the modern man’s guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
/ gqvideos
Tony Leung Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@jbong5283]

To those who don’t know much about Tony, he’s literally an icon in Asia throughout the last 4 decades

[@roseh189]

He is actually well known to those who watched many movies in VCRs 😉

[@jbong5283]

@@roseh189 spot on young lady ;)

[@nostyx]

Yes, the man no doubt an acting LEGEND! So many good films, so many good viewing memories.

[@sanwuch]

Yeah...I can't get over how young he looks!

[@THEPUNISHERGEAR]

Can you reccomend me some of his good movies?

[@scorpiod2235]

This dude raised the Shang-Chi movie to a higher level. It's not too often the MCU has interesting villains, but his take on the Mandarin was outstanding.

[@KRYMauL]

He turned what could've been a one note crimelord into a Darth Vader like performance.

[@golik133]

I like how he was mocking Shang Chi that he was unable to protect his mother just watching her die

[@CamberRockerCamber]

Honestly besides Thanos and Loki, the rest of the MCU villains are forgettable. Tony Leung as the real Mandarin though, one of their best villains.

[@pancake4027]

i wouldn't even call him a villain

[@maggiechan33]

@@pancake4027 Even Tony refer to his Mandarin as a "tragic figure".

[@mwyz]

It was really fascinating to hear him explain how he had basically created this backstory for Wenwu in Shang-chi, because having watched the movie, obviously none of that is said explicitly, but you can feel it through his acting. It's honestly made me really want to check out some of his other movies.

[@ro0sterjam]

Check out Infernal Affairs it's one of my favourite movies with him as a lead. Keep in mind it was the "inspiration" for The Departed (or rather scene by scene copy but with a drastically different tone), so if you enjoyed Scorsese's adaptation you might find the original a bit dull in comparison.

[@collageofme7496]

@@ro0sterjam Agreed. As much as I enjoyed "the departed" , I enjoyed "infernal affairs" so much more. What a master piece.

[@glovefox]

Me too!

[@stevest8675]

@@collageofme7496 , agree. Infernal affair was a great movie

[@xdestiny]

Highly recommend "In the Mood For Love." He was amazing in that movie.

[@TheMissingLink1]

I've been waiting YEARS for Tony to get the recognition he deserves here in the states. "In the Mood for Love" "Flowers of Shanghai" "Happy Together" "Chungking Express" I COULD GO ON AND ON. He's one of the best actors of this generation. Period. It's time for people to realize that Tony is acting royalty. Simply the best of the best and Marvel was LUCKY to have him grace the screen.

[@professionalpotato4764]

I actually think his acting was way better than Simu, but then again, he's a legend, a veteran. My mom calls him God of Cinema

[@pgplaysvidya]

@@professionalpotato4764 he stole the show every time there was a scene with him in it. But I'm okay with this

[@donxiong]

Butterfly and the Sword

[@winnielau4300]

@@professionalpotato4764 I agree. I can't stop focusing on Tony's acting while watching the marvel movie

[@UtagU_ab]

@@KunoMochi in all honesty they specialized in two very different aspects of cinema. They’re both legends in their own rights.

[@sumitrana4813]

I hope Marvel is aware that they have succeeded in having a legendary actor in their films

[@JosephDutra]

I think they have, the acting by him in Shang Chi is amazing!

[@lovisericachii4503]

actually shang chi would've been a better movie should HE be the main character

[@SgtGudda]

He was by far one of the greatest villains in the Mcu. One of the most convincing too. I truly felt his emotion.

[@Yallahxcuzzy]

And to add on, this is his Hollywood debut. So it's a double bonus for Marvel to succeed in having him a Marvel movie and his first Hollywood movie!

[@alessiagatti590]

FR

[@rainofsummer]

After watching Shang Chi, I was like ‘I want a solo movie of Wenwu’.

[@TC-cd5sm]

My money is ready for a Wenwu backstory

[@chapulines7034]

THIS

[@somelikeitposh]

Disney RUN THAT CHECK

[@Viiiora]

Can’t agree more

[@tmmnago2722]

If only Iron Man didn't die we could have truly gotten an Iron Man movie vs his arch enemy.

[@xuemei3514]

Cantonese representation feels so rare in America that having Tony speak it here feels so special,, loving all the HK actors in Shang Chi!

[@FmrFox-no6yk]

you probably don’t even speak it 🤣 be quiet kid

[@whiteetoile8416]

@@FmrFox-no6yk tf is wrong with hong kongers

[@CyberBytePro]

​@@FmrFox-no6yk so do you, now how about you get off the edge?

[@nerdloser9987]

Fr I was so happy watching everything everywhere all at once, canto represent 😭

[@crackachu001]

ikr its soo rare as a cantonese speaker its feel so special

[@opwave79]

The man understands all the characters he’s asked to portray.. He’s not just regurgitating a script, he’s getting into the mind and heart of those characters. That’s acting on a higher level!

[@margarettam12]

Thank you GQ using Cantonese to interview him.

[@brianng8350]

It might lose views because some people don't like to read subtitles, but their loss.

[@ThomasChanSellsOut]

100% this!

[@maggiechan33]

@Brian Ng + Margaret Tam Cantonese should be promoted more. Love how Tony speaks HK Cantonese, with occasional interjection of English words.

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

Hollywood is pandering to you and you don't even realize it lol. You are nothing more than a dollar sign to them and you go on congratulating them for viewing you like that.

[@kennethclark1583]

@@i-never-look-at-replies-lol sounds like u can’t even afford a $10 ticket

[@sumitrana4813]

Majority of people won't even realise the impact this man has had on HK cinema, they'll probably think he's just another Asian actor which truly is such a shame. Also very pleasantly surprised that the interview wasn't conducted in English as the man is fluent in English and dare I say he speaks the language better than the natives.

[@frankyng4159]

That’s fine! I like him being low key popular. I like him in Hong Kong films.

[@diskmort]

i think he's more comfortable to speak with his native language so he can be more expressive.

[@erosion271]

@@diskmort he grew up in british hong kong, english will practically be his second language

[@li_tsz_fung]

@@frankyng4159 Feels like all the true legendary actors are so calm and introverted.

[@simonethach7134]

There's interview of him in English for this movie

[@RazorWind9000]

While watching Shang-Chi, I didn’t hate on him because of his character and who he was as a the villain. He really made Wen-Wu a villain you couldn’t TRULY hate

[@everythingsalright1121]

You can kiiiinda hate him cuz he can be kinda dumb especially near the end but thats a flaw of the script not his acting

[@L16htW4rr10r]

@@everythingsalright1121 Remember that he was completely heartbroken and would listen to anything as long he could meet his wife again. He might be stupid, but its a reasonable stupid. He was in denial until the very end, which makes it sad.

[@racheldollton]

@@everythingsalright1121 He wasn't dumb at all. He was acting through grief.

[@tammyrossa]

You know he could beat the monster easily but he needs to die in this movie

[@sanisafian]

@@tammyrossa nope, he doesnt have power of dragon to kill the monster

[@akshayhere]

The way he describes Wong Kar-Wai's working style is so outlandish, yet makes perfect sense when you see his films. Like they could not have been made the usual way.

[@makukawakami]

The man's eyes can tell a story. Hollywood should've given him better roles. the way he stares at Maggie Cheung in In the Mood for Love, you can see the longing and the hidden emotion in his eyes. he doesn't indicate at all, he embodies all the mannerisms of someone that wants to confess their love but cant or unable to.

[@JnEricsonx]

Meanwhile Hollywood half-assed John Woo, and didn't know WTF to do with Chow Yun Fat.

[@songotin]

I mean it's less of them recruiting him and more of him accepting them. He's turned down plenty of Hollywood roles down the years but yeah, so looking forward to him crushing it in Shang Chi!!

[@JnEricsonx]

@@songotin No, fair enough. I mean, John Woo wound up directed Paycheck. I mean...WTF?

[@maracas3894]

@@JnEricsonx I remember in an Interview where Chow Yun Fat said that Hollywood has always been a fantasy for him i don't really know what he actually says but somehow similar.

[@theclassicmanila-style8435]

Fck hollywood, all they know is stereotype different races and whitewash supposed to be asian characters, tony leung is a legend in Hk and in asian cinema entirely.

[@BaldursPicketFence]

I really respect Tony and GQ for using Cantonese even though Tony can speak English very very well.

[@lickenhuntsman5338]

Sorry Ledger Tony Leung in Shang Chi >>> Ledger's Joker

[@nobama2134]

@@lickenhuntsman5338 good joke

[@naumankhan422]

@@lickenhuntsman5338 oh boy . No . Please stop comparing heath to anyone. Jaoquin phoneix came close.

[@grizzylylife.8484]

@@lickenhuntsman5338 funny how ur name doesnt suggest what u r?

[@zeddnl6514]

@@lickenhuntsman5338 the only similarity they have is being the antagonist. there’s no need to compare these two icons

[@alyssabischoff3212]

Tony Leung, Wong Kar Wai, and Ang Lee are like the holy trinity of Chinese and Hong Kong Films. I hope people who see this interview watch some of the movies mentioned because they are honestly so stunning. Wong Kar Wai's Hong Kong Trilogy will always be my favorite set of movies. To capture the nostalgia in the handover of Hong Kong within a tragic story of unrequited love goes beyond all of my favorite poetry and art.

[@redfullmoon]

Ang Lee is Taiwan cinema, not Hong Kong cinema.

[@Slask7]

Sammo Hung and John Woo?

[@FmrFox-no6yk]

@@redfullmoon ang lee make more americano film more than Taiwanese film

[@Atomic2001hk]

johnnie to as well

[@ghostland8646]

bro said ‘ang lee’ is HK 💀 cmon man.

[@dominiccarrano9513]

After watching Shang Chi, where he completely stole the show every scene he was in, I am now looking at some of his other works. My goodness, this man is an incredible actor.

[@mingfung7777]

There are lot of great hong kong movies of tony leung !

[@tonyleung8684]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@DejectedCat]

The guy literally sweats charisma. Please do more American films, but with the right projects, of course.

[@dukeriver2375]

You prefer watch movies with full Asian casts with English language? I mean there is a lot of good Asian movies.

[@lot-lothermosura4644]

doesn't really need American approval so a better alternative is proper distribution of films so everyone can watch even with subtitles

[@dukeriver2375]

@@lot-lothermosura4644 Yes, we need to make Asian movies to be more accessible

[@hongquiao]

Is there a deodorant for that? XD

[@Uns46]

Fast and furious 🤣😂

[@Ilovesammy17]

So beautiful to hear Cantonese on GQ! The familial warmth of the language and of course Tony Leung warms my heart.

[@madeofcastiron]

my eyes are reading the subs, but my ears are hearing cantonese, so my brain is confused which language it should process haha

[@minhtrinh8974]

@@madeofcastiron not only u , but me , too , because I understand just 60% Cantonese , so I have to listen to what he said & the same time reading the translation .

[@ItzMeWill]

@@madeofcastiron do you even Anime?....lol...im kidding

[@madeofcastiron]

@@ItzMeWill lol i'm used to reading subs, it's just i'm fluent in cantonese so my brain wanted to simultaneously process both languages haha

[@dennisbbb]

@@madeofcastiron the subs lost 50% of the content - like 480p vs 4K.

[@ibobpebplaub9354]

Shang Chi was lucky to get Tony Leung, not Tony Leung got lucky to be cast.

[@simonegreco1958]

Literally no one said otherwise

[@emercycrite]

This man is a legend. And GQ just became legendary by interviewing him AND in his native tongue.

[@MattDoesLife539]

Not asking Tony Leung about "Infernal affairs" is like interviewing RDJ without acknowledging him as MCU's Iron Man.

[@eggsplash]

Copyright and national security reasons I guess

[@jguinto101]

Is like not asking Al Pacino Godfather series

[@thinhquanq.7019]

So true!!!

[@Filmgod94]

It's *Infernal Affairs

[@omegaaverenger112]

I was so waiting for Flowers of Shang-hai as well!

[@vb8428]

This should've been longer. I think he had way more stories and analysis to tell. He has some other masterpieces too.

[@maggiechan33]

Right. I love (+ often re-watch) "Red Cliff"; "Bullet in the Head" was 1 of his riveting earlier masterpiece.

[@cris-1001]

But it's a good start to see this guy introduced to a wider audience in his native language and saying exactly what he wants to say. Good interview!

[@vb8428]

@@cris-1001 Of course it's better to tell stories in his native language, but he's already very famous.

[@wt5763]

Hero, Infernal Affairs, etc!

[@jackk3313]

Internal affairs omg!

[@jerry020202]

I really wish Marvel would consider to make a prequel program for Wenwu. I'm so interested to find out more stories about this character and Tony Leung's performance.

[@CaIasanctius]

im glad they picked Tony for this, this is a man that elevates the movie he's acting in.

[@christyk97]

Simu and Awkwafina’s acting was good in Shang Chi. However, the entire time I was thinking about how Tony and Fala’s acting is at another level. Even their eyes were acting when they had no lines. So much depth in their acting.

[@RevoZtuns]

Seriously GQ? How do u miss out on Infernal Affairs. One of his most iconic performances EVER along a star studded casts.

[@robertcuterman2511]

Yeah. Infernal Affairs is awesome. It was really the mind battle showdown between Tony Leung v.s Andy Lau.

[@somelikeitposh]

I came here to comment exactly this!

[@MyssBlewm]

I was waiting for this one! I loved him so much in it. Please if you ever get to speak to him again GQ, let us hear him talk about Infernal Affairs.

[@e.m.l.9527]

Yes!! I was waiting for it!

[@StylinRed]

Right? Hollywood even copied it (the Departed), you'd think it'd be a highlight

[@lorello7373]

In the mood for love is just superb. Absolute masterpiece

[@DawnMichiyuki]

Everything about him is so familiar and comforting. He reminds me of so much good in my childhood 🥺

[@michaelnguyen3200]

To the western audience, Tony Leung is one of the greatest if not the greatest actor in Asia for the last part of 30 years . Just check out his filmography; In The Mood for Love which he won best actor award at the Cannes film festival, Hard Boiled directed by John Woo which is universally agreed upon by fans and critics that the hospital shoot out scene is still the greatest shoot out scene that was ever put to film, Hero where he fight with Jet Li on the lake is arguably the most beautiful sword fight scene that was put on display and last but not least his iconic role and acting in Infernal Affair make the film became a hit worldwide, it was so popular that Martin Scorsese remake it into The Departed and as a result, Scorsese got his first Oscar as a director.

[@grahamh.4230]

I think it's quite a stretch to say Hard Boiled is "universally agreed upon by fans and critics that the hospital shoot out scene is still the greatest shoot out scene that was ever put to film." Many, many avid cinephiles, fans, and critics would choose other shootouts scenes, especially the one in Heat, which is probably a more acclaimed scene than Woo's.

[@michaelnguyen3200]

@@grahamh.4230 I watched both multiple time, Heat's shoot-out while is great for Hollywood standards, it has no chance to compete with Hard Boiled shoot-out. The 8 mins one cut in the hospital shoot-out set the standard and pioneer many modern action film that you see today.

[@Jays_dead_cat]

@@michaelnguyen3200 It wasnt 8 mins. Not even half that

[@IceFear266]

You mean in East Asia. I'm South Asian, and I can assure you most people in south Asia don't know who he is lol, I didn't know who he was before Shang-chi either. Please stop thinking that Asia only consists of China, Korea and Japan. There many other countries here too.

[@iamindigobaby]

@@IceFear266 Could it be South Asia isn’t that well known to the OP so didn’t mention it? When you said one isn’t well known, you gotta be prepared that someone says you aren’t well known either lol

[@iineilii]

You can really tell that Tony had a profound understanding for his character, all this was properly translated into the Wenwu we see on screen. I love how he wasn't your typical villain, but simply a lost and broken man with a motivation that evokes your sympathy. The movie heavily deals with trauma, and how the same trauma binds and grow the family. Shangchi is a really beautiful movie and I'm proud of all the Asian representation and details seen in the entire production. 🧡

[@bellkanen1998]

He was ultimately a grieving widower who lost the humanity he had thanks to his wife and was lost without her.

[@Tia.K.C]

Cant wait. Gonna see it tomorrow!

[@KRYMauL]

@@bellkanen1998 Since he was also revealed to be the MCU version on Genghis Khan he's likely had many wives, but I think the most recent one hit the hardest because she was able to best him.

[@Tia.K.C]

It was sooo good 😊👍🏼

[@emhgarlyyeung]

@@KRYMauL After thousand of year, he finally found his perfect soulmate that he wanted to grow old with...

[@i8mju7aq1w2e3sw2o9mj]

the way he broke down his character for shang-chi was eloquent. he is quite a top notch actor.

[@petiteetoile8376]

This dude may be the single best actor ever cast in the MCU (and I know there's some really great actors in the MCU. He just...seems to be on another level)

[@cielo_ciel_]

perhaps because he is a creator to invent, not an executor to deliver

[@SCharlesDennicon]

It must have been something for "the" average viewer to discover him in Shang-Chi. To people familiar with HK movies, it was like... Tony Leung in a superhero movie, okay, let's see how he's gonna help it being good"... So I wasn't surprised that he was good, he's ALWAYS good, but I was pleasantly surprised that he helped the movie that much.

[@ericcpng7356]

This could be a 10 part Netflix series breaking down all his roles and I’d ok with that. Absolute class act. Love his film (almost forgot he had a singing career too lol)

[@VietVuHunzter]

Finally. I think Western audiences needs to know the fact that Tony is the absolute best actor that Asia has to offer.

[@corinnepatrick9443]

Tony is one of the worlds best actors

[@Airsole23]

I don’t know about the best lol. Andy lau is up there with him

[@VietVuHunzter]

@@Airsole23 I admired Andy Lau too, but in my opinion he is a great entertainer, he can act well, sing well, produce music and movie well. But in term of acting alone, Tony is better. I think the only one who can compete ( and might even better) with Tony Leung is Leslie Cheung.

[@christopherwilson88]

I mean, I love me some Takeshi Kaneshiro…but that’s more a 1a/1b in my mind

[@VietVuHunzter]

@@christopherwilson88 no problem. I am not really familiar with Japanese movies so I don't know many actors. I hope I have time to see him on screen one day. It is all personal perspective

[@ahripark2593]

Watched him growing up, he’s honestly one of the best actors ever. So happy he’s getting recognition in the States.

[@sadmochineko]

absolutely hilarious how he looked at Jet Li puking and immediately though "wtf am i gonna dIE??"

[@t3abox695]

about to comment the same, have my upvote

[@paulkem1130]

It's so cool that he created his own backstory and psychology for Wenwu. He clearly didn't just do it fo the paycheck, which wee unfortunately see sometimes with super famous actors taking on supporting roles in blockbusters. He was such a gift to this movie.

[@leonthesleepy]

Same. He really brought his A game to this film.

[@rainbowrabbitinc5789]

we're looking at you Gweneth Paltrow 👀👀👀

[@maggiechan33]

@@leonthesleepy That is Tony's modus operandi.

[@maggiechan33]

@@rainbowrabbitinc5789 And Ben Kingsley, though less famous.

[@KRYMauL]

@@maggiechan33 Ben Kingsley killed it, but Tony Leung performance was great. He stole the show and exuded the charisma one would expect of a king who's reign lives in legend.

[@heheheehehehehehe185]

greatest actor of his generation, he was in so many iconic hk films.

[@ZhouJi]

sad to see he is getting older

[@junkmail1203]

Tony is a walking legend. Props for GQ for interviewing him in Cantonese

[@thaHoj]

For those who are not familiar with him or HongKong movies, he is just a pure legend

[@victorha9923]

He, Chow Yun Fat, and Stephen Chow are probably the top three male stars in HK cinema of all-time? I put a question mark because I don't know Cantonese cinema super well. Tony is tops to me

[@melinoesedah9762]

@@victorha9923 and Andy Lau. He's up there with them.

[@acmecrazyfool]

@@victorha9923 Jackie Chan probably belongs in there as well :)

[@victorha9923]

@@acmecrazyfool lol whoops. he definitely does, even though i prefer serious actors

[@supacopper4790]

​@@victorha9923 Actually there are many great talents in HK film industry throughout 80's-90's era. Other than those that being mentioned here, there are also the like of Leslie Cheung (passed away in 2003), Tony Leung Ka Fai (no joke, he is also known as Tony Leung haha) and Anthony Wong. Maybe we will like one of them the most compare to the other stars, but no doubt, they are all great talent.

[@CLObandit]

Before I clicked on this I prayed they used his native language to interview him so his answers were as thought out and well explained as he wanted them to be and I have to say - I am so happy they asked questions in Cantonese!!

[@timchan334]

Just FYI, Tony speaks perfect english too 😅

[@Linzy137]

But it lost so much in translation 😮

[@buzzy-ears]

I don't think that there is a person I like watching in movies more than this man. He was in so many of the movies that I consider to be among the best ever, and was one of the main factors in their success. Such a charismatic guy.

[@maggiechan33]

And he is ALWAYS a gentleman; a genuinely nice chap.

[@charlesk4364]

He was great in Hard Boiled, raw movie.

[@zuriyel5368]

Yeah, the guy really knows how to pick his roles.

[@liliachan3753]

You rank him higher than Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau, Leslie Cheung?

[@ghadabell]

I've been in love with Tony Leung's acting for years! Since I saw him in In the Mood for Love, to be precise. He's an authentic artist. Hearing him talk about his art is a real delight!

[@nw7955]

It's heart warming to hear Tony Leung interview in Cantonese. I missed this language so much and all the Hong Kong movies I grew up with. Thank you GQ!

[@GerakanLelakiSejati]

Marvel Shang Chi is really fortunate to have Tony. Really give the character a depth to it.

[@maggiechan33]

Agree. Tony's Wenwu is infinitely more interesting + complicated than Ben Kingsley's ridiculous/demeaning caricature.

[@silveriver9]

So true 💯

[@4KLive]

My wife usually say Marvel films are boring, she is very satisfy with Shang Chi, mainly because of Tony’s great performance.

[@simonegreco1958]

@@maggiechan33 The character is a failed actor, wtf did you expect. Of course he's a caricature, he was paid for it

[@maggiechan33]

@@simonegreco1958 Firstly, it is 2021, I expect hollywood to produce characters, not INSULTING to any ethnicities, including yours. Secondly, I expect you to express your idea WITHOUT crass language; but since you did employ foul language, apparently you are just as foul. FY lack of info, there are many failed actors, whom are respectable + real.

[@wzrdlight5900]

He is ageing beautifully. Such a handsome and charismatic man.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

This dude is the actor Leonardo Dicaprio studied for the Departed. The Departed was an American adaptation of Tony Leung's movie Infernal Affairs.

[@TRDky]

Rarely would I want a 12, 13-minute video to last longer. His break-downs are so concise, real and captivating. Thank you, Tony. Thank you, GQ. This made my day.

[@michellemariano296]

I just watched Michelle Yeoh's too. I think it's 18 mins long and I was so glued the entire time. Checked this one after and yup, no wasted time. Can't stand long vids and interviews but I'm glad I clicked both. So much passion charisma and story telling

[@TRDky]

@@michellemariano296 No wasted time on Michelle’s indeed👍🏼😉. Thank you🙏🏼!

[@chira00chira]

It's rare to see him giving a profound interviews about the character he's been playing throughout his career. I adore his works with Wong Kar Wai, and his characters always have different charms. Oh and he also mentioned Leslie Cheung May he RIP

[@blupatches3030]

my thoughts exactly 😭💜

[@iamsohea]

Tears welled up in my eyes immediately when Leslie showed up 😭

[@1stHalf]

Tony is part of the CULT CLASSICS generation. I feel like those were the best Chinese movies I will ever get to experience. I love getting information on how it was to film them. They were like the avengers to me. I am extremely happy that the western world that I was born in is now mixed in very well with a culture that I've been ingrained with even though I've only been to HK once.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

As usual, Hollywood recruited him late in his career. He has appeared in most of HK's very best films. Whether he wants to do more US films is up to him. All I'm hoping for is that Hollywood treats him with the respect that he deserves.

[@wmlau69]

I’m surprised “Infernal Affairs” was not mentioned. That was remade in America as “The Departed”

[@lepetitchat123]

2046 was mentioned instead.. jeez

[@alexeonbel4304]

Oh! I loved the departed so now I really wanna watch this film. Tony leung killed it as his character and it's the first I ever heard of him so I want to watch more films with him.

[@rosy5330]

Which is infernal affairs actually my favorite movie of him

[@baton7997]

Infernal Affairs at this point within the politics of Hong Kong is just far too sensitive. It has more than a hint of depiction of corrupted/evil cop which is pretty much not allowed to discuss within the region of Hong Kong under the stupid security law superimposed by the CCP, even if it was fictional.

[@VietVuHunzter]

As great as "The Departed" was, i still see the original Infernal Affairs a better movie.

[@martincurran4985]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO UNRATED! Gotta give credit to GQ for giving this absolute legend the chance to talk about his incredible career working some of the most distinct directors of the last 30 years. Great actor!

[@WumaoAnnihilator]

how is tony leung underrated wtf

[@silveriver9]

Tony Leung is a legend.

[@dogparadiso]

@@WumaoAnnihilator I guess he meant underrated in Hollywood.

[@khasonmayan]

It is so rare for him to do interviews too. So glad that this is a good one.

[@madmaxmel]

@@dogparadiso Sometimes we forget that there is more to the world than Hollywood, in terms of movies. I’m pretty sure Bollywood, for example, doesn’t differ in its size class to Hollywood. Not to my taste, but of course there are cultures in the world other than Europe and America, as big producers of films.

[@SheyD78]

Really cool to hear this with subtitles rather than him having to express himself in English. It just feels so much more natural. There's a reason all the best non-English movies are subbed not dubbed.

[@roshanramsa794]

The way he describes his characters tells us how much he loves cares about his roles

[@angehaven]

Such a pleasure listening to him talk in Cantonese. While the subtitles were pretty spot on, nuance and tone are very different as a native speaker. Thank you to GQ for conducting the interview this way!

[@holden6104]

Probably my favorite actor of all time. Even Hollywood couldn't tarnish him in my eyes.

[@lmaoqasim]

Tony Leung is the Tom Hanks of Asian Film. He is loved by everyone.

[@fdssdf9300]

His character was so charming in Chungking Express. It's a really impressive classic movie.

[@jomontanee]

I still remember the scene when he had a melancholiac monologue with the broomstick. 😅

[@Mo-Reese8043]

To call this guy an amazing actor would be an understatement..He’s much more than that!

[@yapolloable]

At this point of time, Shang Chi should just be titled Tony Leung.

[@based9930]

How much did the studio pay you to shill for them?

[@call2872]

Tony Leung was brilliant in Happy Together and Chungking Express. Both are award-winning films, special in their own ways.

[@seward9]

Happy together part brings me tears, Leslie and him was such an unique actors duet in this movie !

[@sue_kwong]

Thank you so much for not dubbing over his beautiful Cantonese, and providing subtitles.

[@timguan5353]

Props for this being in Canto. This language warms my heart.

[@sulagna180]

This guys is epic genius. His approach is masterful.

[@sylvanus2554]

Such a great actor and I loved the explanations he gave about each character and film he’s been in, he is such a charming person.

[@puppyandkittygames]

I grew up watching him on TVB. He's a great actor for so long. He did so many movies and he always picked them carefully. Love this interview is in Cantonese, gave so many insights of his roles in various movies.

[@moygoodness]

They couldn’t get permission to include Infernal Affairs? He had an iconic role

[@sanadaHIRO]

ya man with Andy Lau such a good movie that even let Martin Scorcese adapt into The Departed

[@havenht]

To me, Its his best role.

[@uhorne]

I think that movie was a lot better than the remake

[@jlv8364]

@@uhorne seriously. How can it be a best picture winner when it pretty much copied another movie?

[@BENcsx]

@@jlv8364 I hope that I'm misunderstanding what you mean, because infernal affairs is the original

[@MyssBlewm]

Tony Leung is such a legend. I love the pride he talks about working on "2046".

[@pgplaysvidya]

I can't express how happy I am that Tony Leung is finally trending in Western channels.

[@hunterkiller1440]

He speaks fluent English, I'm surprised the interview was conducted in Chinese. Also, Infernal Affairs (the film that inspired The Departed) wasn't asked...he won the Hong Kong version of Oscars for Best Actor. Edit 1: 我想聽他講英語因為他講得很好聽但很罕有。(I want to listen to him speak English because he speaks it very well but it's rare to hear him speak it.) Edit 2: 你班契弟都幾無知喔，廣東話係中文嚟㗎。真係 delay no more ciao hi, poor little guy.

[@ssiu]

It's not chinese. It's cantonese. fyi

[@fastbowler]

YES, where is INFERNAL AFFAIRS

[@gracea33]

They missed infernal affairs?!?!??????

[@jocelynleung3111]

Tony is super shy normally, so even though he speaks English, I can see why the interviewer chose Cantonese. Also if you understand Cantonese, it's lovely to hear him use phrases and ways to express himself and his deep thoughts, which I think would have been harder to have to shift to English or just doesn't translate into English well. But yes, Infernal Affairs is missed.

[@nougan_tanker]

@@jocelynleung3111 I completely agree with you.

[@reneeleyyi1345]

He seems like a real wise person. The depth he puts into his characters and how he explains each of them

[@annedrieck7316]

Great acting

[@Bloodark124]

Signs of a decent actor who can both act and care about their roles. You'd always want someone like that in any of your films.

[@ether0152]

He’s a legend. I truly adore him.

[@jolee2987]

What a gift to hear him speak so candidly on his past roles

[@Random-sd8ef]

Wow I really love how he understands or tries to understand the characters he plays it really shows how smart of an actor he truly is and also how passionate he is

[@rhocassiopeiae]

I so agree.

[@mcrazza]

Tony Leung Chiu-Wai is one of my favourite HK actors. He's just so good!

[@willcheung68]

Both Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Tony Leung Ka Fai are Awesome :P

[@boytvaddict]

Oh man, I love him when I was younger getting exposed to Hong Kong cinema. Still do love him. Seeing him so at ease telling us the filming processes of his many iconic films is amazing.

[@multijcka]

It's June 27, Happy Birthday Mr. Tony Leung!!! You're one of my childhood crushes and I love you until the end! 💕

[@Danny_mahi]

For me "In the mood for love" always will be iconic, I mean you can never beat the visuals.

[@MrMajesticStreak]

Tony Leung has such an extensive filmography, this interview could easily be over several hours long.

[@lottietalkie3142]

That was a great interview, but I wish there had been more about "Hero" and especially that "Infernal Affairs", perhaps his best movie, hadn't been left out! Tony Leung is amazing and I'm glad that even more people are discovering him thanks to Shang-Chi.

[@dailyadeline2530]

I love that he explain so detail about his character in Shang-Chi

[@Unriven]

In the mood for love is such a good movie. Highly recommend to everyone who hasnt seen it yet. And of course Hero, one of the most beautiful film ever shot.

[@mrmarzo]

All of Wong Kar Wai movies are masterpieces.

[@CultureDTCTV]

Chungking Express too, Tony Leung is great in it

[@meggy0]

I just saw it for the first time in a cinema it’s so, so good, I’ve been waiting a long time to see it in the big screen. 2046 is amazing too, but nothing will ever top In The Mood For Love.

[@youngien]

The music and lighting along with every frame they were ALL wall paper quality

[@SuccessforLifester]

The stupid interview gave a big spoiler

[@senemtali8814]

Leslie Cheung was one of my favorite artist of all time. He was a very iconic singer and actor. I wish he lived longer 🥺 and had a very happy life

[@hoskeivom]

I'm in the mood for more Tony Leung's interview

[@CathyC]

❤️ I grew up watching Tony Leung, he is legendary, so suave. I wish dad was still around to see this, it brought back so much nostalgia. Not many great HK actors left. I wish him many more great films to come.

[@jerry020202]

One of the things that I admire him about is that whenever Tony Leung is acting an character, not only just saying the lines, but also he would try to investigate more about this character, like his background, how did he grow up, everything that not in the script, therefore we can always experience even more about this character while we are watching the film.

[@torrothebear7240]

That's a trait of one of a kind actor. There is nobody like him ✌🏾 ♥

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

Yes Tony really has passion for acting and is devoted to his craft. He doesn’t just do it for the money.

[@teddychang8989]

This should have been longer for sure. He is one of the TOP 5 LIVING ACTING LEGENDS in Asia.

[@stargazers185]

Is he all 5 of them or is he one of them?

[@teddychang8989]

@@stargazers185 🥴😂😅🤣

[@gigisong81]

I love him!!!!!!! I'm so glad he finally got the spotlight on him!!!!!!

[@girlscarf]

One of the greatest actors of all time imo

[@masu0_061]

I watched shang chi today, and am I in love with this man 😫!! He was soo freaking cool! Yesss, like its true his character has done atrocious things but his character was so human. His character was motivated by love and I just couldn't hate him. One of the top antagonists in the mcu for me!! You sir are so charming 😭💕

[@Monsterism]

Tony Leung is one smooth cat

[@bettyg9707]

My first celeb crush ever! As I age along him, I just feel so proud of him and his legacy and for being his fan for this long time.

[@nochununa3651]

I fell in love with his character in Chungking Express (Cop 663). The way he stared at Faye Wong in that movie had me melted lol. Like he can speak with his eyes

[@mikegan9382]

He is really a legend. Anita and Leslie has gone, think he is the only one left i admire during my childhood

[@nelsonta00]

Andy Lau is still around!

[@jomontanee]

Chow Yun Fat. Maggie Cheung. Andy Lau.

[@rllght]

This gentleman defies time and keeps getting better and better both in his acting and appearance, it is unbelievable. And could GQ please ask Mr. Leung to do more breaking-down videos please? He has such a prolific career and so many iconic characters!!

[@Aristocratic13]

So... he ages like whine?

[@TiffanyAlexandriaIngle]

I've been a fan of Tony's since I was a teen. He's a legend. It's such a joy to see him on screen.

[@bryonymilner8055]

I've watched Tony on film for many years but have not really seen many interviews like this accessible to English speakers. It's so gratifying when someone turns out like you always imagined they would be; intelligent, thoughtful, empathetic and sincere.

[@Django19]

YES! Such a legendary actor, one of the sexiest men of all time and aka the man who can talk with his eyes - never seeking validation but I'm so happy GQ is recognizing and doing this interview.