Hong Kong actor Ti Lung was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur. The 79-year-old actor, known for his work in classic wuxia cinema, initially questioned the legitimacy of the award but later accepted it as a priceless honor, reflecting on his journey in cinema which began by chance at Shaw Brothers Studio.
Hong Kong actor Ti Lung received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout When Hong Kong action star Ti Lung first got word that he was to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur, his initial reaction wasn’t one of pride but suspicion.
“I thought it was a scam because there are so many tricks going around these days,” the 79-year-old admitted during a roundtable interview joined byEven after his wife, former Chinese beauty queen Tao Min Ming, confirmed the legitimacy of the invitation, Ti Lung remained uneasy.The 78-year-old is among the most recognisable faces in classic wuxia cinema. Photo: Handout “I’ve just worked hard in this business. That’s all,” the actor said modestly, adding that he spent several nights quietly reflecting on his journey in cinema.“I can’t claim to have made any major contributions, but if others are willing to recognise you, it’s something to be happy about. “MIFFest was also very sincere in offering me this Lifetime Achievement Award, and I consider it a priceless honour,” he said of the gong that he received in July.Born in Guangzhou and raised in Hong Kong, Ti Lung never imagined a future in the spotlight. After losing his father, he quit school at the age of 11 to help support his family – first working as a grocery store delivery boy, then training to become a tailor by the time he was 17.Ti Lung quit school at a young age to support his family, working as a grocery store delivery boy. Photo: ONG SOON HIN/The StarTi Lung’s acting journey began by chance when he came across an open call for new talent at Shaw Brothers Studio. Intrigued, he enrolled in its acting course and, soon after graduating, landed a minor role in acclaimed Chinese director Chang Cheh’s 1967 filmThe film’s success launched Ti Lung into stardom, making him one of the most recognisable faces in classic wuxia cinema. “There’s a saying, ‘no business like show business’. I worked hard like a labourer, and things developed from there... Now, I’m almost 80 years old,” he reminisced. and followed up with another Best Actor laurel at the prestigious Golden Horse Awards in 1986 for his role as a triad member in the box office hitWhile he still dabbles in show business, the actor has greatly reduced his presence in the limelight. These days, Ti Lung finds joy in spending time with his grand- children, reading books and watching films. He’s especially fond of French cinema and even took French classes to better appreciate their stories.When asked if he travels often, Ti Lung laughed and admitted that modern technology has made things tricky for him, which is why he leaves all the planning to his wife.“She manages my schedule, so if she has time, then we’ll go somewhere together,” he shared. Ti Lung revealed that it was his wife who convinced him to take on two Malaysian films, which turned out to be sleeper hits –In the story, he plays a grand- father who reconnects with his estranged granddaughter after she moves from New York to Malaysia.“My wife read the scripts and said they were good. She was right – the films were warm, realistic and full of heart. “I even saw people watching them on flights. I’m thankful to the directors and actors who worked with me so well,” he said.As for future acting projects, Ti Lung admitted he’s become more selective, stressing that he’s no longer interested in reprising roles he’s played time and again. “The script has to be unique and different... I don’t want to repeat myself with gang boss roles or characters I’ve already played,” he said.“They gave it their all, and it was super refreshing to watch because it had heart. “What’s important now is giving young people opportunities to try and break through, only then can cinema thrive,” he said. Ti Lung shared that his son Shaun Tam – a successful actor in his own right – has urged him to prioritise his health and enjoy his golden years. “My son told me not to push myself too hard as he’s financially stable, independent and living comfortably now.Take Two earned him the Best Actor trophy and the Most Favourite TVB Actor In Malaysia title at the 2021 TVB Anniversary Awards. Ti Lung with his wife, former beauty queen Tao Min Ming, and his son, actor Shaun Tam. Photo: Handout“Acting isn’t something that can be taught. “As Picasso once said, ‘Bad artists copy. Great artists steal.’ What he meant wasn’t literal theft, but taking inspiration or referencing others.As the session drew to a close, Ti Lung shared one final message on the power of movies. “Films aren’t just for entertainment... They’re cultural drivers that help people make sense of life. “That’s why when you watch a great movie, you wonder, ‘How did they do that?’ That’s the power of story- telling,” he concluded.HK actor Stephen Ho visits Malaysia for the first time, seen at KLCC Park and ChinatownMoon Lau addresses Adrian Chau dating rumoursDeath toll climbs to 41 after stampede at rally for actor turned politician Vijay in southern India Malaysian actress Koe Yeet holds star-studded wedding reception, husband's identity revealed for the first time Malaysian filmmaker Julian Cheah revisits the Roger Moore-era glamour spy genre with latest film 'Killmaster'
Ti Lung Miffest Lifetime Achievement Award Hong Kong Cinema Wuxia
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