[2009.09.22] MAGGIE Q COMES BACK TO ASIAN FILM

The Tian Zhuangzhuang directed film THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF (LONG JOI GEI) yesterday held a press conference in Shenzhen. The film's lead actor Joe Odagiri and Maggie Q attended. At the press conference, Tian Zhuangzhuang praised Joe Odagiri as a very hard working actor. The initial script that he gave him was in Chinese and required translation, but he handled it very carefully. After translating the script and familiarizing himself with it, he got into character as soon as the production started. He had a lot of acting potential. Tian Zhuangzhuang also praised Maggie Q as a smart actor who was very at east in her role. She was only missing a little experience because in comparison to Odagiri Odagiri had much more experience.

Maggie Q praised Odagiri as a very charming and excellent actor and she was very honored to work with him. Since she is already working in Hollywood, why would she take this Chinese film? She said, "I have been always very lucky. As soon as the chance arises I do it, whether the movie is in Hollywood, China or other places. I am very glad to be able to work with two professionals Tian Zhuangzhuang and Odagiri, and it is time for me to come back to the Asian film scene. The director protects me and takes care of me very well, and had very high expectations for me and other actors. He is very stubborn but his ideas are very clear, his directions precise, which to us actors are great. Both the director or Odagiri are great teachers." As for rumors that Tang Wei was originally cast in the role, she stressed that never happened and the press could ask the director about it.

Joe Odagiri yesterday arrived a little late and apologized to everyone in Japanese. He was late because his flight was delayed. He said that this film was an ancient Chinese story and he lacked understanding of Chinese history. He humbly said, "I may not have been fully prepared, but the story is very clear. It is in three parts, the relationship between men, men and women and men and wolves. They are all stories of loyalty and love." When asked if the numerous intimate scenes with Maggie Q were embarrassing, he said, "We had intimate scenes but we actually didn't have the time to be shy. As soon as we got there we were in them. Maggie Q and I communicated very well. We knew how to handle our characters, which helped me a lot. If I was truly shy I wouldn't do well. Maggie Q's personality is like a guy, very direct. So we got along very pleasantly."