Hong Kong's legendary actor Tony Leung, a revered figure in the world of cinema, continues to captivate audiences with his unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking. Despite his celebrated career spanning four decades, Leung's love for the movie-going experience remains as strong as ever, as he shares his insights and experiences as the president of the competition jury at the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival.

Embracing the Cinematic Journey: Tony Leung's Lifelong Affair with the Silver Screen

A Lifelong Cinephile

Tony Leung's passion for cinema is a testament to his enduring commitment to the art form. The acclaimed actor, known for his iconic roles in films like "In the Mood for Love," "Lust, Caution," and "Hero," has maintained a steadfast habit of visiting the movie theater several times a week, a practice he has upheld since his childhood. Leung's unwavering dedication to the cinematic experience underscores his deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the transformative nature of the silver screen.

Navigating the Challenges of Jury Duty

While Leung's love for movies remains unwavering, he acknowledges that the experience of judging films during a film festival presents a unique set of challenges. The actor confesses that the responsibility of serving as the president of the Tokyo International Film Festival's competition jury often leaves him feeling anxious, as he grapples with the weight of his role and the need to critically evaluate the diverse array of cinematic offerings. Leung's self-deprecating humor and humility in the face of this task highlight his deep respect for the art of filmmaking and his desire to approach the judging process with the utmost care and consideration.

Sharing the Cinematic Journey with Esteemed Colleagues

Leung's experience on the Tokyo jury is further enriched by the company of his fellow jurors, a distinguished group that includes fellow Hong Kong film titan Johnnie To, Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi, Japanese actress Ai Hashimoto, and French actress Chiara Mastroianni. The opportunity to collaborate with these cinematic luminaries, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise, has been a source of both inspiration and self-reflection for Leung. As he navigates the complexities of the judging process, the actor finds himself questioning his own qualifications, a testament to his humility and his deep respect for the art of filmmaking.

Embracing an Open-Minded Approach

In contrast to Leung's self-doubt, his fellow juror Johnnie To approaches the task of judging films with a more sanguine and open-minded attitude. The acclaimed director, known for his own contributions to the Hong Kong cinematic landscape, emphasizes the importance of leaving preconceptions at the door and immersing oneself in the cinematic experience without any filters or assumptions. To's perspective underscores the need for a fresh and unbiased approach to evaluating the diverse range of films presented at the festival, a mindset that Leung and his fellow jurors strive to emulate.

Preserving the Magic of the Cinematic Experience

Amidst the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, where the rise of streaming platforms and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the way audiences engage with films, Leung's dedication to the traditional cinematic experience stands out as a beacon of hope. Juror Chiara Mastroianni echoes this sentiment, lamenting the decline of the habit of going to the cinema, which she considers a "precious and very rare" occurrence in the modern world. Leung and his fellow jurors, through their unwavering commitment to the film festival circuit, serve as guardians of the cinematic experience, ensuring that the magic of watching a film in a communal setting is preserved for generations to come.