Andy Lau recently produced and starred in "High Forces," a new crime thriller about a hijacked flight. During an interview with China.org.cn, the Hong Kong megastar explains how he doesn't have any plans to retire, as he enjoys staying busy with the many roles he performs both in and out of the limelight.  

Actor Andy Lau interacts with the audience on stage at the premiere for "High Forces" held in Beijing, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Askwin]

In "High Forces," Lau plays Gao Haojun, an international security expert, aboard a A380 airplane that is hijacked on its maiden flight. The hijackers are threatening the lives of all 800 passengers onboard, including Gao's ex-wife and blind daughter. As the plotline thickens, Lau's character must confront the hijackers using his wit, skills and fighting expertise.

"Gao Haojun is a hero, but he is also human, suffering from mania and family issues. I love to act as a flawed hero, and he is a character I wanted to present to the audience," Lau said.

The veteran actor goes on to explain how this was his "first time reading a script about crime on an airplane" and why he decided "to participate in the project," noting that the cast is comprised of many "fresh faces" in the industry. 

A poster for "High Forces." [Image courtesy of Universe Entertainment]

With the production of "High Forces," Lau was very impressed by the project's large props and use of technology, such as a true-to-size replica of an airplane that was built by the film's crew and the Stewart Platform, a piece of machinery that was used to simulate flying, falling and crashing. "This film is part of the industrialization of cinema and really contributes to the industry. That simulator and equipment have also been used in other films after 'High Forces,'" he revealed.

Lau noted that Oxide Pang is a very straightforward, meticulous director who loves to capture actors' in-the-moment and unscripted performances. Lau also noted that filming the action scenes in "High Forces" felt very different than action scenes he has done before, having to perform physical combat in a very narrow space to emulate fighting on a plane.

As an evergreen superstar, diligent actor and singer-songwriter, Lau has been in showbiz for more than 40 years, sharing that he sometimes enjoys having several days without work and feels that retirement might be nice. However, after taking these short breaks, he feels empty and unsure of what to do, causing him to get back to work. Besides contributing to "High Forces" and a few other projects this year, Lau has also embarked on an international concert tour called "Today…is the Day."

Actor Andy Lau pose with the cast and crew on stage at the premiere for "High Forces" held in Beijing, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Askwin]

"Acting and singing are both work that I like," 63-year-old Lau said, recently celebrated his birthday a couple days early with fans at the premiere for "High Forces" held in Beijing on Sept. 25. "And there is always new work opportunities and partners emerging. If I have an opportunity to work with someone I have not worked with before, I will definitely go, and I don't even think about whether the project is good or not. This is my life. Acting and singing have become parts of my life, as important as breathing."

"High Forces" hit Chinese theaters on Sept. 30. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)