79-year-old Hong Kong martial arts superstar Ti Lung received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) & Golden Global Awards. He joked, “When I first got the news, I thought it was a scam. There are too many scams these days.” It wasn’t until his wife confirmed the news was real that he gradually accepted the honor, admitting that his initial feelings were a mix of anxiety and surprise. He became sentimental, sharing that upon learning of the award, he spent a lot of time reflecting on his 57-year showbiz career, pondering every experience and the meaning of this recognition. “I've never thought I made any great contributions. I just quietly put in my effort and portrayed each role seriously. To be recognized and affirmed by everyone makes me truly happy and grateful.”
Ti Lung (birth name Tam Fu Wing) was a hugely popular martial arts star in the 1970s, starring in numerous classics since his debut and becoming deeply remembered for his upright and heroic characters. In 1986, he won the Best Actor Award at the Golden Horse Awards for A Better Tomorrow, cementing his leading man status. During a media interview in Malaysia on the 25th, he said his visit was not for promotion but to attend this meaningful film festival with a grateful heart.
Looking back on his past, he admitted that he came from a humble background, and in his youth, financial difficulties forced him to drop out of school and become a child laborer. He joked: “I wasn’t a child star, I was a child worker!” In the beginning, he did not enter the industry out of any ideals, but simply to earn a living. It was only through persistence and hard work that he gradually became an actor.
When speaking about why he has been seen less on screen in recent years, he revealed that it was his son, Shaun Tam, who advised him not to work so hard anymore: “He told me I don’t need to repeat all that hard work I did in the past because he’s independent now, has his own career and is financially secure, so I can enjoy life.” However, he also candidly said that if the script is right, the role is different from what he’s done before, and the filming isn’t too strenuous, he would still be willing to act.
Ti Lung previously shot the film The Kid from the Big Apple in Malaysia. When asked if he would accept future Malaysian film projects, he replied cautiously: “It depends on the script. If the story is interesting and unique, I wouldn’t mind taking the role. But I don’t want to keep playing characters who die as soon as they appear, or those stereotypical mob boss roles. I hope for something more breakthrough.”
When asked about his son Shaun Tam, who is also an actor and has won the Best Actor award, and whether he has played “mentor behind the scenes” to discuss acting or share his experience with his son, Ti Lung laughed and said: “Actually, acting in movies isn’t something you can ‘teach’. Acting is something you can ‘steal’.” He quoted Picasso: “Bad artists copy, good artists steal.” He clarified, “Of course ‘stealing’ here doesn’t mean literally. You have to know how to reference and borrow the good qualities of others. We call it ‘moving mountains and changing water, absorbing the stars.’”
He encouraged actors not to fall into ruts, but to watch outstanding films from various countries and keep honing their craft. He said that he himself often watches excellent movies from France, Japan, Europe, and Hong Kong, always learning with an open mind. “I absolutely love watching movies—if it’s a good film, I definitely won’t miss it.” He believes that movies are not only entertainment, but also cultural promoters: “They can soothe people’s hearts, and bring understanding and resonance.”
Ti Lung (birth name Tam Fu Wing) was a hugely popular martial arts star in the 1970s, starring in numerous classics since his debut and becoming deeply remembered for his upright and heroic characters. In 1986, he won the Best Actor Award at the Golden Horse Awards for A Better Tomorrow, cementing his leading man status. During a media interview in Malaysia on the 25th, he said his visit was not for promotion but to attend this meaningful film festival with a grateful heart.
Looking back on his past, he admitted that he came from a humble background, and in his youth, financial difficulties forced him to drop out of school and become a child laborer. He joked: “I wasn’t a child star, I was a child worker!” In the beginning, he did not enter the industry out of any ideals, but simply to earn a living. It was only through persistence and hard work that he gradually became an actor.
When speaking about why he has been seen less on screen in recent years, he revealed that it was his son, Shaun Tam, who advised him not to work so hard anymore: “He told me I don’t need to repeat all that hard work I did in the past because he’s independent now, has his own career and is financially secure, so I can enjoy life.” However, he also candidly said that if the script is right, the role is different from what he’s done before, and the filming isn’t too strenuous, he would still be willing to act.
Ti Lung previously shot the film The Kid from the Big Apple in Malaysia. When asked if he would accept future Malaysian film projects, he replied cautiously: “It depends on the script. If the story is interesting and unique, I wouldn’t mind taking the role. But I don’t want to keep playing characters who die as soon as they appear, or those stereotypical mob boss roles. I hope for something more breakthrough.”
When asked about his son Shaun Tam, who is also an actor and has won the Best Actor award, and whether he has played “mentor behind the scenes” to discuss acting or share his experience with his son, Ti Lung laughed and said: “Actually, acting in movies isn’t something you can ‘teach’. Acting is something you can ‘steal’.” He quoted Picasso: “Bad artists copy, good artists steal.” He clarified, “Of course ‘stealing’ here doesn’t mean literally. You have to know how to reference and borrow the good qualities of others. We call it ‘moving mountains and changing water, absorbing the stars.’”
He encouraged actors not to fall into ruts, but to watch outstanding films from various countries and keep honing their craft. He said that he himself often watches excellent movies from France, Japan, Europe, and Hong Kong, always learning with an open mind. “I absolutely love watching movies—if it’s a good film, I definitely won’t miss it.” He believes that movies are not only entertainment, but also cultural promoters: “They can soothe people’s hearts, and bring understanding and resonance.”