China's mainland director Feng Xiaogang's latest "New Year" movie A World Without Thieves had its Hong Kong premiere on Wednesday.
Hundreds of movie fans gathered at Hong Kong's busiest Causeway Bay Times Square waiting to see the stars. Feng Xiaogang and the leading stars Andy Lau, Rene Liu, Ge You and Li Bingbing reflected the theme of the movie by emerging from a "train" called A World Without Thieves.
The story unfolds during a train ride to western China. It's about two thieves who become conscience stricken when they meet an honest farmer who dreams of "a world without thieves".
A World Without Thieves is a new style movie for Feng Xiaogang. It moves away from his usual black humor, grotesque and sometimes bizarre depictions of reality. This new film carries a more sentimental and idealistic story.
Feng Xiaogang said, "This is a fresh try. Film producers and audiences will all get tired if we keep making films in the same way. It is something like a narcotic. Audiences may fulfill their dreams watching a movie. If audiences can accept new styles, it gives us more chances to make different movies."
One of the leading stars, the famous Hong Kong celebrity Andy Lau, says he and director Feng worked well together in the movie, and he learned many things from him. Andy said, "This film is very different from Feng's previous works, and this is a very brave approach. I support his new style and respect his understanding of movies. I have also learned lots from his persistent striving to achieve his vision."
Feng Xiaogang is one of China's most celebrated filmmakers. He has been named as one of the "Asian Stars of 2004" by the big circulation American magazine Business Week. His black comedies, Big Shot's Funeral, and Be There or Be Square have been huge successes. Unlike many other directors, Feng's goal is to reach the biggest possible audience.
(CCTV.com December 10, 2004)
