Are you stoked to see Aaron Kwok (郭富城) perform live in person this week? After 8 years, Malaysian fans will finally get to see the 57-year-old superstar in action at his back-to-back concerts in Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.
Prior to the anticipated concert, organiser Jazzy Group held a press conference in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (21st June) where Aaron (looking fresh in his blonde hair) took centre stage to share some updates about his life. During the session, we had a look at his film career montage before he was presented with the Award For Excellent Achievement in Film by MIFFest President Joanne Goh.
In a separate interview with members of the media, the Hong Kong superstar also talked about what he has been doing during the pandemic lockdown, some memorable events when he visited Malaysia previously, what the MIFFest award means to him, and of course updates on his upcoming movie and music projects.
On receiving the MIFFest award.
Aaron Kwok: I would like to thank the Film Festival, for giving me such a valuable award. Each award is a really important encouragement. The most important thing of being an actor is confidence, to continue learning non-stop, to stand by our own beliefs, and to never give up on finding our movie dream. We need to put our 100% into each movie, it’s best to surpass yourself at every extreme, and (filming in) movies means that you have to constantly surpass yourself.
To me, the MIFFest award is another step in life because I put a lot of my sweat and tears into it. I became a professional actor since 2003. It’s a promise to my fans – to get an award and to appear on stage. To me, the award gives me the confidence to do what I’m doing and to achieve what I want to do. So, I will keep doing what I’m doing as that’s my dream, to be in the film industry. I love films and being an actor, it allows me to walk another path of my life and grow. I’m happy to get this amazing award, and I will continue to think about the things I’m doing for the film industry.
Upcoming movie projects.
Aaron Kwok: There are five films set to release. On the movie stage, I still have a lot (roles) I want to play, I believe that I can handle them with my own abilities. I hope that I can shoot many more good movies in the future and share it with everyone. This is my promise to movie fans. This award is shared with everyone who loves Aaron Kwok.
Daunting experience in a film set.
Aaron Kwok: Because I’ve seen accidents happen on sets, so I’ve also had a fear in shooting anything related to fire. When shooting “The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell” last time, there was an explosion scene that required me to try something risky. This scene was actually really unforgettable, but I still did it anyways. After that, the director and action director wanted the scene to be more ‘shocking’, and wanted another take, so I did it again. The main point is that I will be doing (the scenes) by myself in the future, so this doesn’t change my attitude towards my work.
Would he cut down on dangerous action scenes and martial arts (stunts) because he has young kids now?
Aaron Kwok: No, there won’t be any special changes. I think that it’s only right for me to do my best. Professional actors need to have this work attitude. From the past till now, nothing’s changed.
Discovering new interests during lockdown.
Aaron Kwok: Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to hold any concerts for three years. There was a decrease of workload, so I picked up a couple of new hobbies. When I was stuck at home, I got really into calligraphy and drawing. As such a lively person, I felt peace from the new hobbies I picked up, and this felt like a training. Dancing is more ‘in the moment’, it’s something that will be gone in the blink of an eye. However, calligraphy and drawing can preserve the moment and memories and allow you to come back to admire it repeatedly. Who would’ve thought that I was able to tap into another side of my talents during COVID!
Memorable moments from his time in Malaysia.
Aaron Kwok: Everyone knows that I always liked racing cars. The most memorable thing was my first time racing cars, and it was in Malaysia. I learned the how to-s of racing here, in Malaysia. That was around 30 years ago, back when I wasn’t properly trained. While I was here 30 years ago, I couldn’t remember the specific details since it was so long already, but I met a friend who had a similar interest in racing as well. We used to race cars together. Thirty years later, he texted me today to tell me he will be meeting me in Genting. This is friendship.
Let’s just say, the extreme sports that I really enjoy, are available in Malaysia. When I’m working, I hope to put all my energy into my work – like my concert. But when it’s time for me to rest during the holidays, other than being with my family, I wish to come to Malaysia, specifically Sepang, to challenge the race tracks there again.
New music on the way?
Aaron Kwok: I’ve recorded at least 3 songs within the past 3 years. I’m in the process of getting an American choreographer and an international dance crew together and we’re going to start training. These days people get albums so they can collect beautiful pictures (postcards). I’ve been thinking about how I want to present my songs moving forward. Perhaps we might do a few mini albums (EPs) so fans can stream the new music online. I may debut the songs in my upcoming concerts in Hong Kong too, so stay tuned.
On staying fit.
Aaron Kwok: I keep myself healthy with the basic things, like exercising, working out, and things like that. I’m used to it because I’m a singer. When I was a dancer before, working out is just a part of my life. Working out everyday also helps when shooting a movie with a lot of action scenes.
Any message you’d like to convey to your Malaysian fans?
Aaron Kwok: Malaysian fans have followed me throughout unforgettable years of my life, so when I heard that my (concert) tickets were sold out in 15 minutes, I was really happy. I hope my fans can sing and dance together. You can come (to the concert) in sport shoes. It’s important that you’re happy and your stomach is full, because I’m scared that you won’t have any strength to dance otherwise.
