Recently, the filming of Mei Lanfang has moved from Beijing to Tianjin. This time Leon and Japanese actor Masanobu Ando have their first acting scenes together.
Although it was the first time the two big actors worked together, they admired each other already for a long time. In addition to having great acting skills, filming went smoothly between the two. Besides filming, the two were seen talking and laughing through Masanobu's translator. Flying from Japan to Tianjin, Masanobu plays a general in the movie. Because of his admiration of Peking Opera, he became friends with Mei Lanfang. After the breakout of the Sino-Japanese War, the general returned to China. Who was once a friend is now an enemy. The mood is very complex.
During the filming process, Chen Kaige explained to Leon and Masanobu in detail of the complex moods after their role changes. When Leon playing Lanfang meets the Japanese, he expressed Lanfang's unique courage. Even the strict and nitpicky Chen said the 'flavor is right' of Leon.
The first scene filmed in Tianjin is after Leon returned to HK to celebrate his birthday. After celebrating his 41st birthday with girlfriend Gaile, he was in a good mood when returning to the film. Not only he bought a lot of coffee and snacks to share with the film crew, he had a smile on his face all the time. Chen had not forgotten his lead actor's birthday. He especially held a small birthday party and gave a special and mysterious gift. Leon was very happy after receiving it. But what did Chen gave him, Leon smiled and said he'll have to temporarily give a hint. He hopes to reveal it at the premiere of Mei Lanfang.