Andy Lau eyes box office success of "Gallants"

Promoting the new film "Gallants" to be screened in June, actor and producer Andy Lau, the pioneer director Guo Zijian and Zheng Sijie, as well as actor-turned-supervisor Lin Jiadong appeared in Beijing yesterday.

In 2006, Andy Lau's film "Crazy Stone" had great success in the box office. As to the new film he propped up, Andy predicts a box office of 20 million yuan in a hesitant tone.

"Gallants" is a comedy action film, whose cast members mainly consist of senior Hong Kong actors from the 1970s. This film is well received by Hong Kong audiences, but the response in the mainland is still unknown. With regard to the title as "Godfather of Novice Directors", Andy Lau wouldn't put it on his resume of his entertainment career; preferably he would like to be called the backbone who gives support to new directors. Andy said, "There are still many companies would invest in new directors and new scripts. The responsibilities to support the emerging force couldn’t be solely laid on my shoulders; moreover I am not a billionaire."

The audience will be curious about Andy Lau's absence in this film because fundamentally he is an excellent and experienced actor. As to the question of why not make a guest appearance in this film to promote the box office, Andy answered seriously, "Basically I wouldn't play a role in the films I invest because my remuneration is costly; directors wouldn’t allow it." With sharp alternation in tone, Andy added cheerfully, "The main reason for not appearing in this film is my age is embarrassing. I am too young to play the seniors and too old to play the youngsters."