HONG KONG – Esteemed actress Gigi Leung returned to Hong Kong today, January 3, immediately following a family trip to Spain, to participate in meet-the-audience events for her new film, Back to the Upper Half. The star engaged with fans and co-stars while acknowledging the positive reception of the inspirational sports drama, even as it faces mounting box office challenges from a high-profile contemporary blockbuster.
Leung’s appearance underscores a promotional push to sustain viewership for the local production. To commemorate the film’s run and highlight camaraderie, she presented personalized jerseys bearing the film’s title to the young supporting cast members in attendance—Chan Nok-ting, Tam Chun-yin, and Sin Cheuk-kiu—and several lucky moviegoers. She humorously noted an oversight in preparing a jersey for director Wong Pak-kei, promising to rectify the omission shortly.
Navigating the Crowded Cinematic Landscape
The actress expressed pride in the film’s strong word-of-mouth acclaim, but shared candid concerns regarding its commercial lifespan. Back to the Upper Half is currently sharing release dates with the highly anticipated film adaptation of the classic television series A Step into the Past, starring Louis Koo. Leung admitted the stiff competition has inevitably led to a reduction in screening slots.
“Every filmmaker producing Hong Kong cinema dreams of strong box office returns,” Leung stated. “We are delighted by the audience support for local films, but when you clash with a major picture, there’s little you can do. We knew this battle would be tough, but having acted in such an inspiring film and being able to share it with the audience, I have no regrets.”
The actress also vehemently defended the inclusion of the young actors in the promotional activities, rejecting external suggestions that their participation was unnecessary. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the entire ensemble. “These young actors are an integral part of the film,” she asserted, noting the significant growth she observed in the five young performers since shooting concluded last year. “For some, this was their first cinematic experience. The film captures their journey, and that is truly moving.”
A Love Story Told Through a Soccer Jersey
Leung’s recent trip to Spain, her first time celebrating Christmas there with her husband and daughter, became an unexpected part of the film’s promotion. She explained that the family visit, timed to see relatives, was scheduled before the film’s Christmas release date was finalized, requiring pre-promotion before her departure.
While in Spain, the actress found a spontaneous way to engage with the film’s theme, broadcasting live from a Barcelona soccer venue. This moment was particularly profound for Leung, who revealed the surprising personal significance of the team’s jersey, linking it to the foundational stages of her relationship with her Spanish husband.
“When my husband and I were navigating a long-distance relationship, the first gift he ever gave me was a jersey with my name printed on it,” she shared. A passionate fan of the Barcelona team, her husband considered the gift deeply meaningful. “That piece of ‘men’s romance’ holds incredible sentimental value for me,” she added.
Leung, who prioritizes well-being to manage her demanding schedule, expressed concern for Louis Koo, who missed promotional events yesterday due to illness. She wished him a swift recovery and looks forward to meeting him tomorrow evening at the King Maker VI finale in Macau. The seasoned performer reaffirmed her commitment to staying healthy, noting she wore a mask in crowded areas during her travels to Spain. The experience underscores the resilience and passion of Hong Kong cinema practitioners who continue to produce compelling content while facing complex market realities.
