HONG KONG (AP) — Cast members of Hong Kong film “The Gun” reunited with fans on Sept. 24 for a Mid-Autumn Festival advance screening, handing out pineapple buns and playing games at a local cinema. Stars including Zhu Yilong, Michelle Wai, Selena Lee and Ben Yuen joined the event to promote the film and celebrate the festive holiday with moviegoers.
Zhu, who led the night’s activity, greeted the audience in Cantonese and thanked them for their support. He recalled first visiting Hong Kong at age 9 and said he had grown up watching Hong Kong films. Speaking through a mix of Cantonese and Mandarin, Zhu said he felt honored to make a Cantonese-language film with a distinctly Hong Kong identity.
A “Comfortable” Collaboration
Zhu said working alongside Michelle Wai was an enjoyable experience, describing her as professional, warm and easy to work with. He admitted that performing in Cantonese was challenging, but said Wai’s frequent encouragement — including calling him “good boy” — helped boost his confidence. At one point, Zhu slipped into character and sang the Cantonese classic “Every Minute Needs You” to Wai, who plays his on-screen wife.
When asked if she was moved by the gesture, Wai laughed and pointed out that her husband was also in the audience. She said Zhu was humble and hardworking, often continuing Cantonese practice even after long shoots. Wai also shared a humorous story about filming an intense kiss scene with Zhu.
“I went home and my husband asked what I filmed that day, and I felt a bit guilty,” she said. “But he seemed to have a sixth sense. He didn’t get jealous — we both think Zhu is a great actor.”
No-Makeup Performance
Selena Lee, who appears in the film with Chinese actor Tan Jianci, said she performed entirely without makeup during costume tests and shooting. Lee, who previously had surgery for a thyroid condition that affected the shape of her eyes, admitted she had worried about appearing barefaced on screen. She added that her mother is a big fan of Tan and asked for his autograph.
Stunts and Uncut Rating
Ben Yuen, who plays a character that punishes Zhu’s role under family-style discipline, said Zhu performed his own stunts — including being hung upside down and submerged in a water tank — without any complaints. Yuen also joked about the film’s uncut Category III rating, which restricts viewings to audiences aged 18 and older.
“It’s hard to become a Category III actor on the mainland because you need to pass a test,” Yuen said. “Thanks to ‘The Gun’ being released in Hong Kong, we can all become Category III actors.”
One Second Onscreen
Cast member Ye Hangsheng said he treasured his brief screen time with Zhu. Ye plays an armored-van guard with only one second opposite the leading man.
“That second was earned through 12 years of experience, starting from a boy band and then moving into television,” he said. “Next time, I’ll aim for two or three seconds. One day, I’ll go from a one-second role to being the lead.”
“The Gun” is being released uncut in Hong Kong with a Category III rating, adding to growing momentum for cross-regional collaboration between mainland and Hong Kong filmmakers.
