HONG KONG — Veteran actor Tian Qiwen has pushed back against recent headlines suggesting he exposed filmmaker Lee Lik-chi as a “two-faced” figure, insisting his old friend is far more layered than any label implies.
Tian, speaking Thursday night at a Hong Kong film industry reception celebrating National Day, addressed the media storm sparked by his recent appearance on an online talk show. During that interview, Tian recounted how Lee’s demeanor toward him shifted rapidly when he joined Stephen Chow’s management company decades ago — a story that led some outlets to brand Lee a “double-faced” personality.
Tian was quick to correct the record, and his good humor was on full display. “I wasn’t exposing anything — I talk about these things anytime,” he said, laughing at the headline. “Calling him ‘two-faced’ isn’t fair. He’s ‘eight-faced.’ Understating his many sides does him a disservice. He’s genuinely multi-talented.”
No Bad Blood
The actor, best known for his long-running collaboration with Stephen Chow in hits like the “Shaolin Soccer” and “Kung Fu Hustle” franchises, emphasized that he has never been bullied or mistreated by Lee. What some might interpret as sharp-tongued behavior, Tian explained, is simply Lee’s customary manner of communication.
“People who don’t know him might mistake it for acerbity,” Tian said. “But there was never any malice.”
The two remain in constant contact. “We share more than one group chat and we check in with each other every day — and I mean genuine check-ins, real care,” Tian said. He added that Lee, who did not take offense at the reports, never scolded him over the renewed attention.
Brotherhood Endures
Lee, a celebrated Hong Kong comedy director known for his long partnership with Chow, now spends most of his time working in mainland China. Despite the geographical distance, Tian said their bond has never frayed.
“He still gets together with the old crew whenever possible,” Tian said, adding that he personally helps coordinate work matters for actor Wong Yat-fei, who is also based on the mainland.
One person who remains notably elusive, however, is Chow himself. “Arranging to meet Stephen is never easy — it’s extremely difficult,” Tian said with a wry smile.
The remarks come amid growing fan excitement over the post-credits scene in the upcoming “Kung Fu Soccer” sequel, which reportedly teases the return of the Shaolin team. Asked whether he was disappointed that his character was not included in that nostalgic callback, Tian dismissed the notion outright.
“Why would I be upset? What matters most is that the brotherhood we share remains intact,” he said. “That will never change.”
For longtime fans of Hong Kong cinema’s golden era, Tian’s reassurances offer a welcome reminder that off-screen relationships can endure even when studios, careers and fortunes shift. And while a full reunion with Chow may remain a tall order, the bonds forged during those legendary productions appear as strong as ever.
