HONG KONG—Acclaimed actor Francis Ng recently joined forces with director Felix Chong and fellow superstar Aaron Kwok for the crime thriller Inside (Nei Muk), marking a significant reunion after two decades. Ng, known for his versatile roles, offered candid insights into the challenges of filmmaking, his evolving relationship with long-time collaborators, and his unique approach to sustaining a distinguished career.
Ng expressed enthusiasm about the project, driven by the opportunity to collaborate again with Chong (who previously co-directed Initial D with Ng) and to star opposite Kwok. “It’s been a long time since I worked with Felix and Aaron, and I wanted to see what kind of refreshing dynamic we could create,” Ng stated.
The film, which features numerous intense action sequences, demanded physical endurance. Ng confessed that the prolonged chase scenes were exhausting, humorously noting his irritation with co-star Jacky Ng who played the assassin. He recounted a challenging moment during a stair run, “Jacky looked back, deliberately slowing down for two seconds, forcing me to say, ‘Please slow down a little bit.’ Even though I played a police officer with limited stamina, the camera still needs to capture both of us in the frame.”
Redefining Dangerous Stunts and Career Choices
Ng shared a philosophical distinction regarding high-risk stunts, contrasting his view with industry peers. While some actors avoid perilous scenes like hanging rigs, Ng believes the danger must be visible to the audience to be meaningful. “If the audience doesn’t perceive the danger, and they don’t know it was me who performed it, then it’s pointless,” he asserted. He likened this to Jackie Chan’s iconic high-altitude jumps, emphasizing that the spectacle must be seen to justify the risk. “I would never be so foolish as to perform a dangerous stunt where my face is obscured.”
Regarding his collaboration with Kwok, Ng praised his co-star’s growth, noting a profound shift since they worked together on the 2000 film A.D. 2000. He observed Kwok’s deep commitment to his profession. “I now see a true actor. He approaches everything from an actor’s perspective,” Ng remarked. He cited Kwok’s decision to gain weight and grow a beard for the current role to better embody a mature character. “It’s not that he wasn’t a good actor before, but his earlier roles demanded a certain immaturity. Now, I see him embracing greater maturity.”
The Independent Path and New Directors
Ng openly embraced his penchant for working with diverse filmmakers, particularly welcoming opportunities with emerging directors. He believes it is essential to observe the fresh perspectives of the next generation. His strategy when working with new talent is straightforward: “When a new director asks for something, I simply agree and satisfy them first.” He suggested that challenging a young filmmaker too early might stifle a burgeoning talent who could later become a master.
However, Ng is keenly aware of his unique career trajectory, marked by his inability to adhere to one director’s exclusive ensemble. He often works with different creative teams, attributing this independence to his solitary nature. He wryly admitted to envying actors like Nick Cheung and Simon Yam, who form long-lasting, exclusive partnerships with directors, leading to enduring collaborations off-screen.
“I sometimes truly envy them for their ability to meet privately, discuss future projects, and maintain that close bond,” Ng reflected. “Perhaps it’s my personality. My nature dictates that I frequently collaborate but rarely stay in one camp. But ultimately, an individual’s life is about being comfortable with who they are.” His detached personality even extends to personal relationships; he revealed that he only meets long-time friends like Sean Lau and Dayo Wong perhaps once a year.
Ng’s willingness to challenge convention, embrace new talent, and maintain his independent spirit underscores his stature as a compelling and enduring figure in international cinema.
