My love for Leslie Cheung
Cinematic Flapper
Anna Nguyen
Issue date: 3/30/09 Section: Lifestyles
I have a hard time letting go. Ever since I watched "Ashes of Time Redux" at the cinema, I've had a hard time letting go of Leslie Cheung's immense talent and androgynous beauty. I've become a woman obsessed, constantly passing time by watching his spectacular 2000 Hong Kong Passion Tour online, marveling at not only his extraordinary singing flair but also his eight impeccably outrageous costumes by Jean-Paul Gaultier.
I had seen some of Leslie's films prior to my breathless "Ashes of Time" experience, but I would have never declared myself an avid fan as my heart used to belong to another man, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai. When I did watch one of his films, I always found myself thinking, "what a gorgeous face he has, that Leslie Cheung." I've never been one who has to watch all of her favorite actor's films, as I've already established a portrait of that actor from a film I've truly enjoyed. In fact, I struggled quite a bit when I tried to recall which films I had seen that starred Leslie and I was only able to name a small amount.
Leslie has made quite a number of films since his premiere in 1978. It's absolutely astounding that Leslie, who became a recognized actor when he was almost 30, was able to keep his face so youthful and his charm intact.
At the time this article will be published, the anniversary of the tragic day that dear Leslie left the world will be two days away. On April 1, 2003, Cheung committed suicide at the age of 46 by leaping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the central district of Hong Kong. He left a suicide note saying that he had been suffering from a long battle with depression.
Six years have passed, and I still have a portrait of Leslie's beautiful face in my mind and I would like to remember some of the films that left me with a deep, lingering impression of him.
"Days of Being Wild" by Wong Kar-wai. The first informal chapter of Wong's highly aesthetic meditation on love and loss films. Leslie plays Yuddy, a self-destructing, narcissistic playboy in Hong Kong who breaks hearts while trying to find his own sense of self. The film features an immaculate cast and is credited with being one of the first films to break away from the light, comedic fare and action films that typified Hong Kong cinema.
"A Better Tomorrow" by John Woo. Although it is known for being the star vehicle for Chow Yun-fat, it also became the prototype for Hong Kong triad films for its thrilling action sequences. Leslie plays Kit, a young, idealistic cop who is conflicted to do the right thing after knowing his elder brother is a well-known gangster.
"Farewell My Concubine" by Chen Kaige. Leslie plays Cheng Dieyi, a thriving actor in Beijing opera. Cheng is a "dan," which is the general name for leading female roles in Chinese opera. The film begins a year after the end of the Cultural Revolution and switches to the past, recounting the turbulent relationship between Cheng and his opera partner.
"Happy Together" by Wong Kar-wai. The film journeys a gay couple's (Leslie and Tony Leung) chaotic escape from Hong Kong to Argentina in hopes of mending their relationship. Wong, again collaborating with cinematographer Christopher Doyle, beautifully contrasts lusty tango bars and the country's rich music with the men's often-violent relationship.
And, of course, "Ashes of Time." I just cannot let it go. I once thought "In the Mood for Love" was irreplaceable, but this film has surpassed my love for the former. Ever since purchasing the DVD, I've rewatched it in such an appalling manner. Leslie's Ouyang Feng as an observer who realizes his own rejection of his past is brilliant.
There are a host of other films I've made notes to watch, including "Rouge," "The Bride With the White Hair" and "A Chinese Ghost Story," to add to my Leslie film collection.
Leslie Cheung will forever remain youthful in my memory. As unfortunate and untimely as his death is, as Ouyang Feng said, I've learned that when you can't have what you want the best you can do is not to forget.
Anna Nguyen is the lifestyles editor of The Arkansas Traveler. Her column appears every other Monday.
I had seen some of Leslie's films prior to my breathless "Ashes of Time" experience, but I would have never declared myself an avid fan as my heart used to belong to another man, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai. When I did watch one of his films, I always found myself thinking, "what a gorgeous face he has, that Leslie Cheung." I've never been one who has to watch all of her favorite actor's films, as I've already established a portrait of that actor from a film I've truly enjoyed. In fact, I struggled quite a bit when I tried to recall which films I had seen that starred Leslie and I was only able to name a small amount.
Leslie has made quite a number of films since his premiere in 1978. It's absolutely astounding that Leslie, who became a recognized actor when he was almost 30, was able to keep his face so youthful and his charm intact.
At the time this article will be published, the anniversary of the tragic day that dear Leslie left the world will be two days away. On April 1, 2003, Cheung committed suicide at the age of 46 by leaping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the central district of Hong Kong. He left a suicide note saying that he had been suffering from a long battle with depression.
Six years have passed, and I still have a portrait of Leslie's beautiful face in my mind and I would like to remember some of the films that left me with a deep, lingering impression of him.
"Days of Being Wild" by Wong Kar-wai. The first informal chapter of Wong's highly aesthetic meditation on love and loss films. Leslie plays Yuddy, a self-destructing, narcissistic playboy in Hong Kong who breaks hearts while trying to find his own sense of self. The film features an immaculate cast and is credited with being one of the first films to break away from the light, comedic fare and action films that typified Hong Kong cinema.
"A Better Tomorrow" by John Woo. Although it is known for being the star vehicle for Chow Yun-fat, it also became the prototype for Hong Kong triad films for its thrilling action sequences. Leslie plays Kit, a young, idealistic cop who is conflicted to do the right thing after knowing his elder brother is a well-known gangster.
"Farewell My Concubine" by Chen Kaige. Leslie plays Cheng Dieyi, a thriving actor in Beijing opera. Cheng is a "dan," which is the general name for leading female roles in Chinese opera. The film begins a year after the end of the Cultural Revolution and switches to the past, recounting the turbulent relationship between Cheng and his opera partner.
"Happy Together" by Wong Kar-wai. The film journeys a gay couple's (Leslie and Tony Leung) chaotic escape from Hong Kong to Argentina in hopes of mending their relationship. Wong, again collaborating with cinematographer Christopher Doyle, beautifully contrasts lusty tango bars and the country's rich music with the men's often-violent relationship.
And, of course, "Ashes of Time." I just cannot let it go. I once thought "In the Mood for Love" was irreplaceable, but this film has surpassed my love for the former. Ever since purchasing the DVD, I've rewatched it in such an appalling manner. Leslie's Ouyang Feng as an observer who realizes his own rejection of his past is brilliant.
There are a host of other films I've made notes to watch, including "Rouge," "The Bride With the White Hair" and "A Chinese Ghost Story," to add to my Leslie film collection.
Leslie Cheung will forever remain youthful in my memory. As unfortunate and untimely as his death is, as Ouyang Feng said, I've learned that when you can't have what you want the best you can do is not to forget.
Anna Nguyen is the lifestyles editor of The Arkansas Traveler. Her column appears every other Monday.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Nadia Guidetti
posted 3/30/09 @ 11:42 AM CST
Dear Ms Nguyen,
I read your article in tears. You described so well the feeling of "becoming obsessed by Leslie".
He was a blessing as an artist and as a special human being and he won't be forgotten. (Continued…)
Lan
posted 3/30/09 @ 4:32 PM CST
Dear Ms Nguyen,
I am a huge fan of Leslie and love this man as both an artist with top talents and a great human being with a kindest and tenderest heart. (Continued…)
Marie Jost
posted 3/30/09 @ 8:13 PM CST
Thank you for such a beautiful remembrance of Leslie. You have expressed so well what his legions of fans feel--Leslie was one of the most gorgeous and gifted talents to come out of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema (and Cantopop). (Continued…)
karen
posted 3/30/09 @ 9:51 PM CST
Dear Ms Nguyen,
I enjoyed your article "My love for Leslie Cheung" so much! It is heartwarming to read about which of Leslie's movies stand out in you mind. (Continued…)
Devoted Fan (USA)
posted 3/31/09 @ 10:09 PM CST
Dear Ms Nguyen,
I enjoyed reading your article very much and can totally relate to your love for Leslie Cheung. There has never been an artist who has captivated me this way. (Continued…)
jo
posted 4/01/09 @ 1:04 AM CST
Dear Ms Nguyen,
The admiration and love we feel for Leslie is mutual. When i first discoverd Leslie many many years ago, it was his gorgeous face which captivated me at first. (Continued…)
cedarki
posted 5/27/09 @ 9:22 PM CST
I love you because you love GorGor
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