Five Tigers - Part 4: Chronological History & Events Timetable
Sharing a timetable of the Five Tigers' chronological history and events. And also additional info and my thoughts of them.
Initially I made this just for myself so I could analyze their relationship/friendship better ;P But there are still questions left unanswered in me and I hope that I will find the answer someday.
FIVE TIGERS TIMELINE
YEAR
EVENTS
1978
Kent Tong entered TVB Artist Academy.
1979
Michael Miu & Felix Wong entered TVB Artist Academy.
Kent Tong graduated.
1980
Andy Lau entered TVB Artist Academy.
Michael & Felix graduated.
Kent became main supporting cast in “The Bund.”
1981
Tony Leung entered TVB Artist Academy.
Andy graduated.
Michael & Felix became double leads in “The Lonely Hunter”.
Michael & Felix became main supporting cast ; Andy & Tony in small roles in “The Young Heroes of Shaolin.”
1982
Tony graduated.
Kent & Felix as Duen Yu & Hui Juk in “Demi Gods & Semi Devils,” two of the three main characters. The first Jin Yong adaptation starring “two Tigers.” Tony Leung in a small role, a monk, in Episode 44.
Felix, Kent and Tony as the main cast in “Soldier of Fortune.”
Andy in a leading role and Tony in a supporting role in “The Emissary.”
1983
February - July: Felix & Michael as Kwok Jing & Yeung Hong in “Legend of Condor Heroes.” It became the biggest hit and the first Hongkong TV series that was aired in Mainland China and also other Asian countries.
September: TVB formed Michael, Kent, Felix, Andy and Tony as a performance group for the first time to appear in variety show “All Star Challenge.” Since then, the five are called “Five Tiger Generals of TVB” and they became an idol group.
October: Andy & Kent as Yeung Gor and Fok Do in “Return of Condor Heroes.”
1984
February - March: Felix & Michael acted together again with Barbara Yung in a love triangle story “The Foundation.”
July - August: Andy & Tony as double leads for the first time in “The Duke of Mount Deer.”
TVB offered their artists exclusive five-year contract. Most of them disagree and prefer to stick with the yearly contract and after the Five Tigers had a light discussion about it, they seem to have the same opinion. However, Tony Leung decided to sign the five-year contract in the last minute.
1985
March - April: Felix & Michael starred “Sword Stained with Royal Blood”, a Jin Yong novel adaptation, but they didn’t have scenes together because Michael’s character only appeared in flashbacks.
May: Barbara Yung passed away and the Four Tigers (minus Kent) were pallbearers for her casket.
September: In celebration of TVB’s 20th Anniversary, all Five Tigers became the leads of the 6-episodes and star-studded cast “The Yang’s Saga.” Michael Miu and Tony Leung were paired with their then-real-life-girlfriends, Jamie Chik and Margie Tsang, respectively.
1986
Tony Leung became lead role in “Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre.”
Kent Tong left TVB to star Taiwanese and Mainland TV dramas.
1987
Tony Leung as the hero and Felix Wong as the villain in “The Grand Canal.” This series marks the last “(two) Tigers” collaboration on TV before disband.
Michael Miu left TVB to focus on films and became a businessman.
1988
Andy Lau left TVB to focus on films.
1989
Tony Leung left TVB after his five-year contract ended.
Felix Wong left TVB to star ATV dramas.
1991
The Five Tigers starred their first movie together “THE TIGERS.” All of them played a group of corrupt cops and Kent as the villain.
1993
Felix returned to TVB.
Andy and Tony double lead the film “Come Fly the Dragon” and Michael Miu as the villain, which marks the last “Tigers” collaboration on widescreen film before disband.
There was never an official disband but I’d say this is the year that “Five Tigers” unofficially disbanded since there was no more Tigers collaboration on TV nor widescreen film until “Infernal Affairs” nine years later.
1999
Michael Miu’s last film “Forest Cat II” before he completely retired from acting (temporarily).
2002
The first “Tigers” collaboration after 9 years. Andy Lau & Tony Leung starring the massive hit “Infernal Affairs” which spawned sequels, American, Korean, Indian, Japanese remakes.
Felix Wong left TVB again due to contract disagreements.
2005
Michael Miu sold his business and back to acting and TVB full force. The root of the recent “Tigers” reunions, I believe.
For “The Academy” promo Michael was interviewed and once he said he wants “Five Tigers” back together again for a talk show.
Andy and Felix were starring “Wait Till You’re Older” after Andy asked Felix to join. In interviews, Andy said he’d love for a “Tigers” reunion but he said it’ll be difficult to adjust all their schedule together.
2007
A “Tigers” reunion widescreen movie since 1991, “Brothers” was premiered, but without Tony. There were many questions from the media about why Tony didn’t join and star the movie together with the Four Tigers. Felix denied that it’s about budget problem since the other four would gladly give their share of pay to Tony if Tony feel he isn’t paid enough, and he said that it was due to schedule conflict. But the media wasn’t convinced, since the other three always avoid the question.
2008
Michael Miu is back to business and opened a new glasses store, he invited his Tiger brothers and all four attend the opening event. Tony wasn’t there. The press asked Michael why they were short 1 Tiger and he sighed “Please don’t ask me the question again.”
2010
Felix & Michael became double leads of a cop drama “Gun Metal Grey.” This is their TV work together since “The Yang’s Saga” 25 years ago. Michael had to persuade Felix to return to TVB again for once.
Kent said in an interview, that they’re definitely planning for another Five Tigers reunion movie, with all five of them.
Andy & Tony attend the opening ceremony of Jiangmen Star Park. They shook hands as they met and they had a chit-chat while standing on the stage next to each other.
2011
January: Michael, Felix, and Kent made a guest appearance in Andy Lau’s live concert. In a different session, Carina Lau also made a guest appearance, in place of Tony Leung.
May: “Legend of Condor Heroes 1983” 28th Anniversary Show was held in Mainland China and aired on TV, and Michael & Felix appeared in the show.
2015
Michael Miu and Jamie Chik invited Felix, Kent and Andy to their 25th wedding anniversary. Michael had the intention to make the event as an opportunity for a Five Tigers reunion, however Tony didn’t come and Carina Lau attend the party for him, instead.
There were more behind-the-scene stories of the Five Tigers acrobatic performance revealed in Felix Wong's interview.
=transcript cut=
He expressed that for their short 10 to 15 minute performance, the 5 of them practiced for close to 2 months: "At the time, all 5 of us were in the middle of filming series too, so we could only get together to practice after work. We would go practice on the rooftop of the old CTV building on Broadcast Drive [TN: close to where TVB studios was at the time] nearly every day and when the time got closer, we decided to stop working for the time being so we could focus entirely on practicing." "Tony was the one who got the most severely injured - he was practicing a backflip and accidentally slammed his mouth into the table, resulting in one of his front teeth snapping in half. We were scared and concerned because when we looked, half of the front tooth was really missing! But with the date of the performance approaching, it would be impossible to get the tooth fixed before then, so the only option was to stick it back together." (Stick it back together? How?) "I believe he asked the dentist to stick something on the tooth to cover it up for the time being and then after the show, go back and get it fixed." (We heard that you [Felix] injured your shoulder as well?) "That’s nothing -only a small injury! Andy was also injured - when he was practicing a somersault, he accidentally bit his tongue!" The only one who didn’t injure himself in the process was Kent Tong: "He was extremely careful and always considered safety first. Prior to doing a somersault, he always had to make sure that the floormat was neat and tidy - such an 'old fox'! But hey, at least that way he couldn't injure himself easily like the rest of us - we really should give him a 'Safety Team Captain' award!"
In terms of the 'Best Performance Award', Felix expressed that no other person deserved it more than Andy: "He’s not afraid of difficult or exhaustive work; in fact, when challenging tasks come up, he's the first to volunteer for them - this is a good attitude to have! For the 'stone-breaking' segment [TN: the famous 'highlight' of the show where Andy gets 2 large slabs of stone broken on his chest], the company (TVB) asked if anyone wanted to do it - Andy was the first to raise his hand and say 'I'll do it!'"
=transcipt end=
More details on the acrobatic performance on that day here: http://afspot.net/forum/topic/779628-mingpao-special-feature-unearthing-tvbs-all-star-challenge-from-30-years-ago-a-look-back-at-the-5-tigers-historical-first-performance/
Concerning TVB's five-year contract, this has been used by the media to spread rumors that that's the reason why the other four didn't ask Tony to join "Brothers" their reunion movie in 2007, thinking they still hold a grudge against Tony. This has been cleared by Felix that although they were a bit surprised Tony signed the contract, but it wasn't a big deal at all for the rest of them, since it wasn't like they made a pact to refuse or anything like that, they only discussed it lightly, after all it was up to each and every one's choice since it's their own acting career, there's nothing the other Four Tigers should be upset about Tony signing up and they didn't think it was an act of betrayal at all.
When the media asked the four why Tony is not in the movie they all answered differently. Michael said "We never plan to cast Tony since the beginning," then Andy said "We (the four tigers) gathered three times a week for bowling or meal. The movie was an impulsive idea that came up during those meet-ups. Then when we were wondering about Tony, Michael said he'd ask Tony about it. But then the next time I met Michael he said he didn't ask him. But I decided just to go ahead with the plan," All the producers and directors refused to make comments about Tony's absence.
In Michael's glasses store opening ceremony, when he was asked about Tony and he sighed, he actually also said "All I know is a good brother will come to support me," which indicates that Michael sound upset about Tony not coming, but I don't know how faithful the translation is, or whether it's just a rumor or did he really say it, I'm not sure, so I won't rely on the article.
When Andy and Tony met in the Jiangmen Star Park opening ceremony, the media mentioned that they look like they get along very well denying all the bad rumors about them. But some people have opinion that they only pretend to get along in public.
To be honest, I feel that it's so weird Carina Lau would come in place for Tony in Tigers reunions XD I think she's being a good wife, maintaining such a good relationship with the other Tigers for Tony's sake. But it makes it such a mystery even more. Did Tony tell her to go in place of him? Or Carina made the decision herself to save Tony's face? Or Carina is simply, personally good friends with the Four Tigers but not Tony? I felt that especially in Michael and Jamie's wedding anniversary, it was so odd Carina came by herself @_@ Tony has taken a long break from filming since 2013 and he has only started filming again July this year, he had no filming schedule in January this year, I wonder why he wouldn't come to Michael's party and let Carina went alone?
But both Felix and Andy has made a statement that they're never mad or upset at Tony. Also, in Brothers promo interview, Felix and Kent talked about Tony and told the press the exact opposite of Tony's personality saying Tony is very sociable and hates to be alone (thanks to cattleya88 for translation) while laughing along, like making fun of Tony, so I'd really like to see this as a sign that they're in good terms with Tony, since they could make fun of him like that.
I feel complicated about Tony being left out. On one hand, I understand that it's just normal if Tony chose not to stay friends with the Four Tigers. How many of us still hang out with our high school or college friends anyway? Not to mention, The Five Tigers was a group formed by TVB for promotional purpose. So it's really a miracle that four of them actually became real friends who often meet up and always comes back to each other until 30 years later. The problem with "Brothers" is, it was like a friendship project, it was Andy's project with his hangout friends, who coincidentally are three of the Tigers. Tony never hung out with them in the last 20 years. So it might be hard for the four to ask Tony to join the project, cos Tony is not in their friendship circle. It was different than The Yang's Saga, or The Tigers, or Infernal Affairs. Those were someone else's project to begin with, who wanted all five, who wanted both Andy and Tony to join, none of the fellow Tigers had to negotiate with Tony, the producers negotiated with Tony. But with "Brothers" Andy was the producer, maybe it felt odd for Andy to have to negotiate with Tony, since they lack communication, not to mention they're fellow actors who are rivals, as well. On the other hand, I feel really sad that Tony never join the other Tigers in every chance he had. Maybe it will be seen less in a negative light, if only, for example, Kent Tong rarely hang out with them too. But since only Tony isn't close with them, the matter kinda stands out.
I know, it's not like Tony has other buddies or close friends either, I've never heard Tony hang out with other celebs besides his wife. But it makes me wonder what does Tony really think of the other four?
I have tried to watch Andy and Tony's promotional interviews and appearances in variety shows for Infernal Affairs, but it's useless since I don't understand a word, but I do feel there's a wall between them. I wish I can understand these interviews XD Were they asked how many times they had work together when they were counting fingers?
And in this one, I think they were asked how long have they known each other or how long has it been since Lu Ding Ji (Duke of Mount Deer)? haha guessing, guessing
When Andy and Felix were interviewed in 2005, they played father and son in the film and they were asked "Which one of the Tigers doesn't suit to be a father?" they both quickly answered "It's Tony!" They said Tony still act like a child himself, they can't imagine him as a father. When I realized that Tony is a person who doesn't make friends, shut off everyone from his life and he has his own little world, it kinda reminds me of Shingo. And then I was surprised when Andy-Felix said Tony's way of thinking is still like a child, his personality (at least the way he thinks) might be really similar to Shingo. So I'm wondering if Tony is a very sensitive and insecure person, he avoids making friends to avoid conflicts with other people?
Actually, I see similarities in each of the 5Tigers with each SMAP. Andy Lau reminds me of Takuya. Not just because they're the most popular member or their superstar image, but their daring personality. Both are the aggressive type and the bigger the challenge, the more excited they are. The type who raises their hands immediately when challenged something. While Michael Miu's protective attitude toward his Tiger brothers, reminds me of Nakai who always act like a big brother toward SMAP's bottom three. Both Kent Tong and Goro are the rational type who prioritizes their own safety which is in a glance might look like a selfish attitude but it actually saves the group from any further trouble, not to mention both takes on villain roles^^ Though, I don't see any similarities in Felix and Tsuyoshi's real life personality, I always thought since long, long ago that if there's ever a Japanese remake of LoCH, I think Tsuyoshi will be perfect as Guo Jing! He'll be too old for it now though, lol.
And I will put this clip of Tony Leung speaking English here, simply just because this guy is so cute, esp. at the end! ♥
Initially I made this just for myself so I could analyze their relationship/friendship better ;P But there are still questions left unanswered in me and I hope that I will find the answer someday.
FIVE TIGERS TIMELINE
YEAR
EVENTS
1978
Kent Tong entered TVB Artist Academy.
1979
Michael Miu & Felix Wong entered TVB Artist Academy.
Kent Tong graduated.
1980
Andy Lau entered TVB Artist Academy.
Michael & Felix graduated.
Kent became main supporting cast in “The Bund.”
1981
Tony Leung entered TVB Artist Academy.
Andy graduated.
Michael & Felix became double leads in “The Lonely Hunter”.
Michael & Felix became main supporting cast ; Andy & Tony in small roles in “The Young Heroes of Shaolin.”
1982
Tony graduated.
Kent & Felix as Duen Yu & Hui Juk in “Demi Gods & Semi Devils,” two of the three main characters. The first Jin Yong adaptation starring “two Tigers.” Tony Leung in a small role, a monk, in Episode 44.
Felix, Kent and Tony as the main cast in “Soldier of Fortune.”
Andy in a leading role and Tony in a supporting role in “The Emissary.”
1983
February - July: Felix & Michael as Kwok Jing & Yeung Hong in “Legend of Condor Heroes.” It became the biggest hit and the first Hongkong TV series that was aired in Mainland China and also other Asian countries.
September: TVB formed Michael, Kent, Felix, Andy and Tony as a performance group for the first time to appear in variety show “All Star Challenge.” Since then, the five are called “Five Tiger Generals of TVB” and they became an idol group.
October: Andy & Kent as Yeung Gor and Fok Do in “Return of Condor Heroes.”
1984
February - March: Felix & Michael acted together again with Barbara Yung in a love triangle story “The Foundation.”
July - August: Andy & Tony as double leads for the first time in “The Duke of Mount Deer.”
TVB offered their artists exclusive five-year contract. Most of them disagree and prefer to stick with the yearly contract and after the Five Tigers had a light discussion about it, they seem to have the same opinion. However, Tony Leung decided to sign the five-year contract in the last minute.
1985
March - April: Felix & Michael starred “Sword Stained with Royal Blood”, a Jin Yong novel adaptation, but they didn’t have scenes together because Michael’s character only appeared in flashbacks.
May: Barbara Yung passed away and the Four Tigers (minus Kent) were pallbearers for her casket.
September: In celebration of TVB’s 20th Anniversary, all Five Tigers became the leads of the 6-episodes and star-studded cast “The Yang’s Saga.” Michael Miu and Tony Leung were paired with their then-real-life-girlfriends, Jamie Chik and Margie Tsang, respectively.
1986
Tony Leung became lead role in “Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre.”
Kent Tong left TVB to star Taiwanese and Mainland TV dramas.
1987
Tony Leung as the hero and Felix Wong as the villain in “The Grand Canal.” This series marks the last “(two) Tigers” collaboration on TV before disband.
Michael Miu left TVB to focus on films and became a businessman.
1988
Andy Lau left TVB to focus on films.
1989
Tony Leung left TVB after his five-year contract ended.
Felix Wong left TVB to star ATV dramas.
1991
The Five Tigers starred their first movie together “THE TIGERS.” All of them played a group of corrupt cops and Kent as the villain.
1993
Felix returned to TVB.
Andy and Tony double lead the film “Come Fly the Dragon” and Michael Miu as the villain, which marks the last “Tigers” collaboration on widescreen film before disband.
There was never an official disband but I’d say this is the year that “Five Tigers” unofficially disbanded since there was no more Tigers collaboration on TV nor widescreen film until “Infernal Affairs” nine years later.
1999
Michael Miu’s last film “Forest Cat II” before he completely retired from acting (temporarily).
2002
The first “Tigers” collaboration after 9 years. Andy Lau & Tony Leung starring the massive hit “Infernal Affairs” which spawned sequels, American, Korean, Indian, Japanese remakes.
Felix Wong left TVB again due to contract disagreements.
2005
Michael Miu sold his business and back to acting and TVB full force. The root of the recent “Tigers” reunions, I believe.
For “The Academy” promo Michael was interviewed and once he said he wants “Five Tigers” back together again for a talk show.
Andy and Felix were starring “Wait Till You’re Older” after Andy asked Felix to join. In interviews, Andy said he’d love for a “Tigers” reunion but he said it’ll be difficult to adjust all their schedule together.
2007
A “Tigers” reunion widescreen movie since 1991, “Brothers” was premiered, but without Tony. There were many questions from the media about why Tony didn’t join and star the movie together with the Four Tigers. Felix denied that it’s about budget problem since the other four would gladly give their share of pay to Tony if Tony feel he isn’t paid enough, and he said that it was due to schedule conflict. But the media wasn’t convinced, since the other three always avoid the question.
2008
Michael Miu is back to business and opened a new glasses store, he invited his Tiger brothers and all four attend the opening event. Tony wasn’t there. The press asked Michael why they were short 1 Tiger and he sighed “Please don’t ask me the question again.”
2010
Felix & Michael became double leads of a cop drama “Gun Metal Grey.” This is their TV work together since “The Yang’s Saga” 25 years ago. Michael had to persuade Felix to return to TVB again for once.
Kent said in an interview, that they’re definitely planning for another Five Tigers reunion movie, with all five of them.
Andy & Tony attend the opening ceremony of Jiangmen Star Park. They shook hands as they met and they had a chit-chat while standing on the stage next to each other.
2011
January: Michael, Felix, and Kent made a guest appearance in Andy Lau’s live concert. In a different session, Carina Lau also made a guest appearance, in place of Tony Leung.
May: “Legend of Condor Heroes 1983” 28th Anniversary Show was held in Mainland China and aired on TV, and Michael & Felix appeared in the show.
2015
Michael Miu and Jamie Chik invited Felix, Kent and Andy to their 25th wedding anniversary. Michael had the intention to make the event as an opportunity for a Five Tigers reunion, however Tony didn’t come and Carina Lau attend the party for him, instead.
There were more behind-the-scene stories of the Five Tigers acrobatic performance revealed in Felix Wong's interview.
=transcript cut=
He expressed that for their short 10 to 15 minute performance, the 5 of them practiced for close to 2 months: "At the time, all 5 of us were in the middle of filming series too, so we could only get together to practice after work. We would go practice on the rooftop of the old CTV building on Broadcast Drive [TN: close to where TVB studios was at the time] nearly every day and when the time got closer, we decided to stop working for the time being so we could focus entirely on practicing." "Tony was the one who got the most severely injured - he was practicing a backflip and accidentally slammed his mouth into the table, resulting in one of his front teeth snapping in half. We were scared and concerned because when we looked, half of the front tooth was really missing! But with the date of the performance approaching, it would be impossible to get the tooth fixed before then, so the only option was to stick it back together." (Stick it back together? How?) "I believe he asked the dentist to stick something on the tooth to cover it up for the time being and then after the show, go back and get it fixed." (We heard that you [Felix] injured your shoulder as well?) "That’s nothing -only a small injury! Andy was also injured - when he was practicing a somersault, he accidentally bit his tongue!" The only one who didn’t injure himself in the process was Kent Tong: "He was extremely careful and always considered safety first. Prior to doing a somersault, he always had to make sure that the floormat was neat and tidy - such an 'old fox'! But hey, at least that way he couldn't injure himself easily like the rest of us - we really should give him a 'Safety Team Captain' award!"
In terms of the 'Best Performance Award', Felix expressed that no other person deserved it more than Andy: "He’s not afraid of difficult or exhaustive work; in fact, when challenging tasks come up, he's the first to volunteer for them - this is a good attitude to have! For the 'stone-breaking' segment [TN: the famous 'highlight' of the show where Andy gets 2 large slabs of stone broken on his chest], the company (TVB) asked if anyone wanted to do it - Andy was the first to raise his hand and say 'I'll do it!'"
=transcipt end=
More details on the acrobatic performance on that day here: http://afspot.net/forum/topic/779628-mingpao-special-feature-unearthing-tvbs-all-star-challenge-from-30-years-ago-a-look-back-at-the-5-tigers-historical-first-performance/
Concerning TVB's five-year contract, this has been used by the media to spread rumors that that's the reason why the other four didn't ask Tony to join "Brothers" their reunion movie in 2007, thinking they still hold a grudge against Tony. This has been cleared by Felix that although they were a bit surprised Tony signed the contract, but it wasn't a big deal at all for the rest of them, since it wasn't like they made a pact to refuse or anything like that, they only discussed it lightly, after all it was up to each and every one's choice since it's their own acting career, there's nothing the other Four Tigers should be upset about Tony signing up and they didn't think it was an act of betrayal at all.
When the media asked the four why Tony is not in the movie they all answered differently. Michael said "We never plan to cast Tony since the beginning," then Andy said "We (the four tigers) gathered three times a week for bowling or meal. The movie was an impulsive idea that came up during those meet-ups. Then when we were wondering about Tony, Michael said he'd ask Tony about it. But then the next time I met Michael he said he didn't ask him. But I decided just to go ahead with the plan," All the producers and directors refused to make comments about Tony's absence.
In Michael's glasses store opening ceremony, when he was asked about Tony and he sighed, he actually also said "All I know is a good brother will come to support me," which indicates that Michael sound upset about Tony not coming, but I don't know how faithful the translation is, or whether it's just a rumor or did he really say it, I'm not sure, so I won't rely on the article.
When Andy and Tony met in the Jiangmen Star Park opening ceremony, the media mentioned that they look like they get along very well denying all the bad rumors about them. But some people have opinion that they only pretend to get along in public.
To be honest, I feel that it's so weird Carina Lau would come in place for Tony in Tigers reunions XD I think she's being a good wife, maintaining such a good relationship with the other Tigers for Tony's sake. But it makes it such a mystery even more. Did Tony tell her to go in place of him? Or Carina made the decision herself to save Tony's face? Or Carina is simply, personally good friends with the Four Tigers but not Tony? I felt that especially in Michael and Jamie's wedding anniversary, it was so odd Carina came by herself @_@ Tony has taken a long break from filming since 2013 and he has only started filming again July this year, he had no filming schedule in January this year, I wonder why he wouldn't come to Michael's party and let Carina went alone?
But both Felix and Andy has made a statement that they're never mad or upset at Tony. Also, in Brothers promo interview, Felix and Kent talked about Tony and told the press the exact opposite of Tony's personality saying Tony is very sociable and hates to be alone (thanks to cattleya88 for translation) while laughing along, like making fun of Tony, so I'd really like to see this as a sign that they're in good terms with Tony, since they could make fun of him like that.
I feel complicated about Tony being left out. On one hand, I understand that it's just normal if Tony chose not to stay friends with the Four Tigers. How many of us still hang out with our high school or college friends anyway? Not to mention, The Five Tigers was a group formed by TVB for promotional purpose. So it's really a miracle that four of them actually became real friends who often meet up and always comes back to each other until 30 years later. The problem with "Brothers" is, it was like a friendship project, it was Andy's project with his hangout friends, who coincidentally are three of the Tigers. Tony never hung out with them in the last 20 years. So it might be hard for the four to ask Tony to join the project, cos Tony is not in their friendship circle. It was different than The Yang's Saga, or The Tigers, or Infernal Affairs. Those were someone else's project to begin with, who wanted all five, who wanted both Andy and Tony to join, none of the fellow Tigers had to negotiate with Tony, the producers negotiated with Tony. But with "Brothers" Andy was the producer, maybe it felt odd for Andy to have to negotiate with Tony, since they lack communication, not to mention they're fellow actors who are rivals, as well. On the other hand, I feel really sad that Tony never join the other Tigers in every chance he had. Maybe it will be seen less in a negative light, if only, for example, Kent Tong rarely hang out with them too. But since only Tony isn't close with them, the matter kinda stands out.
I know, it's not like Tony has other buddies or close friends either, I've never heard Tony hang out with other celebs besides his wife. But it makes me wonder what does Tony really think of the other four?
I have tried to watch Andy and Tony's promotional interviews and appearances in variety shows for Infernal Affairs, but it's useless since I don't understand a word, but I do feel there's a wall between them. I wish I can understand these interviews XD Were they asked how many times they had work together when they were counting fingers?
Click to viewAnd in this one, I think they were asked how long have they known each other or how long has it been since Lu Ding Ji (Duke of Mount Deer)? haha guessing, guessing
When Andy and Felix were interviewed in 2005, they played father and son in the film and they were asked "Which one of the Tigers doesn't suit to be a father?" they both quickly answered "It's Tony!" They said Tony still act like a child himself, they can't imagine him as a father. When I realized that Tony is a person who doesn't make friends, shut off everyone from his life and he has his own little world, it kinda reminds me of Shingo. And then I was surprised when Andy-Felix said Tony's way of thinking is still like a child, his personality (at least the way he thinks) might be really similar to Shingo. So I'm wondering if Tony is a very sensitive and insecure person, he avoids making friends to avoid conflicts with other people?
Actually, I see similarities in each of the 5Tigers with each SMAP. Andy Lau reminds me of Takuya. Not just because they're the most popular member or their superstar image, but their daring personality. Both are the aggressive type and the bigger the challenge, the more excited they are. The type who raises their hands immediately when challenged something. While Michael Miu's protective attitude toward his Tiger brothers, reminds me of Nakai who always act like a big brother toward SMAP's bottom three. Both Kent Tong and Goro are the rational type who prioritizes their own safety which is in a glance might look like a selfish attitude but it actually saves the group from any further trouble, not to mention both takes on villain roles^^ Though, I don't see any similarities in Felix and Tsuyoshi's real life personality, I always thought since long, long ago that if there's ever a Japanese remake of LoCH, I think Tsuyoshi will be perfect as Guo Jing! He'll be too old for it now though, lol.
And I will put this clip of Tony Leung speaking English here, simply just because this guy is so cute, esp. at the end! ♥