Tony Leung In “1905″ With Atsuko Maeda Of AKB48

Unfortunately, it seems like neither the Japanese fans nor the Chinese fans are too happy about this.

Translated by Tianlu for 24-7 KPOP. Use with credit.

Reporters found out from Tony Leung’s management company Jet Tone Film Production that the actor will be starring in a Japanese movie “1905,” directed by Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and starring Atsuko Maeda as the female lead. Because Tony Leung does note speak Japanese, 90% of the films dialogue will take place in Chinese. This is also the first time Tony Leung has accepted a Japanese film.

“1905″ is set in the year 1905. China sent many students to study in Japan. With this historical background, Yang Yun Long, the character portrayed by Tony Leung, will go to Japan to make five Chinese students repay their debt. At the same time, Kato Paul (portrayed by Shota Matsuda), who grew up in Hong Kong and thus could speak Chinese, is responsible for repatriating the five students. In the process, Kato and Yun Long meet, creating a lasting friendship, and the woman leading their fate onward, Daxi Gongzi, will be played by Atsuko Maeda, 21 year old former AKB48 member. She and 50 year old Tony Leung will have many scenes together.

Last year, Atsuko Maeda starred in movie “Moshidora” and won the best new comer award from Japanese movie judges. For Atsuko Maeda, being able to collaborate with Tony Leung, winner of the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award, is a great learning opportunity, “I will do my best to act out Gonzi’s character, and work hard to become a good actress through this opportunity.” To accommodate Tony Leung, the dialogue will be mostly in Chinese, thus Atsuko Maeda and Shota Matsuda are both taking Chinese classes. The movie will start filming year in November in Japan, wrapping up in January next year, with the plan to be on screen in autumn of next year. However, Japanese netizens questions Atsuko Maeda’s acting skills, “She doesn’t have any acting skills. Poor Tony Leung for having to work with her.”

After this information was released, many Chinese netizens voiced their disappointment in Tony Leung accepting a Japanese film. Netizen “振兴啊振兴” said, “Releasing this news at this time? Tony, you’re really something.” “冰洁123456789″ said, “You don’t lack money, you don’t lack a good script, you lack backbone, the backbone to love your country. Too disappointing.”

Source: SouthCN