Actor Zhang Songwen feels at home in Taiwan, inspired by local films

Actor Zhang Songwen, celebrated for his role as Gao Qiqiang in "The Knockout," received a warm welcome in Taiwan for the 17th Cross-Strait Film Exhibition. He attended the event to promote his film "The Shadowless Tower," directed by Cai Shangjun.

Songwen shared his long-standing appreciation for Taiwanese cinema, mentioning how films like Hou Hsiao-hsien's "A City of Sadness" and the commercially successful "Cape No. 7" introduced him to various Taiwanese locations and stories. He felt a sense of familiarity upon arriving in Taiwan, stating, "I felt very close as soon as I got off the plane."

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I felt very close as soon as I got off the plane.

During a post-screening Q&A session, Songwen was pleasantly surprised by the audience's engagement. Many fans had seen "The Knockout" and asked deeply analytical questions about "The Shadowless Tower," demonstrating a high level of film comprehension. "I was truly moved yesterday during the discussion," Songwen remarked, praising the audience's passion and professional insights.

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I was truly moved yesterday during the discussion.

In "The Shadowless Tower," Songwen portrays a middle-aged man battling cancer after his release from prison, who reconnects with his ex-girlfriend and faces a series of life-altering events within a month. Filmed in his native Guangdong, the role resonated with him due to its proximity to his own life stage and the familiar local atmosphere, allowing for a deeply immersive performance.

Reflecting on the film exhibition's 17th year, Songwen drew a parallel to Andy Lau's song "17 Years," emphasizing that while time moves forward, the core value of cinema, connecting people through emotion, remains constant. "The emotions in movies have never changed," he concluded, offering a touching sentiment to close the event.

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The emotions in movies have never changed.