Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, Will Or has been turning heads in Hong Kong’s film industry. The talented actor has been recognised with multiple nominations for his work, including Best Supporting Actor for his role as Muk in Jun Li’s Drifting (2021) at Taiwan’s 58th Golden Horse Awards, as well as for Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards. Will’s electrifying performances and proud Hong Kong roots have earned him a legion of fans and established him as a true trailblazer among his generation in the city’s thriving film scene.
What does Hong Kong mean to you?
Hong Kong has always held a unique place in my heart. During my two-month filming period in Taiwan, I felt homesick and longed for the familiar streets and lanes that I had walked through since childhood. Simply put, this city has always evoked a sense of nostalgia and an undeniable feeling of familiarity within me. Although we have all grown up hearing about the “Lion Rock Spirit,” I believe that everyone has their personal feelings towards Hong Kong. Over the past few years, many have felt the perseverance and resilience of Hong Kongers, who are known to never give up easily. For me, I am determined to do my best in this city and live a life without regrets. What I think is truly remarkable about the people of Hong Kong is their adaptability. Regardless of the circumstances, I believe that everyone will find their own path forward.
What does Hong Kong cinema mean to you?
As a Hong Kong actor, I take pride in my work and identity no matter where I am in the world — and that has never changed. I’ve had the opportunity to work with industry veterans and hear them reminisce about the golden age of Hong Kong cinema and its influence on Asia and beyond. It’s this knowledge that fuels my desire to bring back that golden era to everyone. Despite the perception that Hong Kong cinema is now mainly associated with indie productions, such as Drifting, Time Still Turns the Pages, In Broad Daylight, The Sunny Side of the Street, Beyond the Dream, The Narrow Road and so on, I believe these films reflect real social phenomena. It’s through these films that local filmmakers document our society, while simultaneously attracting more diverse audiences to Hong Kong cinema. Many actors of my generation are often asked whether Hong Kong cinema is dead, and I think there is no definitive answer. I can only focus on delivering my best performance every time I’m given the chance. It’s like looking at a glass half full – always maintaining a positive mindset to keep moving forward.
Chain pendant in white gold with opal and diamonds; bracelet in white gold with diamonds; Ice Cube bangle in ethical white gold; Alpine Eagle 41 XPS watch in Lucent Steel, all Chopard. Sleeveless shirt, pants, and shoes, all Fendi.
Which Hong Kong movie has influenced you the most?
Throw Down starring Louis Koo and Cherrie Ying. There’s a scene where they both run down a street, and in the backdrop you can see the unique alleyway scenes of Hong Kong. This shot in the film left me in deep thought for quite some time. It felt like a visual representation of Hong Kongers always charging forward in their pursuit of freedom.
We often refer to the film industry as a “dream factory”, but the term “factory” seems somewhat out of place. How would you describe the current state of the film industry?
I would describe it as time travel. The process involves several stages, from scriptwriting to actual filming, each with its own unique set of circumstances. As an actor, it is easy to get lost in the role and forget the initial spark you felt when you first read the script. But that’s the beauty of a movie. You have the opportunity to traverse time and relive the initial enthusiasm with each new role, while also moving forward and growing amidst the ups and downs.
Have you ever considered giving up on your career? How did you overcome it?
For the past two years, I’ve been feeling like my career has hit a bit of a slump. Despite the uncertainty of our industry, I’ve been fortunate to have come across roles that challenge me and allow me to channel my emotions through filming.
What message do you want to share with the people of Hong Kong?
Hang in there.
Translated by Hala Kassem
Photography: Jumbo Tsui
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Editor
Simon Au
