Lee Kang-sheng Sets Two More Installments of Tsai Ming-liang’s ‘Walker’ Series (EXCLUSIVE)

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I’m thrilled to announce that I, Lee Kang-sheng, will be stepping back into my character once more for the upcoming installments of Tsai Ming-liang’s renowned “Walker” series.

Director Tsai will be creating two new films as part of the Walker series, and Lee has affirmed that he’ll take part in these productions. This collaboration marks an extension of their professional relationship, which started back in 1989. Currently, Lee is gaining recognition for his role in Yeo Siew Hua’s movie ‘Stranger Eyes,’ a surveillance thriller that debuted at the Venice Film Festival and has him nominated as Best Supporting Actor at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. During an interview with EbMaster, Lee shared insights about how his long-term collaboration with Tsai has impacted his work on other projects.

Lee mentions that Director Tsai doesn’t typically work with a complete script; instead, he provides a summary, leaving plenty of space for on-set creativity. This flexible approach, Lee notes, is excellent practice for improvisation. Furthermore, Director Tsai tends to let scenes play out without immediately shouting ‘cut.’ Consequently, once I complete my assigned actions, I must decide what comes next, which has helped me hone my skills in improvisation.

In “Stranger Eyes,” Lee’s impromptu approach was adopted, with Lee persuading director Yeo to grant him similar creative liberties. Lee suggested, “‘Don’t interrupt me with ‘cut’ too soon, allow me some room for improvisation.’ And as a fan of Tsai Ming-liang, Yeo consented.

As a true connoisseur of cinema, I’m captivated by the understated yet powerful acting style of Lee. Labeled as a “naturalistic actor,” he believes his performances stem from the depths of his soul. This means they may not be overtly dramatic or flashy, but they will undeniably feel authentic and true to life for the audience.

After the release of “Walker” movies, Lee’s calendar stays full. He has wrapped up “A New Old Play,” directed by Qiu Jiongjiong, which is currently a work-in-progress and has been selected for the Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) that coincides with the Hong Kong FilMart. Additionally, he’s teaming up again with his “Absence” director, Wu Lang. As for later this year, some possible projects are still undecided as he currently has numerous scripts waiting to be worked on.

The actor, known for his serious roles throughout his career, has shown a desire to broaden his acting range. He mentions a keen interest in attempting Wu Xia or action films, as they are not commonly produced in Taiwan, but laments that he should have been offered such roles when he was younger. Additionally, he expresses an eagerness to delve into comedy, revealing his humorous side, and aims to bring laughter to the audience.

Lee pondered over the increasing worldwide appreciation for Asian cinema, expressing his viewpoint that it’s improving significantly. He mentioned countries like Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan, all producing remarkable films, he added. He emphasized the crucial role of international film festivals in offering these Asian filmmakers much-needed exposure.

The “Walker” series, launched in 2012, presents Lee’s character as a monk, who traverses different urban landscapes at a deliberately slow speed. This creates a tranquil juxtaposition between the age-old spiritual ritual and contemporary surroundings.

The “Walker” series started in 2012 with Lee’s character as a monk, moving slowly through various urban areas. This gives rise to a peaceful contrast between ancient religious practices and modern environments.

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2025-03-15 10:46