5 ways Tony Leung got into character thanks to his costumes: the Hong Kong legend donned slick suits for Wong Kar-wai’s 2046, and drab plaid shirts alongside Leslie Cheung in Happy Together

Sep 25 , 2023

Tony Leung Chiu-wai in a still from the film 2046 (2004). Photo: Handout

Tony Leung Chiu-wai just earned the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival, presented to him by Ang Lee, who directed the film Lust, Caution that Leung starred in

He sported period-accurate fashion as Ip Man, Bruce Lee’s martial arts instructor, in Grandmaster, while Chungking Express saw him don that iconic rebellious white tank look, opposite Faye Wong

Tony Leung Chiu-wai, who was recently accorded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival, is undoubtedly one of the most prolific and versatile actors to have emerged from Hong Kong cinema.

Tony Leung Chiu-Wai reacts as he receives the Golden Lion award for Lifetime Achievement at the 80th Venice Film Festival on September 2. Photo: Reuters

Leung has come a long way from his humble beginnings playing extras on TVB dramas and hosting children’s programmes, to becoming one of the most recognisable Hong Kong faces globally.

Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and his wife Carina Lau Ka-ling during the Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, on September 2. Photo: EPA-EFE

He has starred in everything from comedies and romances to art-house dramas and epic war films. Undeniably good looks aside, he also possesses a unique ability to convincingly transform into any role, often with the help of a thoughtfully designed wardrobe.

Here, we look at the power of costumes and the five times dressing the part helped Leung immerse himself in a role.

1. Chungking Express (1994)

Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Faye Wong in Chungking Express. Photo: Jet Tone Production

As its name suggests, this film is set in Hong Kong’s famous Chungking Mansions and Leung’s character, Cop 663, frequently patrols the building. He’s mostly dressed in a pre-1997 era police uniform of a blue shirt and black pants.

When off duty though, the audience sees a youthful side of the character as he dons plaid shirts and jeans. And, of course, none of director Wong Kar-wai’s young rebellious characters would be complete without that white tank look.

2. Happy Together (1997)

Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing and Tony Leung Chiu-wai in Happy Together. Photo: Golden Harvest Company

Leung knew little about the plot or even his character, let alone the costumes, when he signed on to play one half of a same-sex couple alongside Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing in the 1997 film Happy Together.