Longman Leung collaborates with Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong again for 'Cold War 1994', emphasizing opportunities for young Hong Kong stars
Director Longman Leung reunites with Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong for 'Cold War 1994', following 'Anita'. He stresses the importance of providing opportunities for young Hong Kong stars, praising their performances in the prequel to the 'Cold War' series, set in 1994.
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- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 18:46
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（Central News Agency reporter Wang Hsin-ping, Taipei, 9th) Director Longman Leung collaborates with Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong again for 'Cold War 1994' after 'Anita'. He jokingly said that this combination was a 'death-seeking' act when filming 'Anita' back then, but he still believes young Hong Kong stars should be given opportunities, and their performances this time did not disappoint him.
The 'Cold War' series is a representative work of Hong Kong police action films. 'Cold War 1994' is released after a 10-year hiatus, also written and directed by Longman Leung, but set back in 1994, telling the story of the protagonist Li Wen-bin.
**Classic IP starts from the origin of the story**
Longman Leung said in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that although he had considered continuing the story from the easter egg in the second film, the production company's boss and team ultimately decided that the story should start from the origin of the protagonist and expand. The '1994 undercover incident' that appeared in the first film was very suitable for extending the story, incorporating elements of gangs and tycoons. Finally, four screenwriters spent a year and a half to finalize the story.
Longman Leung drew inspiration from the subtle power struggle between Obama and Hillary Clinton when he wrote 'Cold War'. The anxiety about an unknown future that Hong Kong experienced in the 90s inspired the prequel's story. 'Making decisions involves responsibility and risks. The main theme of 1994 is choice, and 1995 is sacrifice. Sometimes, you have to let go to get what you want.'
**A film combination that investors thought was 'death-seeking'**
Starting from the origin of the story, who can take on the role of the young protagonist? Longman Leung laughed and said that working with Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong again after 'Anita' felt very reassuring. 'But at that time, a male director who filmed police action movies was going to shoot a female star's biography, and also found a newcomer to play Anita Mui. The four (elements) combined were simply 'death-seeking'! No one would be optimistic because no one could play Anita Mui well. This was a dangerous investment.'
Longman Leung admitted that he faces different pressures every time he makes a film, but he recalled that many actors now considered Hong Kong superstars began their careers in their 30s. Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong are currently around that age. 'People always say that there are no successors in Hong Kong, but perhaps (young actors) just lack opportunities. Although there are risks, this must be taken! You cannot say they are inexperienced and not give them opportunities.'
Longman Leung emphasized, 'I told them, it doesn't matter if people criticize me, but you are my male and female leads. Your future path must get better and better, that's the most important thing!'
Tony Leung Ka-fai was nominated for both the Hong Kong Film Award and Golden Horse Award for Best Actor for the first two 'Cold War' films, with outstanding performances, but Liu Chun-him did not hesitate to take on the younger version of the role.
Longman Leung believes that the state of a character at 30 and 50 is completely different. 'I talked with him for a long time and not just once, sharing our respective interpretations of Li Wen-bin. I think the interesting part of this creation is that we jointly decided not to have him play Tony Leung Ka-fai's Li Wen-bin, but instead to focus on how the character changes. Many events are not black and white, and the gray area in between can be used very well.' Longman Leung also helped Louise Wong find common ground with the gang boss. 'They are both very loyal and protective of those around them.'
**Longman Leung praises Chen Yi-wen as a blessing for Taiwan's film and television industry**
'Cold War' can be considered a gathering of male gods in the Chinese film industry. This time, actor Chen Yi-wen and Wu Kang-jen have joined. Longman Leung was very impressed by Chen Yi-wen's performance. His character is based on Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, but suitable actors in Hong Kong were all old faces. When staff initially recommended Chen Yi-wen, 'I knew he was a great actor, but I didn't actually know him, and couldn't imagine his silhouette.'
Unexpectedly, Chen Yi-wen spoke Cantonese with a Chaozhou accent, just like Li Ka-shing, during their first meeting. Longman Leung recalled, 'When we did the costume fitting, with the glasses and hair added, we all thought it was amazing! He can really play anything, he's truly a master. Taiwan having (Chen Yi-wen) is a blessing!'
As for Wu Kang-jen, Longman Leung decided he was the only one for the role. At that time, Wu Kang-jen had just won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor. Longman Leung chuckled, saying he was worried Wu wouldn't agree, so he personally flew to Taiwan to invite him.
'Cold War 1994' is currently showing across Taiwan, and the sequel 'Cold War 1995' will also meet audiences soon. Since Eddie Peng played Li Wen-bin's son in the first two films, many netizens are looking forward to uncovering his identity. Longman Leung smiled and said: 'After the release, many people are concerned about Ah Jun's (Eddie Peng) mother. Everyone can go to the cinema to find the answer, and we will try our best to satisfy everyone!' (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150509
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The 'Cold War' series is a representative work of Hong Kong police action films. 'Cold War 1994' is released after a 10-year hiatus, also written and directed by Longman Leung, but set back in 1994, telling the story of the protagonist Li Wen-bin.
**Classic IP starts from the origin of the story**
Longman Leung said in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that although he had considered continuing the story from the easter egg in the second film, the production company's boss and team ultimately decided that the story should start from the origin of the protagonist and expand. The '1994 undercover incident' that appeared in the first film was very suitable for extending the story, incorporating elements of gangs and tycoons. Finally, four screenwriters spent a year and a half to finalize the story.
Longman Leung drew inspiration from the subtle power struggle between Obama and Hillary Clinton when he wrote 'Cold War'. The anxiety about an unknown future that Hong Kong experienced in the 90s inspired the prequel's story. 'Making decisions involves responsibility and risks. The main theme of 1994 is choice, and 1995 is sacrifice. Sometimes, you have to let go to get what you want.'
**A film combination that investors thought was 'death-seeking'**
Starting from the origin of the story, who can take on the role of the young protagonist? Longman Leung laughed and said that working with Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong again after 'Anita' felt very reassuring. 'But at that time, a male director who filmed police action movies was going to shoot a female star's biography, and also found a newcomer to play Anita Mui. The four (elements) combined were simply 'death-seeking'! No one would be optimistic because no one could play Anita Mui well. This was a dangerous investment.'
Longman Leung admitted that he faces different pressures every time he makes a film, but he recalled that many actors now considered Hong Kong superstars began their careers in their 30s. Liu Chun-him and Louise Wong are currently around that age. 'People always say that there are no successors in Hong Kong, but perhaps (young actors) just lack opportunities. Although there are risks, this must be taken! You cannot say they are inexperienced and not give them opportunities.'
Longman Leung emphasized, 'I told them, it doesn't matter if people criticize me, but you are my male and female leads. Your future path must get better and better, that's the most important thing!'
Tony Leung Ka-fai was nominated for both the Hong Kong Film Award and Golden Horse Award for Best Actor for the first two 'Cold War' films, with outstanding performances, but Liu Chun-him did not hesitate to take on the younger version of the role.
Longman Leung believes that the state of a character at 30 and 50 is completely different. 'I talked with him for a long time and not just once, sharing our respective interpretations of Li Wen-bin. I think the interesting part of this creation is that we jointly decided not to have him play Tony Leung Ka-fai's Li Wen-bin, but instead to focus on how the character changes. Many events are not black and white, and the gray area in between can be used very well.' Longman Leung also helped Louise Wong find common ground with the gang boss. 'They are both very loyal and protective of those around them.'
**Longman Leung praises Chen Yi-wen as a blessing for Taiwan's film and television industry**
'Cold War' can be considered a gathering of male gods in the Chinese film industry. This time, actor Chen Yi-wen and Wu Kang-jen have joined. Longman Leung was very impressed by Chen Yi-wen's performance. His character is based on Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, but suitable actors in Hong Kong were all old faces. When staff initially recommended Chen Yi-wen, 'I knew he was a great actor, but I didn't actually know him, and couldn't imagine his silhouette.'
Unexpectedly, Chen Yi-wen spoke Cantonese with a Chaozhou accent, just like Li Ka-shing, during their first meeting. Longman Leung recalled, 'When we did the costume fitting, with the glasses and hair added, we all thought it was amazing! He can really play anything, he's truly a master. Taiwan having (Chen Yi-wen) is a blessing!'
As for Wu Kang-jen, Longman Leung decided he was the only one for the role. At that time, Wu Kang-jen had just won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor. Longman Leung chuckled, saying he was worried Wu wouldn't agree, so he personally flew to Taiwan to invite him.
'Cold War 1994' is currently showing across Taiwan, and the sequel 'Cold War 1995' will also meet audiences soon. Since Eddie Peng played Li Wen-bin's son in the first two films, many netizens are looking forward to uncovering his identity. Longman Leung smiled and said: 'After the release, many people are concerned about Ah Jun's (Eddie Peng) mother. Everyone can go to the cinema to find the answer, and we will try our best to satisfy everyone!' (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150509
Choose to stand with facts. Your every donation is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Reproduction, public broadcast, public transmission, and utilization of the text, images, and videos on this website are prohibited without authorization.