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"Anita" director admits challenge in recreating '70s HK

5 Oct – Director Longman Leung recently admitted that there was a time that he nearly called it quits on the set of the highly-anticipated biopic, "Anita", after realising how difficult it would be to recreate the old structures and buildings of the '60s and '70s Hong Kong in the movie.

In a special feature released by Edko Films, the director admitted that it was a huge challenge for him and the team to bring back the look of Hong Kong of the past, from recreating the Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park, the Lee Theatre, and the Tsim Sha Tsui East Harbour.

Admitting that the film was a big budget affair, Longman said that there was even a time when he thought that he shouldn't even be shooting it.

The old Hong Kong look had to be recreated
The old Hong Kong look had to be recreated

"But everyone begged me not to give up. Even the people working on the special effects, who said that they would want to make them since they get the most feel from the old buildings and venues," he said.

Longman stated that he is thankful to all the cast and crew for encouraging him during his weakest moments in making the movie.

"Hong Kong is a city that is rapidly changing. For people who have never experienced it, they might be surprised to see that the city used to look like [in the movie]. This is a filmmaker's responsibility to bring to life," he added.

It was challenging, to say the least, for filmmaker Longman Leung and his production team to bring old Hong Kong to life
It was challenging, to say the least, for filmmaker Longman Leung and his production team to bring old Hong Kong to life

(Photo Source: Mingpao, HK01)