Common Ground with Zhou Yu

In this film, there are various types of leaders, such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan. Could you tell us,
what your ideal leader looks like?

Someone who is democratic, truly understands the people's feelings, and acts upon them.

Is that the type of leader you portrayed as Zhou Yu?

Yes, that's right.
Zhou Yu deeply loves the people around him.
That's the kind of person I'd want to be a leader.

Zhou Yu in this film seems to have no flaws at all...

Of course, I believe he has flaws, but I think director John Woo chose not to portray them.
He might have been a rather hopeless man at home, perhaps not even tidying up (laughs).

Do you and Zhou Yu share any common traits?

He's the type who keeps everything inside, without expressing his thoughts on every little thing.
As a general, that aspect is important; showing anxiety or pressure to subordinates would have a negative impact.
I suppose that part is similar.

In one scene in Part 2, Xiao Qiao, played by Lin Chi-ling, infiltrates the enemy camp. Zhou Yu, while worried, fights for his country. There's a scene like that.
If you were torn between your beloved family and your sense of duty, how would you make your decision?

From Zhou Yu's perspective, his wife took that action for him, so he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
He is filled with gratitude for his wife, but his heart aches with worry.
However, if something like that happened in real life, I'd be like, 'Give me a break!' (laughs).
I believe family time is important, so I hope such things remain confined to the movie.

Partnership is Built Through Refinement Over Time

What message do you want to convey through this film to the generation that will carry the future?

This Battle of Red Cliffs is one of those special wars.
An army with fewer forces defeats a much larger one.
With conviction and courage, if you don't give up, the world will surely become brighter, and anything can be achieved.
There is nothing impossible in this world.
So, don't give up easily.
Everything is possible.

Thank you.

"Red Cliff: The Final Battle"
Now showing nationwide at TOHO Cinemas, Nichigeki, and other theaters starting Saturday, April 10, 2009.