During his conversation with the host, TIFF Program Director Ichiyama Shozo, Leung revealed fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes. He recounted how Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien casted him in “City of Sadness” and made the main character a deaf-mute person due to his limited Mandarin-speaking abilities. To prepare for the character and immerse himself in the world of deaf-mute individuals, Leung spent hours reading alone in his hotel room. Director Hou also recommended him a plethora of literary novels, which greatly enhanced his future performances by sharpening his portrayal of emotions. Additionally, Leung was inspired by the genuine and natural performances of amateur actors in the film, prompting him to reassess his own acting methods.

Leung attributed his two-decade-long collaboration with director Wong Kar-Wai to fortunate circumstances. Meeting Wong during a critical point in his career proved transformative. Through their work together, Wong helped Leung shed his overly technical approach to acting and introduced him to a wide variety of music, books, and films. During their extensive conversations and daily filming, the two developed a profound understanding and admiration for each other. Leung praised Wong’s exceptional ability to cultivate actors and reflected on the tremendous growth he experienced as part of Wong’s excellent team. For Leung, the role of Chow Mo-wan in “2046” held special significance, as he worked closely with the director to bring a fresh interpretation to the same character from “In the Mood for Love” by adding a beard to the character’s appearance. This commitment to detail paid off, affirming the notion that actors sometimes need to invest in small nuances to fully embody a role. Leung emphasized that every movie and every role is an opportunity for exploration, challenge, and growth.