Playing historical figures often pose challenges
to actors. But for Taiwanese actor Winston Chao,
it was probably a breeze playing Chinese political
and revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen. After
all, the 47-year-old has portrayed this great leader
of modern China three times in his acting career.
 “After
playing Dr. Sun twice, I have accumulated much
experience. Besides, for my latest film, the director,
crew and cast are wonderful to work with, which
makes it an easy process,” Chao tells movieXclusive.com
in an email interview. He had played the “Father
of Modern China” in the film The Soong Sisters
(1997) and the drama series Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s
Love and Revolution (2001). 
After
six years, he takes on the role of the Kuomintang
co-founder again in Derek Chiu’s Road to
Dawn, which closes the 21st Singapore International
Film Festival. The director has stated that one
of the reasons he chose Chao is because he had
done the role so many times before, and audiences
would automatically associate him with Sun.
In
response to that statement, Chao replies humbly:
“I see that as a form of recognition, but
there is also some form of stress. I hope that
viewers can see how my life experience has improved
my acting.”
Road
to Dawn was shot entirely on location in Penang,
and co-stars Angelica Lee and Wu Yue. Although
it was Chao’s first time acting with them,
he has nothing but praises for the award-winning
actresses.
 “I
have always liked these two actresses. Wu Yue
is elegant and Angelica is pretty, and these traits
suit their roles very well. Hence, it is easy
to act opposite them.”
Chao
also recalls the fond memories shooting the film
in Penang: “There was so much to eat! The
Hokkien, Cantonese and Nonya cuisine really whetted
my appetite. I put on over 10 pounds, and I almost
couldn’t button up my collar!”
The
film tells the fictionalized story of Dr. Sun’s
time in Penang with his lover Chen Cui Fen, played
by Wu. Said to be born in Nanyang, Chen was also
Dr. Sun’s revolutionary companion. This
seems to fit the mould of how there is a great
woman behind every great man. However, Chao begs
to differ on this notion.
“Look
at Abraham Lincoln and Socrates’ wives.
I think they are scary women. And In Dr. Sun's
case, behind this great man's back, there is more
than just one great woman!”
Having
starred in other acclaimed Asian films like Ang
Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), Stanley
Kwan’s Red Rose White Rose (1994) and Jacob
Cheung’s Intimates (1997), Chao feels that
it is most important for Asian filmmakers to always
put themselves in their local audiences’
shoes.
The
self-proclaimed harsh critic has this to say:
“Make films that reflect your local culture.
Make films for your own people to watch. And don’t
be obsessed about sending your works to so-called
international film festivals!”
- By John Li
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