Legendary HK actor Michael Hui, 82, says he is afraid of death

When you visit the cinemas this weekend, you might do a double take when you see the posters for the movie The Last Dance.

Instead of featuring the familiar alien symbiote Venom, this one showcases Hong Kong actors Michael Hui Koon Man and Dayo Wong Tze Wah standing in front of a coffin.

Though both movies share the same title, the storylines are world’s apart.

While the title in the Marvel movie is about Eddie Brock and Venom’s final outing, in the Cantonese movie – directed by Anselm Chan Mou Yin – it refers to a ritual called “Break Hell’s Gate”.

Conducted during a funeral, this ritual involves a Taoist priest “rushing into hell” with a sword to break hell’s gates, and free the souls of the dead and helping them reincarnate.

Wait a minute.

This premise sounds dark and heavy – it can’t possibly star the legendary Hui who is beloved for his iconic comedies from the 1980s and 1990s such as Happy Ding Dong, Chicken And Duck Talk, Teppanyaki and Hero Of The Beggars.

But that’s precisely the reason why Hui took up the role of the Taoist priest in The Last Dance.

“I found this great script about life and death – with a touch of humour. But it’s not the kind of extreme, slapstick humour of my time.

“It’s bittersweet: laughter mixed with tears, the future of comedy as I see it,” Hui, 82, said.

“The Last Dance will make you cry, but not from sadness; it’s a cry that leaves you content.

“Today’s world has enough reasons to cry (from sadness) – no need to add to it,” he told Malaysian media at an interview in Tokyo recently.

Hui, his co-stars Wong, Michelle Wai Sze Nga and Tommy Chu Pak Hong with their director Chan were in the Japan capital to attend the premiere of The Last Dance at the recent Tokyo International Film Festival which ran from Oct 28 to Nov 6.

The movie was well received during the screening in Tokyo, as it was when it premiered at the Hawaii Film Festival in early October.According to Hui, while the movie centres on Chinese funerals, its themes will resonate universally.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from – there’s something in The Last Dance everyone can relate to.

“The final farewell ceremony is profoundly important; it’s a moment of connection as we wish someone well on their journey to the other side.

“And we need faith that we’ll meet again, even if that’s not guaranteed,” said Hui who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards last year for his role in Where The Wind Blows.

The Last Dance tells the story of a down-on-his-luck wedding planner Dominic (Wong) who has to switch career to become a funeral consultant, where he helps manage funeral arrangements and rituals.

He meets a strict, no-nonsense Taoist priest Master Man (Hui) and has to win his approval as they clash on nearly everything.

According to the director, he came up with this storyline during a low point in his life during the pandemic.

“During Covid-19, I lost many loved ones, which led me to a dark period and questioned the meaning of life.

“I wanted to find purpose… Through making this film, I was able to find light, and I hope audiences can feel that too,” Chan said, adding that he spent a year researching for this film.

(From left) Anselm Chan, Michelle Wai, Michael Hui and Dayo Wong at the opening ceremony of the recent Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo: ©2024 TIFF

The 41-year-old director said that he faced some challenges when it came to the logistics of filming as he wanted it to be set in real funeral parlours for authenticity.

“The funeral setting details were particularly complex. In Hong Kong, funeral parlours are open almost year-round, leaving only three closed days.

“If we wanted a realistic set, we had to work within these constraints, which required extensive planning and some creative alternatives,” explained Chan.

Another challenge Chan faced was getting Taoist priests to impart their knowledge to the actors Chu and Wai.

Since the Breaking Hell’s Gate ritual can only be performed by male Taoist priests, most of those the filmmaker approached refused to teach Wai.

“We faced challenges finding Taoist priests willing to teach, but eventually, two agreed to share portions of the ritual.

“One was only willing to teach the first half of the ritual, and the other, the second half. It worked out for us because we combined both parts to get the whole ritual,” Chan said with a cheeky smile.

(From left) Anselm Chan with actors Michelle Wai and Tommy Chu in Tokyo. Photo: GORDON KHO/The Star

The director added that Wai trained for nine months to perfect the Breaking Hell’s Gate ritual while Chu picked it up in two weeks.

“The training was physically and emotionally demanding,” said Chu who was Taoist before converting to Christianity.

The 42-year-old actor, who plays Master Man’s son in the film, added: “Before participating in this film, I feared these ceremonies, but this production taught me that it’s a ritual for the living, to help them cope with loss.”

For Wai, portraying Man’s daughter who is a paramedic and has a strained relationship with her father, was challenging as it is far different from her own personality.

“My character’s introversion and loneliness were challenging, as it contrasted sharply with my own outgoing family background. I worked to understand her isolation and internal struggle,” said Wai, who turns 40 on Nov 24.

She even went as far as not interacting with the other actors on set to stay in character.

For fans of Hong Kong cinema, it is a delight to see the pairing of Hui and Wong after 32 years; the two comedy icons last worked together in 1992’s Magic Touch.

“It’s rare to even meet up with friends after such a long time, let alone work together again. It feels like a miracle,” Wong, 64, said when asked how he feels about collaborating with Hui after all these years.

Hui chimed in saying it is his fault they never got the chance to act together.

“Thirty-two years ago, I invited Dayo just to brainstorm for the script, but he was eager to act.

“So, I brought him in as a guest star and soon discovered he truly loves acting.

“I promised him back then that I’d direct again once I found a groundbreaking comedy, which I thought would be in two or three years. But 32 years passed,” Hui said.

“Recently, my wife reminded me that I still hadn’t completed the script,” Hui added, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

Dayo Wong (left) and Michael Hui reunite on screen after 32 years.

But it soon turned sombre when Hui and Wong were asked if acting in this movie has changed their views on life and death.

Both were quiet at first.

“I’m afraid of death. I haven’t given it much thought,” Wong replied finally.

“Though I do feel some preparation is needed. First make a will, even if you have only 500 dollars. It’ll make things easier and give you peace of mind.

“I hope to pass peacefully, maybe while watching a movie and laughing,” Wong added.

Hui admitted he is afraid of death as there’s much to live for, especially movies.

“We’re born without knowing our purpose. It’s hard to be happy unless you find purpose. Once you have a purpose, you’ll want to live fully, and ironically, that makes you fear death,” Hui said.

“I love movies – acting, directing, watching – everything about them. Even at my age, you will still find me in the cinemas.

“Technology has made movies more beautiful than ever, and with all these dreams left to realise, I’m afraid to die,” he said, voice trailing off.