SODA MAGAZINE (Japan) ZZ INTERVIEW - complete article

PART 1
Translation by sytwo at VIC/ AF

Vic Chou
Bringing the tornado from entertainment industry

Receiving a surprising good ratings in Taiwan last year, achieving a big possibility
Police-criminal drama “Black & White starring Vic Chou.
Let us interview him, the actor who has entered a mature stage of his acting life


Debut for 10 years
Has the self-confidence to convey his own ideas

Debuting in the Taiwan drama “Meteor Garden” (2001) which opened the door for idol dramas, he once again bring a tornado in the TV series "Black & white". In this series, Vic plays the character of “Zai Tian”, who is caught in the middle of a huge conspiracy, faces a quick succession of different life-changing criminal events.
"Actually, 3 years before the official filming began, I have already known from Director Cai directly about this idea. At that time I already decided that I will definitely participate in this drama. So to be able to actually complete and achieve the target production that Director Cai has, I feel very happy. This drama is not only the first large-scale production in the history of Taiwan, but the fact that I can take part in such a work, I am very happy.”
This is the third cooperation with Director Cai after Meteor Garden and Mars, there is a good mutual understanding with each other. Director Cai’s level of expectation towards Vic is also very high.

"Initially when I first heard of the conception of the drama, this role has not been fully and concretely developed yet. At the beginning, I only know that on the surface he is a carefree and optimistic character, but the inner person is very complex. In between the 3 years while engaged in other jobs, my mind has not forgotten this character and that I will be filming this drama from Director Cai. In the period where I am sharpening my maturity, I began to start filming this work.”


PART 2

“Zai Tian”, the character played by Vic, lives in a state-of-mind of “So long as I am happy today, that will be good.” With such an attitude, when he met with the hot-blooded cop Ying Xiong and through the course of events, the hidden parts of Zai Tian’s inner-self was peeled away layer by layer.

Vic successfully interpret the unstable nature and fragility of the character
"One day, is suddenly given the living environment that is the envy of everyone. But then suddenly he loses all of it at once. In fear that one day he will be returned to the past life, and must face the tremendous ups and downs of life. Zai Tian’s heart carries all sorts of mentality, possesses the weakness of human nature. Although I am familiar with the fundamental personality of Zai Tian, but the constantly changing moods, and the complex background of this character, is quite difficult to play. "

In this drama, the joint forces of Zai Tian and Ying Xiong with their opposite personality, the national-scale conspiracy, the strive between the mercenary and the army, the humor and the tension, all this co-exists to enable the TV series to receive very positive feedback from the audience. But this also bring along some burden to the body.

"To tell the truth, I have spent a lot of efforts on the outer appearance. Before the shooting, I received martial arts training. The other actors have already been through the classes, it is only I who have not. And then I have also thought before that the role of Zai Tian should not be very skilled in fighting and combat. So after a few days I stopped going to the classes (laughs). However, everyone else’s body became increasing strong physically, it is only me who is too thin, and it will not look proper/ good when shown on screen.” “So I started to eat a lot like mad, and do physical training, it is very tough (laughs) "

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Part 3 & 4 - translated by Vicfan

PART 3

What he says gives one the feeling that, although he said it half-jokingly, but nevertheless can put across the impression that, this man’s point of view is “An actor who has totally delivered up to his own expected level of performance (or has performed up to the level of his own expectations), only then he will have self-confidence."

Lastly, "Black & White" was the most popular production in 2009. Following that, he starred in the movie "Love you ten thousand years". He plays an eccentric lead singer, a role which generated hot discussions.

Non-stop participation in highly popular works, such considerable achievements, what is the reason for such remarkable talent?

"Hey hey hey, it is not due to any foresight that tells me which project will "win" or similar ... (laughs).

However, what is very clear is that, when selecting scripts, I feel a premonition of “I want to act!” kind of sensation. This attractive script plus the story of "Love you ten thousand years" is fresh and has a sense of flow. If filmed like a manga, it feels very interesting. I wanted to take up the challenge. At that time, I didn’t care who were the crew or who were the fellow actors. Solely based on reading the script, I decided to take up this role."

Presently, the wholeheartedly enthusiastic Vic Zhou really possesses "his own freedom to choose and develop the roles he wishes", his own space "to develop his own ability to the fullest” kind of impression.

"Until now, all of my works have a “after I have grown up” kind of feeling. My status as an actor, cumulative experience, acting skills have widened. 10 years ago, I was an ignorant layman. But now, I have confidence in myself, the roles I perform I can portray them competently. Through the lens, I feel that I can act out what I really want to convey, to let everyone appreciate my works."


PART 4

During the interview, 2 lady writers/(readers?) were present. Following were their impressions of ZZ:-

Still very much the Prince Charming in white.
Stunned by his bright aura.
I heard that, after 10 years, his acting skills has become enriched.
I feel that now and in future I will always be incredibly mesmerized by him”
藤松桑（Female ３3years old）


One word "Beautiful" !!
Just looking at him during photography session can make one totally engrossed.
Sometimes joking, sometimes expression looking like a little child ...., maintaining calm smile……this is against the law lah!"
村上桑（Female ２１years old）

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