People

Having starred in 42 local movies, Michael Wong impressed people most with his character in the action movie Final Option in 1994.

Even though he has been called a gweilo for 16 years, Michael is in fact a Dutch-Chinese who immigrated to the States.

In 1983, he was invited to be a stuntman in a movie, so he came to Hong Kong.

Though he cannot speak Cantonese very well, he is pretty much a local Chinese.

"People seldom see me as a local, but my genes prove that I am a Chinese," Michael said.

He insisted that he should not be called gweilo.

"I know the local culture very well," he said.

He said that when his friends come to Hong Kong, he tells them the local customs and cultures.

Though living in Hong Kong, Michael also stays in Toronto from time to time.

"There are many Chinese living there. It is just like Hong Kong, but with more space," he explained. "Many people do not leave Hong Kong after staying here for a while. It is such a fascinating city."

Many people also think Michael is a happy man. Already with two daughters, Michael and his pregnant wife are now expecting a son.

When his wife came out from the bedroom during this interview, Michael said, "She just woke up, but she still looks so pretty."

He first met his wife's family 8 years ago. His wife's grandmother speaks Shanghainese and he did not know how to communicate with her.

"But we are good friends now and we can chat even when we are alone with each other," Michael said.

In the newspaper, people might read about Michael's smoking cigars, talking about his favorite motorcycle, dressing up and going to balls. Michael seems to know how to enjoy life well.

But to him, enjoying his life means finding a time to relax with his family.

However, sometimes it's a luxury for him.

"A simple life is what I long for now. I feel so contented when my family sits around the dining table and enjoys a tasty dinner my wife made," he said.

Being a handsome popular, Michael is the man of many women's dreams.

"I hear people talking about my appearance 20 times a day. Somebody may say I am fatter, and later somebody may say I look thinner. Somebody may just stare at me," he said.

"I do not think I am perfect. I am just like anyone else, looking at myself in the mirror everyday and finding my appearance okay."

But Michael admitted that physical appearance and the way he speaks Cantonese do help his career.

People like making fun of his accent. Still, they love him.

"Speaking Cantonese is always a problem. If I say some words, directors ask me to say more," he said.

But Michael believes he can do more than what an actor can.

He will be a director for the first time this month. The story takes place in a police station and Michael will be an officer. But there will not be as many gunfights as the audience would expect from a cop movie.

"I have never seen a gunfight on the street, like those in cop movies," he explained.

"I will do some research, like talking to the lawyers. I want to let the audience know what is real and make them feel as if they have come across what they have watched before," he said.

Michael's movie will also show subtle family affection, such as his friendship with his wife's grandmother.

"The movie will be shown during the Chinese New Year. I think the audience would have more feelings then," he added.

Michael has some experience shooting films in the States.

"Money is a big problem and I am still begging for sponsorship," he said.

Michael said that people in the local movie industry do not strive for the best. He will change the routines. The press will not be welcome during the production.

"I will strive for the best. But if I do not understand what the movie is about when it comes out, then I quit.

"People may doubt my ability to direct a movie," he added. "But nobody knows what others are capable of doing.

"I believe I can fly," sang Michael, who is a licensed helicopter pilot.