DESPITE HIS PREMATURE death at 46, superstar Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing left behind a wide spectrum of films any actor would be proud to have on his resume. To his fans, family and friends, they now serve as memories.
'We had known each other for more than 20 years, since our early days in the business. He knew me better than anyone and I can't forget - I dare not forget - his every gesture, every quirk,' says good friend, Canto-pop star Anita Mui Yim-fong.
'I think his death was a message to us that people need care. Sadly, we can only see him through his films now. When we see him on the screen, I hope his gestures, his smile will bring all of us some solace and comfort.'
Like Mui, his friends and family are hoping a two-day retrospective, Leslie Legacy - His Charm, Charisma And Craft Remembered On Celluloid, on Sunday and Monday will be a sort of catharsis that will finally allow them to come to terms with their grief.
Nine films have been chosen for the retrospective, to be shown at the Cultural Centre's Grand Theatre and the City Hall Theatre. 'The films held a special meaning for Leslie,' says producer Nansun Shi. 'Take Nomad, for example. Leslie always thought of it as his real film debut and Farewell My Concubine is artistry at its best.'
Shi was a close friend of the star and the conceptual brains behind the retrospective that is being co-presented by the Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Organisers hope to raise about $300,000 from ticket sales, the proceeds of which will go to the Children's Cancer Fund and the End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation, charities Cheung supported.
The event has won the support of family and friends including Cheung's longtime companion Daffy Tong Hok-tak, director Peter Chan Ho-sun and former co-stars including Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Cecilia Yip Tung and Anita Yuen Wing-yee, who made a rare appearance to announce details of the retrospective.