Tomb Raider 2's Co-Star Simon Yam Chats with AsianConnections' Steve Joe

Exclusive!
Tomb Raider 2 co-star Simon Yam chats with AsianConnections' about his role, working with Angelina, and more!

In his first Hollywood film, Hong Kong's legendary actor Simon Yam plays ruthless crime lord Chen Lo in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Yam plays opposite Angelina Jolie. Jolie plays archeological explorer Lara Croft who is on a mission to save the world by protecting the mythical Pandora's Box.

Steve talked with both Terence and Simon in exclusive interviews.

Click here to Steve's chat with Terence Yin and read right here for his conversation with Simon.

Studio cameras also captured Angelina talking about the Asian influences in her life

AsianConnections' Steve Joe sat down with the charismatic actor for an exclusive interview on a wide range of topics including his friendship with Angelina and his charity efforts to help kids in China. Here are highlights of that conversation, and for a Quicktime video of the world premiere with Simon, Terence and Angelina click here.

Steve: You've had a very prolific career with more than 170 films. How did you get started?

Simon: I [did] lots of modeling for fashion walking, and fashion print ads, and lots of commercials in Hong Kong. Once, [this] guy from TV called [my agent], and said I want this guy to have [an] interview with me because I want to get this guy to work in my TV drama. So I got into TV! That was 1974. Which is a long time.

Ive been doing 16 years in TV dramas and more than 2000 episodes. [Then I started working] in film in 1978. And now like one hundred Im lucky, Im lucky, I can say Im a lucky boy! I've like 170 movies already in Hong Kong, and China and Taiwan. This is my first movie in Hollywood!

Steve: Do you feel there is a difference between doing a Hong Kong film and an American film?

Simon: Well actually, there is no difference between that. In Hong Kong films, I speak Cantonese. In China, I speak Mandarin, and [in the U.S.], I speak English.

Steve: It seems like Hong Kong films come out with a film every month, and in Hollywood it takes a little longer.

Simon: Yes right, but this is good.

Steve: How do you come out with the films so quickly in Hong Kong?

Simon: I can say its just a part of the game - a different culture. Of course in Hong Kong, the culture in Hong Kong is different. In China, its different from America. Its only the cultural difference. Its nothing [other than] that.

Steve: Do you only have one or two takes?

Simon: No. They still [work until everything is] one hundred percent perfect. Of course, the budget is not as big as Hollywood films. Thats why we need to work hard, like 48 hours and sometimes 150 hours nonstop, and go to work until [weve] finished the scene.

So this is good for Simon Yam - to be patient - to be very edgy. Every single scene, I try my best to do that. I always think thats okay. This is a tape. This is your movie. And this movie will then last a hundred years. So Tomb Raider Part 2 - can keep it for 100 years, 2 hundred years, maybe longer!

Thats why - I mean my theory is - every single shot, I need to do the best in the scene. This is a good theory for an actor and an actress.

Steve: Is that the advice you give to the younger actors and actresses. Every shot - you should give 100 percent?

Simon: Well, the younger actor, I dont know why they all bring like 7 [people to the set]. One for the makeup, and one for the style, and one [to hold an] umbrella, you know, in Hong Kong because [its] so hot. Then they have someone to bring a cup of tea, and their manager. Its wrong.

I always come alone. My cell phone is always off when Im shooting on set. Its just amazing. Its just an extraordinary world. This is good for concentration. I hate people who have their cell phone all the time.

Steve: Was Terence [Yin] like that? Did he bring an entourage?

Simon: No, no, no. Hes good, hes good! I just say, dont bring [your] phone!

Steve: Okay, just wondering. [laughing]

Simon: Yeah, I just thought, hey, dont bring a phone - no matter what! And then - Concentrate on each single shot!

Steve: Can you tell me about your character in Tomb Raider 2?

Simon: Well, its a bad guy, actually. Its not so different from Hong Kong films, the only thing difference is just the cultural difference.

Steve: What are the cultural differences?

Simon: Its only the language. Yeah, its only the language. I know a lot [about] American culture. I know a lot about Hong Kong culture and Taiwan. I know about what they [want]. So you cant put those Hong Kong performances into Hollywood performances. Totally different. As soon as you know the culture, [it is] easier.

I always say that dreams always come true. Once when I [was making] this movie, no matter what - I can say - who knows? Chen Lo, hey you die. Who knows. Part two is coming back. Maybe Part 3 will be coming. Chen Lo is coming back. Yeah, and maybe the video game - Chen Lo is here. I mean - I try my best to work hard!

Steve: What was it like working with Angelina in the fight scenes?

Simon: Shes amazing. Shes awesome. I was surprised that she [could fight so well]. All of the stunts by herself - even the wire. We are in the Terracotta Warriors in a fight. She did all the stunts by herself. I was surprised. But its good. [Im] used to the oriental weapon, and shes used to fighting with a western weapon. So we just click. Shes sexy, she can act, and she can fight. So what can you say? A very professional actress. From the bottom of my heart, shes a perfect girl in the world.

Steve: I hear that Angelina Jolie does a lot of philanthropy work. I also hear that you do a lot of philanthropy work too. For instance, shes a UN Goodwill Ambassador. What things are you doing right now?

Simon: Actually I did lots of charitable work in Southeast Asia; I [produced] 3 photograpy books, [that] raised more than 5 or 6 million Hong Kong dollars for those children. I adopted children in Thailand. I have a school in Guangxi[China]. Well, which is like - were talking about like 1200 children.

Steve: Thats incredible.

Simon: And Im anxious because I just talked with Angelina. [I asked her] Is it possible - for you are a star and you are a big name in the world - is it possible to do some charitable work in China? [Angelina said] Why not? Ive got some time; I can go to China to do some publicity for charity. [I said] Oh, thank you very much. This is awesome! This is great!

Steve: We look forward to hearing more about your philanthropic work with Angelina Jolie in the future, and seeing more of your movies. Thanks a lot!

Simon: Thank you!