Being a wuxia classic, many viewers watching the newest adaptation of Heavenly Sword Dragon Slaying Saber 倚天屠龙记 already have preconceived notions of the story and the characters. Joseph Zeng Shunxi writes a long response to address doubts over his casting as the protagonist Zhang Wuji.
He starts by asking, “Am I Zhang Wuji?” and says that he’d like to address everyone as the actor Zeng Shunxi. He says, “Being questioned is something that has never stopped since I started out as an actor. To be honest, this sense of insecurity scares me. My performance in The Birth of Actors, the dispute over casting in Heavenly Sword Dragon Slaying Saber and the problem of my eyes being too big. For me, instead of saying that these are repeated blows, these have become repeated opportunities and difficult challenges that have helped me grow faster. Of course, looking at my performance a year ago now, there really were many areas that are lacking.
For example, the first time Wuji appears, I wanted to portray the contrast before and after the character matures. In trying to act young, he comes across childish which is a regret of mine.
For example, in the big scenes at Bright Summit Peak (光明顶) and Wudang Mountain (武当山), there were many details and facial expressions that were not done well. My emotional state wasn’t stable enough and I was rushing to say lines.
For example, there were also problems in the way Zhang Wuji reacted to the enemies who killed his parents. His conflict in hating them and knowing that killing them cannot solve anything. A normal person would definitely have an extreme reaction, but how will the real Wuji act? He who aspires for peace, he who is kind and humane. It’s very hard….
Lastly, I would like to talk about the problem with my eyes being too big. If it has taken some viewers out of the story, I’m truly sorry. There was one year when my boss visited a senior in the industry who quietly advised that I should squint my eyes when filming heavy scenes. Yes, I have been experimenting and practicing squinting while acting. But this time, there were still many scenes where my natural reaction was to stare. This is my fault, I have always been trying to fix it, this is also a bottleneck that I will work hard to overcome to satisfy viewers. I want to say, even though I’ve said it many times: My eyes are naturally like this, given by my mom.
I share my thoughts after watching the show now that it’s aired halfway, and wish to be able to discuss with even more Jin Yong fans and viewers to know how you feel. I am very willing to listen to your honest opinions, and aware that there have been many very good adaptations in the past. To have a remake with fresh ideas is indeed hard, and my acting is not mature enough. But I know that Zeng Shunxi at the time already tried his hardest, he loves Yi Tian (倚天), loves Zhang Wuji and loves being an actor. ”
He ends by saying that he did not come from acting school, but he wishes to become a professional actor. He is on the road and not in a rush. He says that he is Zhang Wuji. If he is not, then at least, he is Zeng Aniu.
Source: 1
Philip Việt
I think he's acting good. Love him to the esp. 33 now. Good luck on his career
Anonymous
It is already unfortunate enough his looks is too childish. Or actually too modern to play in ancient dramas, and the slow motion fightings with bad CGI and an ugly sword make it much worse.
But sounds like he has a like-able personality though.
Unknown
but i love how sexy the way you stare babe?i found it hard to resist..we both have the same eyes tough.
Faith Nim
I LOVE everything about Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre. Joseph, jiayou!
Unknown
i love what ever you do love your eyes
unknown
lovely big eyes
Anonymous
I only start to enjoy the drama after he appeared…and then I went back to watch all of the episodes b4.
Unknown
I really like and enjoy watching this drama and i also cried how many times…i like the episode with wuji and zhao zhao as sacred maiden in the ship saying goodbye each other….hoping that zhao will come at the end of the story….but not happened…..all in all its amazing but only i dont like the ending with xiao min…..
Unknown
I enjoyed watching it and happy that he ends up with zhou min.
ISRAELITE
Everything you did in this movie is so perfect to me……
After watching this movie, I went to search for all the movie you have been featured in, so as to watch all.
Will love to meet you one day ❤❤
ROLE MODEL
We are of the same motive bro. I love the guy…
Unknown
Excellent actor. Truly played well in the wuji's character being innocent and kind. I couldn't find any actors who played in this role in the past played better than you. Thank you for your hard work to have such a great show for many to enjoy.
Ron Salas
Watching it now and I think he did a great job. He does fit the role of a Zhang Wuji. He is soft but Wuji has always been soft. He can't help but be young because he is young. But he has great chemistry with his co-stars and is very watchable. Looking forward to what else he does in the future.
ROLE MODEL
I jx couldn't get wearied over watching this movie. I'm actually addicted to te movie because of you. I am also now a Chinese movie fans bcos of u bro. I love u to the moon. U are really an exquisit and extraordinary actor. Hoping that u be my friend in life…
Paul
When is Take My Brother Away II ??? Being on the big screen is includes having screen presence. Joseph Zeng has it
don’t try to overact. When you have screen presence, less is more.
Ipavwase Tersoo Cephas
I have become a Chinese diehard fan just after watching this your featured movie. From every single scene of the episodes and to the entire film, I love everything you did.
To me, everything you did in this movie is a perfect and very cool stuff. Critics must be observed even when you’re eating your own very cooked food . That’s part of life anyway ??.
Mr Joe, you’ve created a very excellent bond with your talent in the Chinese Movie Industry and globe ?.
Many people like me keep searching and watching your featured movies and many related interesting chinese films just because of your great work.
To be honest with you and your criticizers over your big eyes ?️ ?️. I think the eyes were the cause of every fight and jealousy among the girls as each them wished those big bulbs were only fixed at her alone ??.
Love you so much from #Nigeria bro.
More blessings on your journey of accomplishments .